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Van Gogh Tours - The Tauernradweg Tour - Cycling Tour Austria

The Tauernradweg Tour

From: $1,370 USD

9 Days / 8 Nights
Type: Self-Guided
Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Imagine Yourself…

  • Cycling through lush green meadows in the heart of the Tyrol Alps
  • Standing beside the thunderous power of the 1,200 foot-high Krimml Waterfall
  • Taking a dip in the pure crystalline waters of a stunning mountain lake
  • Biking alongside the beautiful Salzach and Inn Rivers
  • Exploring the passageways and courtyards of Salzburg’s medieval center

Overview

Cycle one of the most beautiful routes in the world beginning in Krimml, deep in the Tyrol Alps, to the Mozart City Salzburg, following the Salzach and Inn Rivers to the “Bishop City” of Passau.   The Krimml Falls drop 1200 feet to the beginning of the Tauern Bicycle Path that finds its way down from the mountains over 200 miles to the Danube River below. Along the way, through meadows and forests, always following the two rivers, you’ll discover quaint villages, scenic river gorges, pristine lakes, and famous though often underappreciated cities. Winding in and out of Bavaria, you’ll be amazed by the mighty fortresses, ancient abbeys and magnificent town squares you’ll encounter along the way. Though surrounded by the highest mountains of the region, the Tauern Bicycle Path is surprisingly easy biking: it follows the Salzach and Inn Rivers through predominantly flat or slightly hilly country, going gently downhill most of the way thanks to the 700 meters of elevation difference between Krimml and Passau.

Daily Itinerary

  • DAY 1 – Krimml or Wald

    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).

  • DAY 2 – Krimml/Wald to Piesendorf/Zell am See -33-40 miles (53-65 km)

    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.

  • DAY 3 – Piesendorf/ Zell am See - Lofer – 28-36 miles (46-58 km)

    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.

  • DAY 4 – Lofer to Salzburg - 30 miles (49 km)

    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.

  • DAY 5 – Extra Day in Salzburg

    Enjoy your free day in beautiful Salzburg

  • DAY 6 – Salzburg - Burghausen - 36 miles (58 km)

    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.

  • DAY 7 – Burghausen – Bad Füssing - 30 miles (49 km)

    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.

  • DAY 8 – Bad Füssing – Schärding - 21 miles (34 km)

    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.”

  • DAY 9 – Schärding

    After breakfast your tour ends.

Dates & Prices

Green = Open | Yellow = Limited | Red = Full

2024

Prices are per person in US Dollars – inclusive bike rental

Choose your own starting date

Double

Premium Double*

Single

Premium Single*

May 19 – June 14

$ 1,370

$ 1,490

$ 1,650

$ 1,870

June 15 – Sept 3

$ 1,470

$ 1,590

$ 1,750

$ 1,970

Sept 4 – Sept 20

$ 1,370

$ 1,490

$ 1,650

$ 1,870

* Premium category: 4-star Hotels

This tour can be guided upon request

Terms and Conditions

Accommodations

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

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What’s Included

  • Accommodations with private facilities in 4-star hotels or guest houses
  • Daily buffet breakfast
  • Admission to the Krimmler waterfalls
  • 21-speed hybrid bike with 2 side panniers,  lock, and repair kit (bring your own helmet)
  • Rental bike-complete protection insurance
  • Luggage transfer (NO limit to the amount of pieces of luggage)
  • Detailed route descriptions and maps
  • Restaurant-guide with recommendations of the best restaurants
  • Emergency number access

Bikes

21-speed hybrid bike with 2 side panniers, lock, and repair kit is included in the tour price. Four different frame sizes enable every guest to find the ideal bicycle. A special highlight of this bike is the stepless NuVinci-Gearshift. In general stepless means that the bike has an endless number of gears. Every light movement of the intuitive rotary handle allows you to fine-tune your chosen gear. The entire span can be compared to a bicycle with 21 gears. Please bring your own helmet. 

An electric bike can be rented for $125 for the week. These bikes also use the stepless NuVinci-Gearshift and include panniers, repair kit, and lock. We advise you only to rent an electric bike if you have first tried one at home. They’re heavier than regular bikes and therefore can be difficult to maneuver. In addition, you can rent children’s bikes, child seats, bike trailers, and tag-alongs.

Meals

Included in the tour price you’ll receive daily buffet breakfast. For the buffet breakfasts there’s an assortment of cold meats and cheeses, eggs, bread, jams, cereal, yogurt, fruit, coffee, and tea. For lunches you will be in a town so you can find lunch at a restaurant on your own. Dinner will be on your own, and you can choose one of many delicious restaurant options within easy walking distance from our hotel.

Not Included

  • Airfare
  • Tourist Tax (€1.50 – €2 per person will need to be paid upon arrival at each hotel)
  • Lunches and dinners
  • Alcoholic and bar beverages
  • Trip cancellation insurance
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