Austria by bike:
The Salzkammergut, between lakes and mountains
- From 799 € / pers.
- 7 days / 6 nights
- From May to October
- Departure : all days
- Level : fairly easy to intermediate
- Electric bike available
- Luggage transport incl.
Highlights
- The imperial city of Salzburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- The green landscapes of the Salzkammergut, also on the list
- The magical village of Hallstatt, straight out of a fairy tale
- The countless lakes, and all the bathing possibilities that come with them
- The possibility of choosing, every day, between a relaxed version and a sports version
Highlights :
- The imperial city of Salzburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- The green landscapes of the Salzkammergut, also on the list
- The magical village of Hallstatt, straight out of a fairy tale
- The countless lakes, and all the bathing possibilities that come with them
- The possibility of choosing, every day, between a relaxed version and a sports version
From 799 € / pers.
- 7 days / 6 nights
- From May to October
- Departure : all days
- Level : fairly easy to intermediate
- Electric bike available
- Luggage transport incl.
CYCLING THE SALZKAMMERGUT LAKES
Explore a stunning mountainous region without having to tackle high passes: in the Salzkammergut, this dream becomes reality!
In the idyllic setting of this region with its 76 lakes, you glide throughout the trip, where steep mountains and gentle rolling hills coexist, meadows stretch as far as the eye can see, lakes are nestled among dense alpine forests, and charming wooden farms, baroque churches with onion-shaped spires, imperial towns, and picturesque villages with flower-filled balconies all come together.
The patchwork of colours is equally remarkable: from the meadows’ intense green, the lakes ranging from azure blue to turquoise or emerald green, the pink-grey limestone cliffs, to the pastel hues of village houses!
With such a scenic melody, it’s no wonder Mozart was so inspired (some might call it sheer cheating…), or that the Habsburg heirs preferred to spend their summers here rather than at the Viennese court!
YOUR ITINERARY
Your Austrian concerto begins in the city where Mozart grew up, the Imperial City of Salzburg. You soon leave for the countryside, where green pastures dotted with countless lakes set the tone, gradually leading you to the foot of the Alps. Narrow lakes and ancient glacial valleys allow you to meander leisurely between the steep slopes of surrounding mountains. First, you reach the small spa town of Bad Ischl, once a summer retreat for the Austro-Hungarian imperial court, including the famous Empress Sisi. Further on, nestled at the end of a steep fjord, lies the charming Hallstatt, the highlight of this route. The landscapes then gradually soften until you return to Salzburg, the requiem of this symphonic loop.
Cycling through these enchanting landscapes is a real pleasure, especially as quiet country roads and cycle paths abound in the region. While the route can be slightly hilly between lakes, it remains accessible to everyone and is also suitable for e-bikes. Each day, you can choose between a sporty or relaxed variant.
Gute Reise!
DAY-BY-DAY PROGRAMME
Day 1: Arrival in Salzburg
Although Salzburg is one of the world’s most famous cultural cities, with 154,000 residents it is roughly the size of a large provincial town. Today it is especially renowned as Mozart’s birthplace, which shaped the city’s destiny.
Even now, the city vibrates to the rhythm of classical music festivals, horse-drawn carriages navigating the narrow streets of the Old Town, the ringing of baroque church bells, and the hustle and bustle of pedestrian streets where historical buildings and hanging signs preserve the charm of an era seemingly frozen in time.
Salzburg is also home to the iconic Mozartkugeln (Mozart balls), delicious marzipan and pistachio confections covered in chocolate—a perfect carbohydrate boost for tackling the climbs of the following day!
Day 2: Salzburg – Wallersee – Irrsee – Mondsee
54 km | 
+420 m | ⏱︎ 3h31
Following the Salzach River, Salzburg’s true backbone, you leave the city. You then gradually head towards the lake region via quiet country roads. Before reaching the first lake, the vast meadows will impress you first!
The first lake you reach is the peaceful Wallersee, perfect for refreshing swims (in October, during our scouting trip, “invigorating” would have been a more accurate term…). Over the next hill, you arrive at the idyllic Irrsee, from which you can see the impressive Drachenwand cliff! Your stage ends around the town of Mondsee, nestled on the shores of its namesake lake.
