E-bike adventure for beginners
The top panoramic routes around St. Anton from Hotel Freisleben
Never sat on an e-bike before? Perfect! Then you’ve come to the right place. St. Anton am Arlberg is the ideal terrain for your first e-bike excursion – with over 220 kilometers of well-signposted and marked routes, breathtaking panoramas and cosy places to stop for refreshments in rustic mountain huts.
As the host family at Hotel Freisleben, we see people embark on their first e-bike adventure every year – and come back delighted. The reaction is almost always the same: “I never thought I could do that!” That’s exactly the point: With an e-bike, you can reach places and views that previously seemed unattainable.
Why riding an e-bike on the Arlberg is perfect for beginners
Mountains without agony
Let’s be honest: the Arlberg mountains are beautiful – but steep. Without electric support, many routes would only be feasible for trained mountain bikers. It’s a different story with an e-bike: The motor helps you on the climbs, while you save your energy for the view, the nature and the joy of riding.
In concrete terms, this means
- Inclines lose their terror
- You can ride with differently trained partners
- Longer tours become feasible
- The pleasure factor takes center stage
Perfect infrastructure
St. Anton has adapted to e-bikers. Eight charging stations are available in the region and four bikes can be connected to each station at the same time. These are fast charging stations – empty batteries are charged to 80 percent in 20 minutes.
Further services:
- Several professional rental companies with top equipment
- Guided e-bike tours from the tourism association
- Bike transport with the mountain railroads possible
- Bike washing areas at the valley stations
For all generations
The beauty of the e-bike: it knows no age limits. Whether you are 25 or 65, sporty or more leisurely – the e-bike adapts to your level. Grandparents can ride with grandchildren, couples with different fitness levels can find their own pace.
The perfect equipment: what you need
E-bike rental in St. Anton
You don’t have to own your own e-bike. With Sport Jennewein in St. Anton, we have a reliable partner for our guests – with personal service and a discounted price exclusively for Hotel Freisleben guests.
Tip from Hotel Freisleben: Simply contact us – we will organize the booking directly for you at Sport Jennewein. The store is just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel.
What you should bring with you
Clothing:
- Functional clothing (quick-drying)
- Windbreaker (mountain weather can be changeable)
- Comfortable sports or hiking shoes (no flip-flops!)
- Sunglasses and sun cream (high altitude sun is intense!)
Equipment (usually included in the rental):
- Helmet (compulsory!)
- Water bottle holder
- Small saddle bag for valuables
- Maps or GPS
Our recommendation: Pack a small rucksack with water, snacks, rain jacket and first aid kit. Don’t forget your cell phone with a full battery!
The most beautiful beginner routes from Hotel Freisleben
Route 1: Rosanna circular route – the perfect start
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: approx. 13 km
- Altitude difference: 260 hm
- Duration: 1.5-2 hours
- Highlights: River landscape, family-friendly
A moderately difficult, beautiful and family-friendly circular tour along the Rosanna in the Stanzertal valley between St. Anton am Arlberg and Flirsch, which does not present any major challenges but still provides a beautiful insight into the Tyrolean Alps.
Route description:
From Hotel Freisleben you cycle through St. Anton towards Flirsch. The route mostly follows the Rosanna and is perfectly paved. Perfect for getting used to the e-bike and getting a feel for the motor support.
Refreshments: Café/restaurant in Flirsch
Our tip: Ideal for the first day! Not too demanding, but still beautiful nature.
Route 2: St. Anton – Landeck – The panoramic tour
- Difficulty: Easy
- Route: Approx. 30 km (easy)
- Meters in altitude: Mostly downhill!
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Highlights: Inn cycle path, cultural sites, steadily downhill
The route from St. Anton to Landeck offers a good introduction for beginners. You can enjoy the mountain world along the Inn for almost 30 kilometers. The tour is always slightly downhill and, in addition to numerous opportunities to stop for refreshments, those interested in culture will be attracted by the various churches.
Route description:
This tour is great for beginners: you mainly ride downhill! From St. Anton it goes through the Stanzertal valley towards Landeck. The path is wide, well developed and technically easy.
Return journey: By train back to St. Anton (bike transport possible)
Refreshments: Numerous inns along the route
Our tip: Perfect for a half-day excursion with a return train journey!
Route 3: Rendlalm – The connoisseur tour
- Difficulty: Medium
- Distance: approx. 14 km
- Altitude difference: 562 hm
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Highlights: Alpine hut with panorama, refreshment stop
The Rendlalm is located at 1789m above sea level, north above St. Anton, in a fantastic panoramic location with wonderful views of St. Anton.
Route description:
From St. Anton, the trail leads steadily uphill to the Rendlalm. This is where the e-bike shows its strength: the ascent is noticeable, but easily manageable with motor assistance. A fantastic view and the cozy Rendlalm await you at the top.
Refreshments: Rendlalm (Tyrolean specialties!)
Our tip: reserve a table on the sun terrace – the view is spectacular!
