Mountain biking in autumn: 5 top regions for extending the season
From Lake Garda to Brixen: Where the trails are far from hibernating
Mountain biking in autumn: what matters most
- Adjust your altitude: In autumn, lower-altitude and south-facing routes are often the better choice
- Make the most of daylight / check the weather: The days are getting shorter – so it’s best to set off earlier and keep an eye on the weather conditions
- Check lift operations: Even if the trails are still rideable, mountain lifts may already be out of service – so check the lift opening times online before setting off
- Plan a trip south: The later in the season, the more appealing South Tyrol, Lake Garda and the like become. From October onwards, the motto for mountain bikers is: Head south!
- Follow the ‘onion principle’: Peel off layers of technical clothing as needed – start with a softshell jacket in the early morning mist, enjoy the sun in short sleeves at midday, and chase the long shadows in long sleeves in the afternoon
1. Northern Lake Garda
A Mediterranean climate meets legendary trails
The northern shore of Lake Garda is the classic choice for extending the cycling season: mild temperatures, a Mediterranean atmosphere and a huge range of routes between the lakeshore and the mountains. In autumn in particular, the region becomes a great alternative when conditions in the Alps are already turning unpleasant and it’s all the more relaxing on the shores of Lake Garda. For the hardy, a neoprene shorty even makes it possible to take another dip in the lake!
Reasons to visit Lake Garda in autumn:
- a mild climate, less hustle and bustle than in spring and high summer
- a variety of MTB tours between the mountains and the lake
- spectacular trails and panoramic views
- a Mediterranean way of life and top-class cycling expertise at the AktivHotel SantaLucia in Torbole sul Garda
Ideal for: trail bikers and touring cyclists who enjoy combining cycling adventures with Italian flair. Here, cycling meets pleasure and la dolce vita all year round!
2. Tramin
South Tyrolean Cycling Autumn: amongst vineyards and mountains
Tramin is one of the best destinations for a long cycling season. Set between the South Tyrolean Wine Route, Lake Kaltern and the Mendel Mountains, there are rides to suit all abilities. The region boasts an extra-long cycling season from March to November – and, of course, plenty of autumnal delights in your glass and on your plate!
That’s why you should visit Tramin in autumn:
- an extra-long and thoroughly enjoyable cycling season lasting until November
- Rides through vineyards, around Lake Kaltern, the Montiggl Lakes and the Mendel Mountains
- Törggelen & South Tyrolean cuisine
- varied trails & rides on Monte Roen; highlight: Corno di Tres with stunning views of the Dolomites and 14 km/2,000 metres of elevation gain of single-track fun
Autumn tip: when the weather is mild, the rides around Lake Kaltern and the Montiggl Lakes are particularly charming
3. Brixen
A panoramic view of the Dolomites instead of the off-season
You can also make the most of the cycling season for a long time around Brixen. From the Plose to the Eisack Valley, there’s a wide range of options, from tours and forest tracks to challenging trails. Add to that the charm of the old town, South Tyrolean cuisine and panoramic views of the Dolomites as far as the eye can see – and as far as your legs will carry you.
That’s why you should visit Brixen in autumn:
- a long cycling season lasting well into November
- varied tours through the Eisack Valley
- The trails at the Brixen Bike Park on the Plose – as well as the mountain railways – are open until 1 November
- Panoramic views of the Dolomites included
- Bike Festa South Tyrol: a new cycling highlight in Brixen from 17–20 September 2026. That’s how you round off the season South Tyrol-style!
- Cycling & culture, old town charm & a love of the mountains – the perfect combination
Ideal for: cyclists who want to hit the trails in no time at all in the morning and explore the old town in style in the afternoon. And who want to round off the season with a Bike Fest – featuring Test & Ride sessions, adventure tours and workshops, trendy brands and South Tyrolean cuisine!
4. Slovenia
The insider tip for extending the season
Slovenia is becoming a real autumn favourite. Nestled between the Julian Alps, the Karawanken and the Savinja Valley, mild temperatures in many places ensure good cycling conditions well into November. Add to this densely wooded landscapes, unspoilt trails and far fewer crowds than in the classic MTB hotspots. You can cycle along the Slovenian coast all year round. The natural trails at the Single Trail Park Jamnica in Koroška are also generally open to the public all year round – though the peak season runs from April to November.
Why visit Slovenia in autumn:
- Mild temperatures until the end of November depending on the region; some areas are rideable all year round
- unspoilt trails, unique cycling accommodation & the capital, Ljubljana
- colourful forests – around 60 per cent of Slovenia is forested
- Insider tip: the Savinja Valley – a scenic region with plenty of forest and valley routes
A special experience: in Koroška (Slovenian Carinthia), an extraordinary cycling adventure awaits with underground biking through former mine tunnels beneath the Karawanken mountains.
5. Carinthia
Autumn cycling amongst mountains and lakes
Carinthia is Austria’s southernmost federal state and therefore a good choice for anyone wishing to extend their cycling season without a long journey. Nestled between the Nockberge Mountains and the Carinthian lakes, there are tours, flow trails and nature experiences that really come into their own, particularly in autumn. South of the main Alpine ridge, a Mediterranean climate and way of life endure well into autumn.
Why visit in autumn:
- a mild, Mediterranean climate
- Nature trails between mountains and lakes; highlight: the Flow Country Trail – Europe’s longest flow trail in the NOCKBIKE region
- varied tours through the rolling Nockberge mountains or around Carinthia’s lakes
- special cycling hosts with a warm welcome, helmets and home advantage between the Nockberge Mountains and Lake Weissensee
- short journey from Austria and southern Germany
Ideal for: Anyone who wants to squeeze in a few more autumn rides without having to travel far south. And who loves Carinthia’s special hospitality – on and off the trails.
Personality test: Which region is best suited to your autumn cycling holiday?
To make the most of the season:
→ Tramin & the northern Lake Garda
For trail enthusiasts:
→ Northern Lake Garda & Slovenia
For panoramic views of the Dolomites:
→ Brixen
For nature & forest adventures:
→ Slovenia
For autumn cycling in Austria:
→ Carinthia
The later in autumn it gets, the further south your destination can be. And whilst elsewhere the bikes are already tucked away in the cellar, we simply do a few more laps through the colourful autumn foliage around Lake Garda, in South Tyrol or Slovenia.