☕ Relaxed Variant (49 km | +390 m | ⏱︎ 3h17) :
As the main route involves a climb to leave the Salzach valley, this relaxed variant offers an easier option. You can reach Wallersee using an old railway converted into a greenway, which ascends much more gradually.
Day 3: Mondsee – Attersee – Bad Ischl
44 km | +380 m | ⏱︎ 3h20
Ride along the shores of Mondsee to reach Attersee, Austria’s largest lake. After a few kilometres along the lake, you enter the Weißenbach Valley via a gravel path through the forest. You then follow the Traun Valley for a few kilometres to reach Bad Ischl, a spa town that became imperial when the Austro-Hungarian rulers built their summer residence here, which is now open to visitors. Overnight for 2 nights.
🚲 Sporty Variant (43 km | +540 m | ⏱︎ 3h25)
Instead of following the Traun Valley, you can turn onto a path climbing to the high Moosalm pastures (“alm” meaning summer alpine pasture) and the wild Schwarzensee, at the cost of a 300 m climb with some steep sections. In good weather, the scenery up there is magical, feeling completely cut off from the world.
Day 4: Excursion to Hallstatt and Lake Hallstatter See
30 km | +220 m | ⏱︎ 2h39
You follow the Traun Valley to reach Lake Hallstatt, surrounded by steep mountains and dense forests, giving it a dramatic, fjord-like atmosphere. A short boat crossing allows you to reach the famous village of Hallstatt, featured on countless postcards.
The Hall in Hallstatt, like the Salz in Salzburg or Salzkammergut, means “salt” (in Old Celtic and German), which shaped the region’s history. A funicular from the centre takes you to an old salt mine, now retired.
Next, you arrive at Obertraun, from where you can visit the Eishöhle ice caves. At Koppenbrüllerhöhle, you then take the train back to Bad Ischl.
🚲 Sporty Variant (64 km | +880 m | ⏱︎ 5h34)
Instead of returning by train to Bad Ischl, you can continue on a beautiful—but challenging—loop via Bad Aussee, Altaussee, Blaa Alm, and Rettenbachalm (this path may occasionally be closed due to landslides) before reaching Bad Ischl again.
Day 5: Bad Ischl – Wolfgangsee – Sankt Gilgen
25 km | +210 m | ⏱︎ 1h44
From Bad Ischl, you ride through gently undulating, green pastures to reach Wolfgangsee, following the lake to the village of the same name. Another dollhouse-like village, don’t miss visiting its church with beautiful altarpieces. From here, a rack railway and a path lead to the summit of Schafberg, offering stunning 360° views over the entire lake region—and almost the entire route of this trip!
You then cross Wolfgangsee by boat and continue to the lakeside village of Sankt Gilgen, with some façades adorned with centuries-old frescoes.
Day 6: Sankt Gilgen – Salzburg
49 km | +620 m | ⏱︎ 3h38
Today you ride through a landscape of forests and alpine pastures. After passing Lake Hintersee, the road skirts the vertiginous Strubklamm Gorge.
After a long descent, you reach the Salzach Valley, where we recommend visiting Hellbrunn Palace, the summer residence of the prince-archbishops who ruled the region for centuries.
Return to Salzburg along the royal Hellbrunn Allee, a straight pedestrian avenue linking the palace to the city, some 5 km away!
☕ Relaxed Variant (43 km | +270 m | ⏱︎ 2h43) :
This option returns to Salzburg via a less hilly route, with another series of gently rolling green landscapes…
Day 7: End of the Trip
End of your Austrian odyssey after breakfast. An extra night in Salzburg is available if desired.
ACCOMMODATION
Whatever level of comfort you choose, we prioritise authentic, human-scale accommodations that inspire comfort, friendliness, and well-being. We also ensure they are well-located: easily accessible by bike and, whenever possible, close to amenities and points of interest.
AVAILABLE COMFORT LEVELS
2-3 ★ Hotels or Guesthouses
Simple yet welcoming accommodations, chosen for their hospitality and location.
3-4 ★ Hotels
A selection of addresses combining modern comfort with authenticity.
4 ★ Luxury Hotels
Elegant accommodations combining refinement, comfort, and high-end services.
Photos provided as examples to illustrate the type of accommodation in each category.
Always included:
- Breakfast
- Private bathroom
- Bike storage
- Walking distance to restaurants
- Convenient location
BIKE CHOICES
Whether you rent a bike or bring your own, it is essential to have a bike suited both to the route and to your personal needs.
RENTAL BIKES
We offer quality trekking bikes and/or electric bikes, equipped with all essential accessories. Children’s equipment is also available.
Trekking Bikes (Hybrid)
Stevens 6X Lite Tour or equivalent, with at least 21 gears, ideal for tackling climbs with ease.
Electric Bikes (E-Bikes)
Giant Dailytour or equivalent, with a motor and battery of at least 500 Wh. Expect at least 60 km of range with maximum comfort.
Child Trailers
The route is also suitable for child trailers, which we also offer for hire.
Children’s Bikes
For children not yet adult-sized, children’s bikes are available for hire in various sizes.
Photos for illustrative purposes only. Bikes subject to availability.
Accessories included:
- Smartphone holder (1 per bike)
- Waterproof rear pannier (1 per bike)
- Lock
- Repair kit
- Helmet(s) on request
IF YOU BRING YOUR OWN BIKE
Before departure, thoroughly check your bike: brakes, tyres, gears, derailleur, chain…
You may be far from help in case of a mechanical problem!
Which bikes are suitable?
- Trekking / Hybrid (VTC)
- Mountain bikes (MTB)
- Gravel bikes
- E-Bikes with good range
- Road bikes
- City bikes
💡 As the route includes compact gravel sections, avoid very narrow or smooth tyres like road bikes. Standard tyres are fine. No need to switch to mountain bike tyres.
LEVEL
Our trips prioritise discovery and relaxation over exertion.
We adjust stage lengths according to terrain, path types, and points of interest so that each day remains balanced, enjoyable, and flexible.
Most days offer a sporty or relaxed variant, which you can decide on the day. These variants do not skip any must-see sights.
STAGE LENGTH:
STANDARD ℹ️
➡️ Average 40–60 km/day
➡️ About 3–4 h of cycling per day - max 5 h.
➡️ A pace suitable for most: combines the joy of cycling with sightseeing.
TERRAIN:
MODERATE ℹ️
➡️ Average elevation gain: +200 to +600 m/day
➡️ Mostly gentle and accessible terrain, but some sections are hillier with occasional steeper climbs. Gradual climbs, often on greenways, may be longer.
💡 Following lakes and rivers where possible, the route avoids most abrupt terrain. While a few climbs are necessary to connect valleys, the route is generally accessible to all.
Almost every day offers a sporty or relaxed variant. The sporty variants include some nice climbs!
Choosing the sporty option whenever possible increases the average elevation gain to 535 m/day, with a maximum of 880 m in a single day.
⚡ For easier climbing, you can opt for an electric bike.
PATH TYPES:
The route is mainly on quiet country lanes (usually single-lane). On the few busier sections, a separate cycle path is provided. The rest is mostly greenways or forest tracks.
Over 80% of the route is paved. The remaining sections are on well-maintained compact gravel. Avoid narrow road bike tyres. No technical difficulties, except on Day 4 sporty variant, which has a steep 100 m gravel descent (you can dismount if desired).
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
⏱️ DURATION
7 days and 6 nights, including arrival and departure days. 5 days of cycling.
📅 POSSIBLE DEPARTURE DATES
Daily departures from 1 May to 15 October.
🗺️ ROUTE TYPE
Circular tour. At the end of the route, you return to your starting point.
📍 START AND FINISH POINT
Start of trip: Salzburg
End of trip: Salzburg
🌦️ BEST TIME TO GO
Weather is generally favourable from May to October.
The region has a fairly pronounced continental climate: to the north, the Baltic Sea is about 700 km away, while to the south, the Adriatic Sea is closer, but its moderating effect is limited by the Alpine barrier in between. Winters are therefore quite cold and snowy, and it’s best to wait until late April for snow to have melted on higher roads. Summers can be very hot in the lowlands, though the route’s altitude helps temper the heat.
🍽️ MEALS
Breakfasts are included.
Lunches and dinners are at your own discretion.
During the day, you can eat at local restaurants (suggestions are provided in our roadbook) or have a picnic using supplies from local shops.
For dinner, there are always several restaurants within walking distance of your accommodation… unless the hotel already has one on site!
