Austria by bike:
The Salzkammergut, between lakes and mountains

Travelling through a sumptuous mountainous region without having to cross high passes: in the Salzkammergut, this dream is a reality!

It is in the idyllic setting of this region of 76 lakes that you will waltz throughout the tour, between steep mountains, meadows stretching as far as the eye can see and steep-sided lakes between dense alpine forests, picturesque wooden farmhouses and baroque churches with domed bell towers, imperial cities and bucolic villages with flowery balconies. The patchwork of colors formed by this painting is just as remarkable: between the meadows topped with an intense green, the lakes which oscillate between azure blue, turquoise or emerald green, the pinkish gray of the imposing limestone walls or the pastel colors of village houses, when they are not simply made of wood! With such a landscape melody, we are no longer surprised that Mozart was so inspired... or that the offspring of the Habsburg crown preferred to spend their summers here than at the court of Vienna !

It is in the city that saw Mozart grow up, the imperial city of Salzburg - that you can now reach by night train from Brussels and Paris! - that you are intoning your Austrian concerto. You will then reach the hinterland, where green pastures punctuated by countless lakes set the tone, and gradually bring you to the foot of the Alps. Fortunately, there are narrow lakes and ancient glacial valleys that will allow you to weave nonchalantly between the steep slopes of the surrounding mountains. You then first reach the small spa town of Bad Ischl, which saw the Imperial Court of Austria-Hungary, including the famous Princess Sissi, come during the summers. Further on, nestled at the bottom of a steep fjord, you reach the lovely Hallstatt, the highlight of this route. Then the landscapes gradually regain a certain softness until you reach Salzburg again, the requiem of this symphonic loop.

Cycling through these enchanting landscapes is a real pleasure, especially since the quiet little roads and cycle paths are legion in the region. If the route is sometimes a little hilly between two lakes, the route remains accessible to all, and is also possible by electric bike. Every day, you can also opt for a sporty or relaxed variant.

If Salzburg is one of the most famous cultural cities in the world, it is nevertheless, with its 154,000 inhabitants, only the size of a large provincial city. It is nowadays especially famous for having seen the illustrious Mozart grow up on its soil, who sealed the destiny of the city. Even today, the city still vibrates to the rhythm of its classical music festivals, its many carriages that crisscross the narrow streets of the old town, the ringing of the bells of its Baroque churches and the animation of its pedestrian streets. With its many historic residences, the charm of an era in which the city seems to want to freeze still reigns. But Salzburg is also home to the unmissable Mozartkugeln (Mozart balls), these succulent marzipan and pistachio candies coated in chocolate. Undoubtedly, an excellent source of carbohydrates to take away to face the small climbs of the next day...

Day 2: Salzburg - Wallersee - Irrsee - Mondsee (49/52 km (30/32 mi) - D+: 390/420 m (1280/1378 ft))

You leave Salzburg along the Salzach River, the city's true backbone. Depending on the day's route chosen (normal or relaxed), you then reach the lakes region either by taking a route of small roads, which has a good climb to cross, or via an old railway transformed into a greenway, which rises much more gradually. In both cases, a landscape of green meadows opens up to you without delay, until you first reach the peaceful Lake Wallersee, an opportunity for a refreshing dive (in October, during our scouting, invigorating would have been a more appropriate term…). After the next hill, you come out onto the Edenic Irrsee lake, from which you can see the great Drachenwand cliff! Your stage then ends at Mondsee, nestled along the lake of the same name.

Day 3: Mondsee - Attersee - Bad Ischl (45/44 km (28/27 mi) - D+: 380/540 m (1247/1772 ft))

You walk along the shores of Lake Mondsee until you reach Lake Attersee, the largest in Austria a little further on. Then comes the time to make a tough choice: take the track that climbs to the high pastures of the Moosalm (alm meaning “summer pasture”) and the untamed Scwharzensee lake, but at the cost of a climb of just over 300m (984 ft) - or reach the Traun valley via a gravel track through the forest along the torrent Weißenbach - requiring much less effort. However, if there is a day when we had to recommend the sporty variant, it is this one (at least in good weather)! You then arrive at Bad Ischl, a city which, thanks to its thermal baths, became imperial, the sovereigns of Austria-Hungary having decided to build their sumptuous summer residence there, which can now be visited. Installation for 2 nights.

