Stage 2: From Lake Views to Leading Tech — Gmunden to Alpine Metal Tech
Michael Poepke | 11. July 2025
The second stage of the igus:bike Tour Austria takes us from the serene beauty of Gmunden along Lake Traunsee to the innovative hub of Alpine Metal Tech in Regau. Riding today are Manfred Hasforter, former Managing Director and founder of igus Austria, together with Franz Hemetsberger, Technical Sales Representative for drytech® Bearing Technology and Linear Technology, covering the regions of Salzburg and western Upper Austria. Together, they embody experience, vision — and plenty of momentum on two sustainable wheels.
A Breathtaking Start: Johann-Orth-Allee Viewpoint
Our adventure begins at the Johann-Orth-Allee viewpoint, offering one of the most stunning views of Lake Traunsee. The calm, deep-blue waters framed by majestic mountains set a peaceful yet inspiring tone for the day ahead.
Historic Treasures: Landschloss Orth & Schloss Orth
A highlight of the tour is the exploration of two iconic castles: Landschloss Orth and Schloss Orth. Landschloss Orth is an elegant manor house near the lakeshore, showcasing architectural influences from various eras and reflecting the aristocratic history of the region. Just a short ride away, Schloss Orth sits majestically on a small island in the Traunsee. Originally built in the 10th century and extensively redesigned during the Renaissance in the 16th century, the castle is surrounded by serene waters and lush greenery. Today, Schloss Orth is home to a renowned wildlife park where visitors can encounter native animal species in a natural setting. The combination of cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and nature conservation makes these castles central to Gmunden’s identity and history.
Relaxing Riverside Stroll: Esplanade and Gmunden Town Hall
Following the castles, the route takes us along the picturesque esplanade by the lake, a favorite spot for locals and visitors to enjoy leisurely walks and panoramic views. This lakeside promenade is lined with charming cafés and benches inviting a pause to soak in the atmosphere. From here, the ride heads into the heart of Gmunden to visit the Rathaus (Town Hall). The Rathaus stands as an elegant example of 19th-century architecture and serves as the city’s administrative center, surrounded by bustling squares and vibrant local life.
Royal Remembrance & Steamship Legacy: Kaiser Franz Joseph Bust & Gisela Paddle Steamer
In Gmunden, history meets lake tradition. Along the tranquil paths of the Esplanade, we pause at the Kaiser Franz Joseph Bust — a tribute to the long-reigning monarch whose presence shaped the region’s imperial charm. Nearby, at the lake’s edge, we discover the paddle steamer Gisela. Built in 1871, it’s one of Europe’s oldest operational steamships, still cruising across Lake Traunsee. With its iconic side wheels and elegant silhouette, Gisela remains a living symbol of Gmunden’s connection to water, heritage, and innovation.
Nature’s Playground: Regau Baggersee
Leaving the historic town center behind, the tour heads towards Regau Baggersee, a popular lake created by former gravel mining activities. This recreational spot is beloved for swimming, picnicking, and watersports during warmer months. Its tranquil waters and green surroundings provide a refreshing contrast to the cultural stops earlier in the day.
Destination: Alpine Metal Tech — Innovation on the Horizon
The final stop brings the riders to Alpine Metal Tech, a leading company specializing in custom metal components and solutions for industrial applications. Known for their precision engineering and innovative manufacturing techniques, Alpine Metal Tech plays a crucial role in advancing technology across various sectors, including automotive, machinery, and energy.
Here, the team gets an inside look at the cutting-edge production processes and learns how igus components integrate seamlessly into Alpine Metal Tech’s high-quality systems — demonstrating the synergy between tradition, technology, and sustainable progress.
Conclusion: Bridging Heritage and High-Tech Innovation
Stage 2 of the igus:bike Tour Austria perfectly blends the natural beauty and rich history of Gmunden with the forward-thinking spirit of Alpine Metal Tech. For Manfred and Franz, this ride is more than just a journey through stunning landscapes and cultural landmarks — it’s a vivid reminder that progress and tradition can ride side by side. From lakeside tranquility to cutting-edge industry, this stage highlights how sustainable technology and timeless heritage come together to shape the future.
Our riders:
Manfred Hasforter
I’m Manfred Hasforter, and I had the privilege of founding igus Austria back in 1996. I served as Managing Director until 2011, when I retired. Looking back, those years were full of exciting challenges, rewarding milestones, and unforgettable moments that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
Building igus Austria from the ground up was an adventure in itself—driven by the igus spirit of innovation, courage, and the constant desire to improve. Together with a small but passionate team, we laid the foundation for what has now become a thriving organization.
Although I’ve officially been enjoying retirement since 2011, the 60th birthday of igus was a reason for me to dust off my old igus clothes and jump back into action—if only for a day! As a passionate cyclist, I wouldn’t miss the chance to be part of this special event and ride alongside the next generation of igus colleagues. Because no matter how many years pass—once part of the igus family, always part of the igus family.
Franz Hemetsberger
I’m Franz Hemetsberger from Austria, and I’ve been part of the igus Austria sales team since November 2019. My region includes Salzburg and western Upper Austria, where I support our customers on site with technical advice—covering plain bearings, linear technology, drive technology, low-cost automation, and 3D printing.
What I enjoy most about my job is the variety. Every application is different, and I get to see firsthand how igus products bring motion to machines in smart, simple, and cost-effective ways. Whether it’s helping a customer find the right linear axis or integrating a 3D-printed component into a prototype, the practical side of our solutions never stops fascinating me.
Map of this stage:
