The Tauernradweg Tour

Your tour begins in Krimml, a typical mountain village, deep in the Tyrol Alps less than an hour from Innsbruck, the world famous ski resort. In winter, Krimml is a skier’s paradise with guaranteed snow from December to April. In the summer Krimml is heavenly…mountains, flowers, lush green meadows and fresh air excite the mind and soul with unparalleled spectacle. The roar and thunder of the grandiose Krimml Waterfalls, which happen to be the highest in Europe, provide a constant soundtrack to this wondrous place… the waterfalls tumble down 1200 feet into the valley. (If hotel space is unavailable in Krimml, the tour commences in close by Wald).

The Tauern Bicycle Path begins at the Krimml Waterfalls and continues through fields and meadows to Neukirchen where you can visit a small but interesting historical museum of the area named “Kammerlanderstall.” Passing many picturesque farm houses, you’ll reach Habachthal, famous for its emerald mines. You can stop for a swim in the romantic Hintersee Lake in Fiebertal. Then continue along a picturesque route to the European Sport Center Kaprun/Zell am See and the impressive mountain lake of Zell am See.

Today you leave the upper Salzachtal Valley and follow the very natural river course of the Saalach. The cycle path leads through the broad valley basin from Saalfelden and the famous place of pilgrimage Maria Alm in the direction of Lofer. The Seisenbergklamm and the Lamprechtshöhe are natural monuments worth your while on your way to the Lofer, a charming ski town located in the lower Salzachtal Valley.

On your way to Salzburg, you will get more beautiful mountain views. From Lofer you will travel through Unken, a small town with beautiful views of the Reiter Steinberge mountain range. As you approach Salzburg you’ll pass by Bad Reichenhall, a spa town with saline springs that made the town rich. Salt is so much a part of the town that you can practically taste it in the air. Use the afternoon to stroll around the delightful “Sound of Music City,” as Salzburg is a wonderful walking city with many little passageways and courtyards in the cozy medieval center. The most famous street in this part of Salzburg is the Getreidegasse, well known for its old-style hanging shop signs and Mozart’s birthplace at number 9. A few steps away is the “City of the Bishops,’ a more grandiose Salzburg with the magnificent Cathedral and former residence of the Archbishop. The Mirabell Palace and Gardens are a delightful place of great beauty not to be missed. Also especially recommended is the Hohensalzburg Fortress, Salzburg’s landmark and the largest citadel in Central Europe to have completely survived. The panoramic view over the city from here is spectacular.

Enjoy your free day in beautiful Salzburg

You’ll leave the festival city of Salzburg and take the path along the bank of the Salzach to tranquil and quaint Oberndorf. It was here that the Christmas carol “Silent Night” was written in 1818 and you might visit the charming, little “Silent Night Chapel.” In the afternoon you’ll reach Burghausen, a town with the longest castle complex in the world. A visit to the impressive fortress will acquaint you with the history and development of the town and castle.

Today you’ll cycle through the “Unterer Inn” Nature Preserve, the largest wooded region of the Inn District and stop at the Inn-Salzach View, where the Salzach flows into the Inn. You then pass through lively Braunau where you can stop for coffee and a walk around to admire the central square and clock tower. The cycle path will then lead you directly to the town of Bad Füssing. The town is famous for its three thermal springs; know for their healing power.

From Bad Füssing you will bike to the beautiful Baroque town of Schärding. Along the way you can visit Reichersberg Abbey, a monastery built in the 11th century. You will continue along the Inn river to arrive in Scharding. You will have to drop your bike off in Scharding by 6 pm, then walk a little less than 1 kilometer to get to the last hotel where your luggage will be waiting. After dinner we recommend a stroll around in this charming little town with the “most beautiful baroque town square in all of Austria.”

After breakfast your tour ends.