The Wels region is taking a next, innovative step in its bike strategy: Under the motto “Nature Rader experience with wheels with profile”, a comprehensive, high-quality adhesive network apart from classic racing bike routes will be created in the coming years-specially designed for bikes with profile, i.e. gravel bikes, e-bikes, mountain bikes, trekking bikes and similar models.
The Wels region has successfully established itself as a racing bike region in recent years and is now also known nationally as such. 26 racing bike tours from Wels with almost 2,000 km show the landscape highlights from all over Upper Austria. The non-signposted racing bike tours are also well suited for e-bikes. 16 bike tours along the existing national cycle paths such as the Römer cycle path or e-bike tours with a total of almost 1,000 km complement the offer.
With the new project, the offer is now followed by the targeted expansion of the offer to wheels with profile: Four signposted gravel and leisure routes, each with around 80 km in length, are being built in a cloverleaf form around Wels. These routes not only combine natural experience spaces, viewpoints and gastronomy, but also municipalities, border cycle paths and public transport – with entry opportunities directly at train stations. Existing national cycle paths are combined with attractive gravel routes into signposted circular routes. Beautiful sections of the route that cyclists have not previously used are made usable by means of the certificate contracts. Finding the attractive sections of the route, which takes place in cooperation with the municipalities, and the conclusion of the Gestaltungs contracts are the greatest challenge in a project of this size. Liability insurance for maintenance is carried through Upper Austria Tourism. For example, it becomes possible to incorporate the Schacherwald around the Schacherteiche in Kremsmünster as a true nature experience.
Leisure, mobility & quality of life
With the new offer, the tourism association region Wels wants to offer both guests and the regional population an attractive additional offer. Because: Leisure and local recreation are becoming increasingly important as topics – not only for tourists: inside, but also in everyday life. The new routes speak to sports, families and everyday cyclists: inside alike.
“We not only want to create bike tourist offers, but also increase the quality of life in the region through better, safe connections,” emphasizes the tourism association. The orientation to the MTB strategy of the state Upper Austria, the wheel strategy Upper Austria and its own association strategy guarantees professional, coordinated implementation.
Specific implementation: first route “Kremstal round” already in progress
The first of four rounds – the “Kremstal round” – are currently being developed together with 17 communities. It is around 90 kilometers long, of which approx. 20 km of gravel or natural surface and 48 km of road surface or 18 km asphalt. The route runs away from state and federal roads, crossings are only necessary in a few places.
The route connects UA Wels, Steinhaus, Sattledt with a new trail parking project, Kremsmünster with the Kremsmünster, Kematen/Krems, Neuhofen and Weißkirchen Abbey – and is ideally suited for weekend trips as well as for cycling -based everyday life in the region. A continuous signage including overview boards at entry points and train stations ensures good orientation. Smaller structural measures such as bridges are implemented if necessary.
Goal: Completion up to the State Garden Show 2027
The project has a total budget of around 800,000 euros. A significant part of this – just under 450,000 euros – the tourism association, together with the state of Upper Austria, invests in the construction of the infrastructure, especially in a well thought -out signage concept and necessary construction measures along the routes.
The remaining part of the budget flows into the professional project support, online and offline marketing as well as in the creation of high-quality map and information material in order to make the nature-related cycling experience accessible for both the regional population and guests.
A first soft opening of the Kremstal round is planned for autumn 2025, the official opening in spring 2026. All four routes are to be completed by the 2027 State Garden Show in Wels. In addition to the Kremstal round, a Danube round, a round of house and an almtal round are planned.
In parallel to the structural implementation, the routes will be marketed from autumn – regionally and national. The new offer is also seamlessly in the existing one Overall product of the Wels bike region. Among other things, this includes a bike -friendly hotel industry that offers cyclists optimal comfort: blockable bike parking spaces, tools for self -help, information material for the region and shower options for late departure are just a few of the services offered.
The offer is supplemented by a bike rental in cooperation with Intersport Pachleitner, in which high -quality racing bikes, gravel bikes and mountain bikes are available – ideal for guests without their own bike or for those who want to try new things.
The tourist association’s touring platform also serves as a central information and booking site. In addition to route suggestions, there are also information on accommodation companies, restaurants, events and books – everything at a glance, digitally and user -friendly.
The best of two worlds combines in the Wels bike region
The region offers a unique combination of urban comfort and natural experience. With its urban flair and diverse shopping opportunities, the city center of Wels invites you to linger – ideal for an enjoyable break after the tour or a relaxed stroll through the city. The offer is rounded off by a varied gastronomy that provides both regional specialties and modern cuisine. If you prefer to withdraw into the countryside, you will find numerous idyllic ways through natural and cultural landscapes on the new routes, which appeal to both sporty and connoisseurs. The Wels cycling region thus combines leisure, movement and quality of life at the highest level. With the project, not only the tourist offer is strengthened, but also a visible contribution to sustainable mobility and attracting rural areas – in the sense of a modern, livable “Habitat Wels”.