🧳 BAGGAGE TRANSPORT
Your luggage is transported from one accommodation to the next by one of our partners. You only carry your day bag during cycling stages. A pannier is provided with rental bikes.
If you prefer to carry your luggage in side panniers, a discount applies.
🚩 ARRIVAL INFORMATION
BY TRAIN
The Nightjet sleeper train Paris–Vienna, which used to stop at Salzburg, was unfortunately discontinued in December 2025.
The Brussels–Vienna night train is still running, though it does not stop at Salzburg: you will need to get off at Wels (the nearest station to Salzburg) in the morning, then take a regional train to Salzburg (approx. 1 h, 4 trains/h).
With ICE high-speed trains, it is still possible to reach Salzburg in one day from most major cities in France, Switzerland, and Belgium, with connections in Frankfurt and/or Munich.
BY CAR
ARRIVING IN SALZBURG WITHOUT A MOTORWAY VIGNETTE
The motorway section between the German border (at Walserberg, coming via the A8) and Salzburg does not require a motorway vignette, so there is no need to buy one at the border. The free section covers the entire northern ring road up to the Salzburg-Nord exit. Otherwise, a 10-day vignette costs €12.80. At the interchange just after the border, make sure to stay on the A1 motorway (towards Salzburg-West and Linz), because if you take the A10 towards Salzburg-Süd and Villach, you will be fined heavily!
PARKING IN SALZBURG
Paid city centre parking in Salzburg is quite expensive (around €25/day). Since early 2022, all residential areas are also paid, as too many commuters parked there.
The most economical option is the Park & Ride (P+R) at Salzburg-Süd, 6 km south of the city centre, with a daily rate of only €6. A regular bus connects it to the city centre (approx. 20 minutes).
BY PLANE
There are direct flights to Salzburg from many European cities. If not, the best is to fly to Munich, then take a direct train to Salzburg (approx. 2 h).
📑 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
To help you fully enjoy your adventure, we provide practical, easy-to-use materials:
A roadbook (A5 booklet) prepared by us, including:
- Practical information
- Route description
- All necessary tourist information
- Restaurant suggestions
- Places to stock up on supplies
- Swimming spots
- Cultural information and anecdotes
- Nearby bike repair shops along the route
A map of the route
Our navigation app (with your GPS tracks)
- User-friendly app (a short tutorial will be sent just in case)
- Satellite navigation (works in airplane mode)
- Custom tracks between each accommodation
- Voice guidance
📞 INDEPENDENCE & ASSISTANCE
You travel independently (unaccompanied), with 7-day phone support in case of issues.
🛡️ INSURANCE
To guarantee reimbursement in case of trip cancellation or problems on site, you can purchase cancellation insurance (CAP Explorer Cancellation) or assistance insurance (CAP Explorer Assistance). Learn more about insurance.
🎒 EQUIPMENT TO BRING
A helmet, lock, repair kit, phone holder, and waterproof rear pannier form the basic equipment. If you rent a bike, these are included (helmet on request only).
For extra comfort, we also recommend bringing the following specific accessories:
Rain Overpants
Lightweight, waterproof, windproof, and easy to put on, they protect against rain, splashes, and mud. Some models have gaiters covering shoes.
External Battery (power bank)
Useful for charging your phone during lunch breaks: navigation consumes power even in airplane mode. Recommended unless your battery is very strong.
Approx. €10–20.
Padded Cycling Shorts or Gel Saddle Cover
Padded shorts improve comfort by absorbing shocks and reducing friction on long rides. Otherwise, use a padded saddle cover.
Water Bottle
More practical and durable than disposable bottles. Some keep drinks cool for several hours with double-wall insulation.
Buff / Neck Warmer / Hat
Outside summer, mornings can be chilly, so you’ll be glad you brought them!