Day 4: loop via Hallstatt from Bad Ischl (32/64 km (20/40 mi) - D+: 350/880 m (1148/2887 ft))

You go up the Traun valley until you reach Lake Hallstatt, surrounded on all sides by steep mountains enveloped in dense forests, giving it an austere character, somewhat reminiscent of the Norwegian fjords! It is by a short boat trip that you then reach the famous village of Hallstatt, the one that monopolizes half of the country's postcards. The Hall of Hallstatt, like the Salz of Salzburg or Salzkammergut, means salt (in Old Celtic and German respectively), and this has shaped the history of the region. From the center, a funicular leads to one of these old salt mines, now retired. Further on you come to Obertraun, from where it is possible to get to the Eishöhle, or ice caves. After arriving at Koppenbrüllerhöhle, you can either return by train to Bad Ischl, or continue with a beautiful - but sporty - loop via Bad Aussee, Altaussee, Blaa Alm and Rettenbachalm (due to landslides, this track may however be closed from time to time).

Day 5: Bad Ischl - Wolfgangsee - Sankt Gilgen (25 km/16 mi - D+: 210 m/690 ft)

From Bad Ischl, it is by crisscrossing an undulating landscape adorned with evergreen meadows that you reach Lake Wolfgangsee, which you follow until you reach the village of the same name. Another one of those little villages with dollhouses, where you shouldn't miss entering the church, which contains magnificent altarpieces. A cogwheel train as a mountain path also depart from here up to the summit of the Schafberg, from where you can enjoy a sublime 360° view of the entire lake region… and almost the entire route of this trip ! You then cross Lake Wolfgangsee by boat, and continue on to the lakeside village of Sankt-Gilgen, some of whose facades are enamelled with centuries-old frescoes.

Day 6: Sankt-Gilgen - Salzburg (43/49 km (27/30 mi) - D+: 270/620 m (885/2030 ft))

If you opt for the "normal" route, it is through an other landscape of forests and mountain pastures that you wander today. Shortly after passing the Hintersee lake, the road borders the vertiginous Strubklamm gorge. After a long descent, you then reach the Salzach Valley, where we suggest you visit Hellbrunn Castle, which was the summer residence of the prince-archbishops who ruled the region for several centuries. You then return to Salzburg via the royal Hellbrunn Allee, a straight pedestrian avenue that connects the castle to Salzburg, some 5 kilometers (3 mi) away! If you opt for the "relax" variant, you'll get back to Salzburg through less hilly ways. You'll cycle in a landscape of evergreen meadows till reaching again the suburbs of Salzburg, which you enter again through the greenway.

Day 7: Salzburg

End of stay after breakfast. Before leaving, be sure to climb up the side of the fortress Höhensalzbrunn, from where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and its countless bell towers.
If you have enough time, we advice you to stay one or two extra nights in Salzburg, as the city and its surroundings are plenty of attractions. And the Berchtesgaden National Park (in Germany) lies at 1h by bus from Salzburg, and is a dream spot for hikes.

1. Duration:
   7 days and 6 nights, including the day of arrival and departure. 5 days of cycling.


2. Minimum age: 10 years old


3. Seasonality: between May and October.
   
   The region of the lakes has a relatively marked continental climate. A climate that marine influences do not reach since to the north, the Baltic Sea is about 700 km away, while to the south, the Adriatic Sea, is certainly closer, but its softening effect is however made complicated by the alpine barrier lying between the two. Winters are therefore quite harsh and snowy, and it is necessary to wait until May for the snow to melt on the higher roads. What follows is a summer that can be very hot on the plains, but the relative altitude of this course fortunately tempers it.
   
   As for the bright green landscapes, they are not due to chance either! Such greenery would not be possible without abundant rains. During the hot season, the rains fortunately mostly fall in the form of short but intense downpours.
   
   The best period is from May to September, when the temperatures are the most pleasant and the sun most often prevails over the disturbances. Be careful, however, in July and August, the crowds can be quite high in some tourist hotspots.
   
   In autumn, the weather is more stable, but from October you are no longer safe from an untimely cold snap. In return, you will be entitled to the flamboyant colors of its beautiful forests!
   
   Around All Saints Day, the weather suddenly becomes wintry. The region is then regularly adorned with a beautiful white coat, making the landscapes just as magical, but a little less suitable for cycling. Many accommodations also have their annual closure at this time.
   
   Note: the weather is subject to strong variations from one year to another. The information described above are only averages.
   
