Salzkammergut Lakes Cycling Holidays

You will arrive in Salzburg, a city set against the majestic Alps filled with cultural treasures, and the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will charm you with its baroque architecture and vibrant streets filled with history. With the Salzach River flowing through and majestic mountains all around, Salzburg provides a stunning and inspiring backdrop as you prepare for the journey ahead. Nearby, the Mirabell Gardens, filled with amazing flowers and statues, offer a glimpse into the city’s charm.

Your first day of cycling will lead you out of Salzburg and into the scenic countryside. You will follow Salzach River to Oberndorf, the birthplace of the famous Christmas carol, Silent Night. Continuing, you will enter the Trumer Seen region, where the route winds between three stunning lakes. The stage concludes in Obertrum am See, a welcoming lakeside town renowned for its famous Trumer brewery, where traditional beer-making meets modern craft techniques. To sum up your day in a relaxing way, you can take a stroll along the lake’s serene promenade.

You will pass through Egelseen Nature Reserve, and on the way, you’ll visit Schleedorf, a model village showcasing the traditional alpine life, where you can learn about local cheese-making and rural customs. Passing Lake Wallersee and Lake Irrsee, you will arrive at Mondsee, a town full of history and charm. The stunning Basilica of St. Michael, a filming location for “The Sound of Music,” is a highlight not to be missed. For a unique culinary experience, the town’s traditional smokehouse provides a taste of local delicacies.

You will cycle along the shores of Mondsee and Attersee, Austria’s largest lake. The turquoise-green waters of Attersee, set against a backdrop of rolling hills and forested slopes, create a stunning contrast. As you approach Traunsee, you’ll encounter Gmunden, a town renowned for its lakeside beauty and cultural charm. The iconic Ort Castle, perched on a small island in the lake, is a must-see attraction. The ceramic heritage of Gmunden is also noteworthy, with its distinctive green-and-white pottery showcased in local shops and galleries.

Today’s journey will lead you to Bad Ischl, often called the “emperor town” for its historical significance as the summer retreat of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Sisi. Highlights include the beautiful Kaiserpark, the grand Kaiservilla, Sissi’s Tea House, and the renowned Café Zauner, where you can sample traditional Austrian pastries. From Bad Ischl, the route will guide you to St Wolfgang. You can explore the lakeside hiking paths to wrap up your day admiring the scenic surroundings and tranquil waters.

You will follow the route to St. Gilgen, often called the “Mozart Village,” and further to the deep blue Fuschlsee, a serene lake surrounded by lush forests. Further passing Hintersee Lake, you will reach the dramatic Strubklamm Gorge, a natural marvel carved by centuries of rushing water. Before reaching Salzburg, you can consider stopping at Schloss Hellbrunn. The historic castle offers a beautiful park, unique trick water games, and a zoo.

Your journey concludes where it began – in the baroque capital of the region. Before departing, you can check the Hohensalzburg Fortress perched atop Festungsberg Hill, which offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. Another highlight worth exploring is The Getreidegasse, a lively street filled with a mix of shops and traditional inns serving authentic cuisine. Salzburg’s unique blend of history and culture makes it the perfect end to your trip.