PRICES 2026
The price is based on a double room for 2 people. All prices are per person and subject to availability of the desired room type.| Option | Standard Range | Comfort Range | Prestige Range | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low season | Mid season | High season | Low season | Mid season | High season | Low season | Mid season | High season | |
| Double/Twin Room | 799 € | 889 € | 1019 € | 909 € | 1009 € | 1159 € | 1139 € | 1259 € | 1449 € |
| Single Room Supplement | + 300 € | + 340 € | + 390 € | + 300 € | + 340 € | + 390 € | + 300 € | + 340 € | + 390 € |
| Child Discounts (sharing a room with 2 full-paying adults) |
0-3 years: -80% | 4-11 years: -40% | 12-17 years: -30% | ||||||||
| Group Discounts | 6–11 persons: -10% | 12+ persons: -15% | ||||||||
| Additional Nights (optional) | Standard Range | Comfort Range | Prestige Range | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low season | Mid season | High season | Low season | Mid season | High season | Low season | Mid season | High season | ||
| Salzburg | Double/Twin Room | 80 € | 80 € | 95 € | 110 € | 110 € | 130 € | 140 € | 140 € | 160 € |
| Single Room | 155 € | 155 € | 185 € | 185 € | 185 € | 215 € | 230 € | 230 € | 270 € | |
- Low season: 1/5 - 31/5 & 16/9 - 15/10
- Mid season: 1/6 - 30/6 & 1/9 - 15/9
- High season: 1/7 - 31/08
| BIKE RENTAL (equipment included) | |
|---|---|
| Electric Bike | €305 |
| Trekking Bike | €235 |
| Children's Bike (under 12) | €160 |
| Child Trailer | €180 |
BASE PRICE INCLUDES
- Overnight stays in the selected comfort category
- Breakfast at each accommodation
- Transport of your luggage between accommodations
- A detailed roadbook (A5 booklet + PDF) prepared by us during our scouting trip
- GPS tracks of the route via our navigation app
- GPS tracks of optional hikes along the route (via our navigation app)
- A map of the circuit
- Luggage tags
- 7-day phone support
- Tourist taxes
- Administrative fees
OPTIONS
- Rental bike(s)
- Single room supplement
- Additional night(s) in Salzburg
- Optional insurance: cancellation and/or assistance
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
- The trip from your home to Salzburg and back
- Meals not mentioned above
- Return train to Bad Ischl on Day 4 (approx. €10/person including bike) – unless you choose the sporty variant
- Ferries to cross the lakes (a few euros on two occasions)
- Entrance fees to tourist sites and other personal expenses
- Anything not listed under “BASE PRICE INCLUDES”
SPECIAL CASES
- If you carry your own luggage, a discount applies (see booking form). An extra pannier is provided if you rent a bike.
- Solo travellers: an additional logistical supplement is added to the single room supplement.
REVIEWS
Sabine and Hugues, 60 and 58 years old
"Wonderful discovery of the Salzburg region in Austria. 5 exceptional stages with flawless organisation. A truly very enjoyable stay. And always impeccable service from Joseph! We plan to discover another route with Cyclodyssées." July 2023
Boris, 32 years old
"I had a fabulous week in the Alpine region of Salzburg. Of course, it was in the mountains, but entirely manageable for anyone used to cycling. The route took me through amazing scenery. The team is attentive and provides all the information you need. Thank you for this great organisation!" July 2023
Alain, Elodie, Maxime and Alicia, 38, 37, 4 and 3 years old
"Our first cycling trip with our children was a success, thank you Cyclodyssées! We were worried that with our two little ones in the trailer, the battery might fail halfway, but most days we arrived with about half battery left (except for the last day, where we didn’t take the relaxed version, but it was just enough!). Incredible landscapes all along, just like the photos. The roadbook was very useful: tips on swimming spots in the lakes, activities for children, hikes!" October 2022
Julie and Myriam, 31 and 30 years old
"Apart from the fact that the region was stunning, the organisation was flawless: very good bikes, luggage transport, well-planned routes! Thank you!" October 2022
Marc, Annie and François, 58, 59 and 13 years old
"Truly a perfect experience! Very well organised, extremely responsive (I really appreciated being able to contact via WhatsApp at any time). Magnificent landscapes, and every day the choice between a sporty or more relaxed route. I highly recommend it!" September 2022
Jonathan, Donatienne, Alexia and Claire, 41, 40, 4 and 2 years old
"The itinerary in Austria was superb. Very good overall organisation. We went with 2 children (2 and 4 years old), and the flexible routes adapt to their needs." August 2022
Thierry and Anne, 52 and 45 years old
"A beautiful itinerary full of surprises! Our holiday went very well thanks to the perfect organisation by Cyclodyssées." July 2022
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