Cycling Around the Salzkammergut

East of Salzburg, you find a breathtaking region dotted with many lakes (76 in total) called the Salzkammergut. The landscape includes fjord-like steep rocks and cliffs bordering lush, green mountains and pristine green-blue mountain lakes. This stunning panorama of natural beauty has drawn European tourists for centuries and was the favored summer resort of the Habsburg monarchy. Note that the Hallstättersee region was recognized by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for its great natural and cultural heritage. The idyllic village of Hallstatt is “the jewel of this region” and additionally Bad Ischl, Bad Aussee, St. Wolfgang and St. Gilgen are some of our favorite villages you will encounter on this visually spectacular tour.

Green = Open | Yellow = Limited | Red = Full

2023

Prices are per person in US Dollars – inclusive bike rental

This tour can be guided upon request

Choose your own starting date

Terms and Conditions

DAY 1 – Arrival in Wolfgangsee
Arrive at your leisure in Wolfgangsee (25 miles from Salzburg) and enjoy the peninsula Abersee at Lake Wolfgangsee.

DAY 2 – Lake Wolfgangsee – Salzburg – 30 miles (49 km)
You will follow the cycle trail along the lake to the Mozart village of St. Gilgen and on to Lake Mondsee. Afterwards you will partly follow the former railway tracks to Salzburg. The cycle tour ends with a 10 km long descent to Salzburg with free view to the mountains around Salzburg.

DAY 3 – Train to Oberhofen – Cycle Mondsee – Attersee – St. Georgen – 30 miles (49 km)
With the train you will leave the city of Salzburg and start the cycle tour in Oberhofen. First you will pass the romantic lake of Irrsee, then you reach the famous little city of Mondsee, where the wedding in the Sound of Music took place. You will continue following the cycle path along Lake Mondsee to the Attergau or to Lake Attersee. The Attergau shows you the countryside, set back from the touristy lake region, with beautiful meadows and gardens. Tonight you will sleep in St. Georgen

DAY 4 – Lake Attersee – Traunsee – Ebensee – 28 miles (45 km)
The bike route between the lakes Attersee and Traunsee is a bit hilly but not too demanding. We’ll see quaint hamlets and tidy farm houses along the way before arriving in the picturesque lakeside city of Gmunden, the former salt capital of the Austrian Empire. Gmunden is dotted with charming, well preserved old houses and a wonderful esplanade reflecting its rich history. Enjoy a walk along the esplanade and a stop at Schloss Orth, the remarkable castle in the Traunsee Lake that’s a photographer’s delight. Afterward we’ll follow the cycle trail along Lake Traunsee to scenic Ebensee. Overnight in Traunkirchen or Ebensee.

DAY 5 – Lake Traunsee – Bad Ischl Bad Goisern – 18-25 miles (30-40 km)
We’ll follow the bike path along the River Traun to the former imperial city of Bad Ischl. Bad Ischl was the summer residence of the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph and it was his favorite destination for rest and contemplation. Bad Ischl is the cultural and geographic center of the Salzkammergut, where the emperor and his wife Elisabeth (the captivating “Sissi” of the famous film) regularly spent their summers. It’s possible to visit the Emperors Villa, Café Zauner and the Hotel Austria. Afterward we’ll bike to the UNESCO World Heritage Region of Hallstatt, historically known for local salt mines and considered one of the loveliest lakeside villages in all of Austria. Overnight in Hallstatt or Bad Goisern.

DAY 6 – Ausseerland round trip – 28-34 miles (45-55 km)
In the morning we’ll take the train to Tauplitz in the Ausseerland which is well known for its daffodil festival in spring. After Ausseerland we’ll cycle through a wonderful countryside surrounded by high mountains. Then we continue on uphill to Lake Grundlsee and afterward to the quaint little city of Bad Aussee. Finally we’ll pass through the wild valley of Koppental and return to Hallstatt or Bad Goisern with time left for more afternoon sightseeing or relaxing.Overnight in Hallstatt or Bad Goisern.

DAY 7 – Hallstatt – Lake Wolfgangsee – 18-25 miles (30-40 km)
With the ferry you will cross the lake and follow the lovely cycle trail along lake Hallstatt. Afterwards you will follow the river Traun to the Emperor city of Bad Ischl where you should visit the emperor villa and the famous pastry shop of Zauner. Along the former roman road you will cycle to the lake Wolfgangsee. Overnight in Abersee, Strobl or St. Wolfgang.

DAY 8 – Departure
Departure after breakfast.

The hotels listed below are examples of those usually used on the tour. Depending on availability, you may be booked in a different hotel of equal quality.

Pension Carossa
This family-friendly ski hotel is situated between St. Gilgen and Strobl am Wolfgangsee. It lies in the small town of Abersee, in the center of a vast ancient park. The city center is around 300 meters away and the lake can be reached in 10 minutes by foot.

Hotel Weismann
The Hotel Weismann is a family hotel located directly in the center of St. Georgen in the Attergau, an idyllic place in the Salzkammergut. The village of St. Georgen is perfect for strolling between boutique shops. Whether you go for a walk around town, swim a few laps in the pool or loll comfortably in the deck chair on the large lawn, you will have a relaxing time.

Symposionhotel Post
The Post is located in Traunkirchen in the Salzkammergut, on a peninsula projecting from the western shore of Lake Traunsee. The picturesque environment is characterized by a unique mountain backdrop. This traditional hotel has been run by the same family for three generations. You will be impressed by the sunny rooms, shaded garden, and newly renovated restaurant. There are also a variety of outdoor activities available for you to enjoy.

Hirlatz Gasthof
The family run Hirlatz Gasthof in Hallstatt is located among beautiful hiking and biking trails in the Dachstein nature reserve. After a day of adventure, you can sit in the hotel’s big garden, play table tennis, swim in the pool, relax in the on-site sauna. A lovely restaurant is also available, where you are welcome to eat and drink in the garden.

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