   
4. Possible departure days: every day
   
   
5. Arrival and return:
   
   
   • Start of stay: Salzburg
   
   
   • End of stay: Salzburg
   
   Train
   • From Brussels, Amsterdam or Köln (Cologne), you can take the sleeper train to wels (towards Vienna), and then from there take a local train till Salzburg. These trains leave more times a week.
   
   
   
   
   Car
   • From Belgium, the Netherlands or anywhere in Germany, the trip can be done in a day, as it is less than 1000 km from almost any place.
   
   
   • From Denmark or anyway further, it is better to plan a stopover along the way.

   
   Autobahns (motorways) in Germany are free (and without speed limits on many sections). In summer, many works are undertaken, which do not make them as fast as often imagined.
   
   If you are transiting through Switzerland, you will need a sticker at the border.
   
   To use the Austrian motorways, you will also need a sticker, but this is not necessary since Salzburg is located just after the German border. Just remember to exit at the last motorway exit before the border (exit 115: Bad Reichenhall).
   
   
   Airplane

   Direct flights to Salzburg from many European cities. Otherwise, take a flight towards Munich ; from Munich, there is a direct train to Salzburg.

   
   


6. Parking :
   
   Our roadbook will inform you about paid and free car parks where you can leave your car during your bike trip.


7. Meeting point:
   
   The cycling journey begins in the morning of Day 2. A member of our local team will meet you in the morning at your accommodation or in a other agreed location.


8. Type of route:
   
   Itinerant loop. At the end of your journey, you return to your starting point.


9. Supervision:
   
   Self-guided, with telephone assistance in case of mechanical issues. To navigate, you will have a detailed roadbook, as well as GPS tracks of the route via an easy-to-use navigation app. As the navigation is satellite-based, no internet connection is required.


10. Level: medium
    
    
    • Elevation changes: By following lakes and rivers whenever possible, the route avoids most bumps in the relief. If to connect two valleys there is sometimes one or the other hill to cross, the route is rarely steep, and is also possible by electric bike. Every day, you can also opt for a sporty or relaxed variant.
    
    
    • Length of the stages: around 40-50 km (25-31 mi) per day, giving you plenty of time to make lots of stops along the way.
    
    
    • Terrain: mix of paved roads and hard-packed tracks. Therefore, if you travel with your own bicycles, please make sure they are equipped with mixed (hybrid) tyres, as slick tyres are not ideal for this type of terrain.
    
    All details are summarized in the table below.
    
    

    Table 1: Distances and Height differences

    SALZKAMMERGUT
    Stage	Variant	Kilometers	Height diff. + (m)	Height diff. - (m)	Estimated time
    Day 1	Arrival in Salzburg
    Day 2 (stage 1) Salzburg - Mondsee	Relax	49	390	320	3h17
    	Normal	52	420	350	3h31
    Day 3 (stage 2) Mondsee - Bad Ischl	Normal	45	380	390	3h20
    	Sporty	44	540	550	3h25
    Day 4 (stage 3) Loop from Bad Ischl	Normal	32	350	330	2h39
    	Sporty	64	880	880	5h34
    Day 5 (stage 4) Bad Ischl - Sankt-Gilgen	Normal	25	210	140	1h44
    Day 6 (stage 5) Sankt-Gilgen - Salzburg	Relax	43	270	390	2h43
    	Normal	49	620	740	3h38
    Day 7	End of the tour

    
    


11. Accommodation:
    
    Standard category: 2-3* hotels or guest rooms with equivalent comfort.
    
    Comfort+ category: 3-4* hotels or guest rooms with equivalent comfort.
    
    Whichever option you choose, the accommodations have all the comforts you need for a good night's sleep! All rooms have an ensuite bathroom and all accommodations have some space to store your bicycles.


12. Meals:
    
    Breakfasts are included. Lunch and dinner are at your own leisure. During the day, you can eat in the local restaurants (you will find daily suggestions in our roadbook) or plan a picnic.
    Half-board is not available on this tour, but you'll always have several restaurants within walking distance of your accommodation if there is no restaurant in the hotel itself.
    


13. Luggage transport:
    
    You only carry your day's belongings during the cycling stages. Your luggage is transported from one accommodation to another by us, you find them at the end of the day at your accommodation. It is also possible to carry your belongings with you in side bags, as long-distance cyclists do. In this case, you get a discount.


14. Travel Documents:
    
    A detailed roadbook (Dutch or English), a topographical map of the route and GPS tracks (via our navigation app) will be sent to you before your departure.
    
    The roadbook, which you'll also receive in hard copy, contains not only a description of the route, but also a wealth of tourist and cultural information, restaurant suggestions and places to buy food along the way.