Route 4: Verwallsee circuit – the nature experience
- Difficulty: Medium
- Distance: approx. 16 km
- Duration: 2.5-3 hours
- Altitude meters: Moderate
- Highlights: Crystal clear mountain lake, pristine nature
This beautiful alpine tour with views of the Hoher Riffler and St. Anton am Arlberg is around 16 kilometers long. With an e-bike, you can master the ascent with ease and enjoy the breathtaking view and the long descent on the way back.
Route description:
From the hotel through Oberdorf to the Verwall adventure valley. The turquoise-blue Verwallsee is a place of power – perfect for a break. The way back offers a wonderful descent.
Refreshments: Wagner Hütte at Verwallsee
Our tip: Take your time at the lake – the atmosphere is magical!
Route 5: Alpe Rauz – with cable car support
- Difficulty: Easy (with cable car!)
- Distance: approx. 12 km
- Altitude meters: Mountain railroads make it possible!
- Duration: 2 hours
- Highlights: High alpine panorama without much effort
Route description:
The Arlberg mountain railroads offer a special bike ticket. In the Rendl and Galzig cable cars, bikes can be taken along in the gondola when they have been cleaned. Bike transport is free of charge for holders of a valid Premium Summer Card.
Take the Galzigbahn cable car to the top, cycle comfortably to Alpe Rauz and enjoy the descent back down into the valley.
Refreshments: Alpe Rauz with panoramic terrace
Our tip: Perfect for your first mountain excursion – without too much effort!
E-bike tips for absolute beginners
Before the first trip
Take a test drive:
- Have the rental company explain everything to you
- Test the different support levels
- Practice braking (e-bikes are heavier!)
- Get used to the handling
Battery management:
- Start with a full charge
- Use higher support uphill, lower on the flat
- One battery usually lasts for 40-70 km (depending on the level and terrain)
- Use charging stations (20 minutes = 80% charge!)
During the tour
Driving technique:
- Shift down in good time before inclines
- Shift your weight backwards when riding downhill
- Brake with foresight (e-bikes are heavier!)
- Take bends more slowly than with normal wheels
Group dynamics:
- Drive one behind the other on bends
- Communicate when overtaking
- Adapt the motor support to the group
- Take regular breaks
Security:
- Stay on marked paths
- Respect hikers (use the bell!)
- Drive at your own speed
- If you are unsure: turn off the engine and push is no shame!
Guided e-bike tours: for even more safety
If you feel unsure or are unfamiliar with the region, guided tours are ideal:
Offers in St. Anton:
- Guided e-bike tours from the tourist office (free with summer card!)
- Guides from the H2o ebike-akademie for riding safety training
- Private guides for individual tours
What are the advantages of a guided tour?
- Professional introduction to e-bikes
- Local knowledge of the guide
- No need to worry about navigation
- Get to know like-minded people
- Insider tips on the most beautiful places
After the tour: relax at Hotel Freisleben
After an active day on the e-bike, there’s nothing better than returning to a cozy hotel:
Our e-bike service:
- Secure parking for your e-bike
- Charging station (by arrangement)
- Tips for tours the next day
- Route maps
Culinary delights after the tour:
- Regional 4-course menu with products from our own farm
- Fresh salads and herbs from our garden
- Auf Wunsch: Lunchbox für die Fahrt
Relaxation:
- Lampaka comforters for restful sleep
- A cozy atmosphere to relax in
- Drying room for bike clothing
Best travel time for e-bike tours
- May/June: Spring-like temperatures, alpine meadows in full bloom, all paths open
- July/August: High season, warm temperatures, all mountain railroads in operation, many refreshment stops open
- September/October: Golden fall, less busy, pleasant temperatures, wonderful light atmosphere
- Our favorite: September! Perfect weather, fewer people, nature in autumn colors.
Frequently asked questions from beginners
Do I need special fitness?
No! The e-bike adapts to your level. Basic fitness for 2-3 hours of activity is enough.
How far does the battery last?
Depending on the support level, 40-70 km. That’s easily enough for our beginner routes. If necessary, there are charging stations.
What does the rental cost?
€59 per day.
Can I travel as a group?
Absolutely! E-bikes balance out different fitness levels. Perfect for mixed groups.
What to do in bad weather?
Pack your rain jacket! Short showers are no problem. If there is a thunderstorm, stop immediately and seek shelter.
From what age e-bike?
Children aged 10 years and over and 120 cm tall may ride an e-bike. Under 14 years of age only when accompanied and supervised by an adult
Book your e-bike adventure now!
Ready for your first e-bike experience on the Arlberg? We look forward to welcoming you to the Hotel Freisleben!
Your advantages:
- Ideal starting point for all routes
- Personal tour advice
- Contact rental companies or book directly at the hotel
- Regional cuisine after the tour
- Cozy atmosphere to relax
Contact for booking & advice:
- Tel: +43 664 / 883 856 36
- E-mail: info@hotel-freisleben.at
See you soon on the trails on the Arlberg!
Your Klimmer family
Hotel Gasthof Freisleben
Picture source: © TVB St. Anton