BergeSeen 05 with the eMTB from Gosau to Bad Aussee

This stage includes single trails that are easy to ride. 65 km, 1580 m ascent is a challenge. Battery management and route planning are prerequisites for a successful day.

The following highlights make this route, besides the wonderful nature, an unforgettable experience:

• The photo motif, found in almost every Austrian’s album of the front Gosausee with Dachstein in the background,


• the high moor Löckermoos,


• the many waterfalls on the way to Hallstatt,


• the east shore path at Hallstätter See,


• and the Pflindsberg ruin above the Altausseer See.

Starting from the tourism office in Gosau we follow the signs “BergeSeen 5” and for the first time on the entire route, there is no lake for morning refreshment. We turn left towards Steinermühle, but do not cross the stream, instead turning right immediately at the stream (km 0.4) onto the trail which goes upstream. We follow this for 3.2 km to the Gosausee district road, which we cross right/left. On the side road, we reach the Wirtshaus Gosauschmied (km 4.4) and turn left onto the district road, immediately leaving it to the right after 100 m (767 m altitude, km 4.5). Now it goes uphill sportily on the trail, low gear and go, otherwise push assistance. It will still be shady and cool at this time. Water comes from the mountain on the left and flows into the small lake below us. We follow the trail, which becomes wider, and at crossings up to the district road, we always keep right. Arriving at the district road (km 5.7), we turn left uphill and follow it for 2.1 km to the front Gosausee (937 m altitude, km 7.8), where the sun is already waiting for us. The wow effect is guaranteed and now it’s time for photos before we continue left along the Gosausee and 700 m later turn left uphill (km 8.5). Until here, we have to pass several hikers, walkers, dogs, and prams, but from now on comes the solitude that will stay with us until Hallstatt. Past beautiful alpine pastures, the path leads steeply uphill. A small tip: after about 1 km, a forest road branches off left and after a few meters opens a wonderful view over Gosausee and the Dachstein. Unfortunately, riding is not allowed there.

At 1150 m altitude at km 11.3, on the right in the forest, lies the romantic Ebenalm, probably a bit early for today’s tour, but a second breakfast won’t hurt. Otherwise, pass the turnoff to Ebenalm and at the next opportunity turn left uphill, where we will soon get a view of Hornspitz, our previous day’s route.

At 1357 m altitude at km 15.8, we reach a crossing where the route continues straight ahead. Here is the possibility to visit the high moor Löckermoos, 2 minutes by bike and then another 15 minutes walking uphill.

The route continues past the Grubenalm, again tempting for a stop, past the Rossalm and after a steep ascent, we reach the day’s highest point (1502 m altitude, km 21.2). It feels like a mountain pass with views in both directions. On the left is the summit of Plassen at 1953 m. But time is pressing; we still have a lot ahead. Now comes a few km downhill with views of waterfalls, past the Durchgangalm until after 6.1 km we reach a crossing (874 m altitude, km 27.3), which we sharply leave to the right. Past the Klausalm, we keep left and rush past the hunting lodge to one of the most impressive waterfalls in the region. We ride along the waterfall to the right (km 28.9). From now on, there is asphalt again on the way down to Hallstatt. The view of Hallstättersee and the waterfalls on the opposite wall is phenomenal, and with some luck, the walkable waterfall by the roadside is also active. After about 1.8 km, the forest road ends and we turn right onto the access road. The road takes us to the outskirts of Hallstatt (km 32.2). A detour to the center is recommended and easily reachable on foot. From there, it goes right along the bike path to Obertraun, past crowds, after about 3.8 km we cross the Traun and immediately afterwards turn left onto the bike path to Obertraun beach. After these 1.3 km, we stand directly at the railway line; we do not cross it but turn left onto the east shore bike path (km 37.1) of Hallstättersee, which we take to Bad Goisern.

Now, the swimming trunks are calling for use again and a small refreshing jump into the cool water shortly after entering the bike path is recommended. There are also tables and benches here to eat the packed snack.

Please watch out for oncoming traffic, walkers and, especially near the stop (km 39.1), get off briefly to push the eMTB. The bike path is mostly natural and narrow and sometimes runs suspended on supports over the lake.

At km 45.6, we turn right at the sign “leave bike path” onto Untersee street. After about 1.5 km, we cross federal road B145 (mustard factory on the left) and at the next crossing (km 47.3) turn right onto the Pichlern farm track, which we leave after 600 m to the right (587 m altitude, km 47.8) onto the forest road. From now on, we are back in the federal forests and our path leads uphill toward Ausseerland. We keep right, follow the signs “BergeSeen 5”, cross the Leislingbach at 830 m and after about 5.3 km reach Scheibenstraße (910 m altitude, km 53.2), where we turn left and after 900 m turn right again (km 54.1). The way now follows the Waldgraben-Scheibenmoos nature reserve. To see the view the old knights had, a small path leads right after about 1.2 km to the Pflindsberg ruin with observation tower, which offers a wonderful panoramic view over Ausseerland. The path continues (km 56.0) until we reach a barrier coming from the forest and again built-up area. From here, asphalt leads down to Bad Aussee following the signs. After 900 m, turn left through the district Puchen, community Altaussee, 700 m downhill and then right along the main road for 800 m to Lichtersberg, another district of Altaussee. Before the left bend, we cross the Altausseer Traun slightly uphill to immediately turn left onto the bike path, which runs under the L702A on gravel. Along the Altausseer Traun, we ride on the right bank 1.3 km downstream, cross the river and the Altausseer street via Plasiergasse into the center of Bad Aussee.

Tip:

There are some opportunities to stop on this route, but these are quite close to the start. Thus, either the Rossalm at about 20 km or about 42 km later the only inn on the east shore, which is usually quite busy. Therefore, it is recommended to take a small snack with you on this route.

Battery management is also important on this stage. Theoretically, you should be able to reach the Agathawirt (Bosch charging point) in Bad Goisern with one battery.

Pack a small snack and a lock for securing it is also advisable if you want to stop at Löckermoos.

How about, depending on your route planning, a refreshing breakfast for the next day by the Altausseer See?

For a successful, accident-free and exciting day, find tips for preparation before the route here.

Please note that any MTB routes must always be completed with flawless equipment.

Here is our recommendation for route preparation and equipment.

As new characters on the playing field of mountain and recreational athletes, we eMTB riders are especially obliged to behave appropriately.

In Graubünden, bikers and hikers share the paths. A project that should be a model. But this only works with mutual respect. Black sheep set us back years.

With common rules, we ensure that the forest continues to offer a unique recreational and living space as well as a workplace for everyone.

Information on cycling in the forest from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Regions and Tourism.