15. Bicycles:
    
    We offer quality bikes for hire, fully equipped and adapted to the type of terrain.
    
    Equipment includes a smartphone holder, a waterproof pannier, a lock, a repair set and (on request) a helmet.
    
    An electric bike can be hired for this trip.
    
    If you wish to bring your own bike, remember to check all the parts of the bike beforehand (wear and tear of brakes, tyres, sprockets, chain, etc.) to ensure that it is in technical order for a ride of 250 km (ca. 150 miles). The bikes suitable for this trip are trekking bikes (hybrid bikes), mountain bikes, gravel bikes and e-bikes. Road bikes (tyres too thin for the gravel sections) and city bikes (insufficient number of gears) are not suitable.


16. Combine this stay with hiking:
    
    This route also offers lots of hiking opportunities. If you wish to spend an additional night at one or the other stage to give yourself a great day of hiking, do not hesitate to let us know when you send the form! The best stage for mountain hiking is Bad Ischl.


17. Cancellation and assistance insurances:
    
    In order to guarantee reimbursement of costs in the event of cancellation of your stay or in the event of problems (e.g. health, accident, theft, lost luggage, ...) during the trip, you can opt for a cancellation (CAP Explorer - premium cancellation) and/or assistance insurance (CAP Exporer - premium assistance). To learn more about our proposed insurances, click more info or ask us.

• A detailed roadbook in English, produced by us during our scouting trip (Paper booklet + PDF)
• The GPS tracks of the route via our navigation app
• The GPS tracks of the hikes (via our app)
• A topographic map of the tour
• 6 nights in 2-3* accommodations (comfort range : 3-4* accommodations)
• 6 breakfasts
• The transport of your luggage between the accommodations
• Luggage tags
• Access to our hotline (7/7, 10:00-18:00) and assistance and guidance in the event of a problem (except simple repairs such as punctures/derailments)
• Tourist taxes
• Registration fees

• On-site rental of a bicycle without/with electric assistance
• The single room supplement
• The comfort+ supplement (rooms or accommodations with extra comfort)
• Additional nights in Salzburg (or other overnight stops, on demand)
• Optional insurance: cancellation and/or assistance

• The trip from your home to the meeting point, as well as the return
• Lunch and evening meals
• The train journey to Bad Ischl if you opt for the relax variant on Day 4 (count approx. 10 € including bike)
• Ferries across the lakes (a few euros on two occasions)
• Entrances to tourist sites
• Your personal expenses
• Anything not listed in "the price includes"

• If you wish to transport your luggage yourself from one accommodation to another, you benefit in this case from a discount (see booking form). An additional bag will then be provided to you.
• A discount for children is provided (see table above). This discount applies if there are at least two adults and the family agrees to stay in family rooms when available. A discount is also applied for large groups.
• A 'solo traveller' supplement of 90 € is counted for individuals doing this tour alone.

"Superb discovery of the Salzburg region in Austria. 5 exceptional stages with flawless organization. A very, very enjoyable stay. And always impeccable service from Joseph! We plan to embark on a new adventure with Cyclodyssées."  July 2023

"I had a fabulous week in the alpine meadows of the Salzburg region. Of course, it was in the mountains, but it was entirely manageable for those accustomed to cycling. The route took me through breathtaking landscapes. The team is attentive and provides you with all the information you need. Thanks for this wonderful organization!"  July 2023

"Great first bike trip with our kids, thank you Cyclodyssées! Our fear was that with our two toddlers in the trailer, the battery would give out halfway, but most days we were pretty much at half battery when we arrived (except for the last day, when we didn't take the relaxed version, but that was close!) Incredible landscapes all along, as on the pictures. The roadbook was also very useful: advice on where to swim in the lakes, activities for children, hikes!"  October 2022

"Apart from the fact that the region was superb, the organisation was flawless: very good bikes, luggage transport, well thought-out route! Thank you!"  October 2022

"Really a perfect experience! Very well organised, very responsive (I really appreciated the WhatsApp contact that could be used at any time). Beautiful landscapes, and every day the choice between sporty and more relaxing itinerary. I really recommend it !"  September 2022

"The route in Austria was superb. Very good overall organisation. We went with 2 children (2 and 4 years old), and the flexible itineraries allowed us to adapt to their needs."  August 2022

"A magnificent itinerary full of surprises! Our holiday went very well thanks to the perfect organisation of the Cyclodyssées agency."  July 2022