Salzkammergut Lakes Cycling Holidays
Explore Salzburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Mozart’s birthplace
Cycle through Austria’s unique lake region, set against a magnificent mountain backdrop
Take a refreshing swim in many subalpine lakes you will discover
Immerse yourself in the Caribbean-blue waters of Attersee
Scout the Mondsee and its Basilica of St. Michael, known from the movie The Sound of Music
Discover historic towns like Bad Ischl and Gmunden with their imperial heritage
Explore Salzburg's historical charm
Cycle along the Salzach River
Refresh yourself in turquoise-green waters of Attersee
Scout the charmful Mondsee and its Basilica of St. Michael
Discover Austria’s unique lake region
Learn about the imperial heritage of Gmunden
Spot the scenic lakeside paths of St Wolfgang
Visit the historic castle of Schloss Hellbrunn
Itinerary
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.
Hotel in Salzburg
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.
50 km and 410 m of elevation gain / 330 m of elevation loss
Hotel in Obertrum am See
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.
55 km and 650 m of elevation gain / 670 m of elevation loss
Hotel in Mondsee
You will cycle along the shores of Mondsee and Attersee, region’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.
60 km and 520 m of elevation gain / 590 m of elevation loss
Hotel in Gmunden
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.
50 km and 310 m of elevation gain / 190 m of elevation loss
Hotel in St. Wolfgang im Salzkammergut
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.
50 km and 430 m of elevation gain / 550 m of elevation loss
Hotel in Salzburg
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.
Self guided
Included in price
Optional Extras
Description
The Salzkammergut region is undeniably one of Austria’s most stunning areas, boasting an impressive collection of 76 subalpine lakes, each more breathtaking than the last and surrounded by majestic mountain peaks.
Salzkammergut Lakes Cycling Holidays combine glittering lakes with Salzburg’s historical charm, making a 7-day tour perfect for those seeking an active yet enriching escape.
The region’s pristine lakes, the majestic Attersee among them, reflect not just the mountains, but centuries of tradition, from imperial retreats, visited by Emperor Franz Josef, to local festivals. Besides cycling, the region offers endless opportunities for water enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Austria’s reputation for exceptional music and impeccable sense of culture also shines here, with Salzburg standing proudly as the birthplace of none other than Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. This UNESCO-listed city offers a mix of baroque elegance, lively streets, and rich musical heritage.
You will also visit charming villages like Schleedorf to experience traditional alpine hospitality or grab a slice of Austrian history at the iconic Café Zauner in Bad Ischl. The diverse route also passes several notable natural and historic landmarks, like Strubklamm Gorge, Ort Castle, and Schloss Hellbrunn.
Along the way, flexible detours are possible. The terrain is mainly hilly, keeping on the quiet side roads and forest cycle paths. There are only a few short sections on roads with more traffic. Averaging around 50 kilometers per day makes it suitable for cyclists of all skill levels, including families and beginners.
Carefully designed for a hassle-free experience, the tour includes a fully mapped route with detailed directions, prearranged accommodations, convenient luggage transfers, and reliable customer support. Perfectly tailored for a joyful experience.
Location
Things to know
Self-guided cycling tours provide a personalized and flexible approach to cycling holidays. You can explore at your own pace and adapt your route or schedule as you see fit. Our team arranges all details, such as logistics, accommodations, detailed itineraries, GPS routes, and 24/7 support. Thus, you can enjoy a stress-free, immersive experience that offers independence, customization, and authentic encounters with local culture.
Our tours are rated on a difficulty scale from 1 to 5 to help you choose the right adventure:
1/5 – Short daily distances of approximately 30 km. Easy, flat terrain suitable for everyone, including those with no prior sports experience.
2/5 – Daily distances up to 40 km. Some light uphill sections, up to 200 m, but not every day. Suitable for anyone in good health.
3/5 – Daily distances around 50 km. Daily altitude gains of up to 500 m. On days with less altitude, distances may be longer. Ideal for recreational cyclists in good physical condition.
4/5 – Daily distances of 60 km or more. Daily altitude gains of 500 m or more, with some stages reaching up to 1000 m. Designed for well-prepared amateur cyclists who are comfortable with uphill riding.
5/5 – Challenging stages with steep climbs and long distances. Suitable for experienced road cyclists seeking a demanding adventure along with breathtaking scenery.
We continuously strive to find the perfect fit for you. We work with multiple accommodation providers that meet our standards, but their availability can vary, especially during peak season. We can also tailor your holiday according to your preferences and budget, ensuring we find the most suitable solution for your taste.
We recommend booking as early as possible. Many of our tours pass through popular tourist destinations with limited accommodation options. The best-selling tours are often fully booked for the summer before spring arrives.
The ease of accommodating dietary restrictions depends on their severity. Vegetarian options are usual in Austria, but vegan dishes can be challenging in rural areas or smaller towns. Please note that lunch stops are often at traditional establishments that may struggle to cater to special requests outside their standard menu. Keep this in mind during your trip.
Generally, late spring (May) and early autumn (September) are the ideal times for cycling, depending on the tour. Summer is also a fantastic choice because Austria has a milder climate, especially in the Alps.
Most tours can proceed even in light rain, provided you dress appropriately. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the peak months of summer, so early starts are recommended. If the weather appears to be particularly unfavorable, we can adjust the tour beforehand. You will be in contact with our support in case last-minute changes are necessary.
Our tours cater to different cycling preferences, whether you prefer road, gravel, or mountain biking. Our cycling experts will consider your experience, preferences, and group dynamics to provide tailored recommendations. Additionally, e-bikes are always an option. If there’s a significant difference in fitness levels among group members, some can choose an e-bike while others opt for a regular bike.
The most versatile option is a gravel bike, even if you are coming on a road cycling holiday. Gravel bikes maintain excellent road performance while allowing you to explore scenic backroads that may be less maintained than main routes. They also tend to offer greater comfort, enhancing your overall experience.
If you’re not bringing your own bike and equipment, we can arrange a rental for you. We offer a wide range of bikes, including road, gravel, mountain bikes, and e-bikes, to suit your tour needs. Simply provide us with your usual bike size and any specific preferences, and we’ll ensure you have the perfect bike for a comfortable ride.
Our bike rentals include the agreed-upon bike, delivery before your tour, and pickup afterward. Additional equipment is also provided, such as a helmet, an extra chain, a basic repair kit, and pedals if needed.
We always pick locations and starting points which are reachable by public transport. Our travel agent will extensively advise you on the most optimal option.
All our tours take place in well-developed areas, ensuring you are always close to essential infrastructure and never isolated. Additionally, our agent is available by phone every day to assist with any emergencies. Your travel materials will also include a list of bike repair workshops with contact information, so you can easily access expert assistance for issues like flat tires and other repairs.
Each morning, you will leave your luggage at the hotel reception, where it will be collected by our taxi service and delivered to your next hotel. Your luggage will typically arrive by late morning or early afternoon. For your convenience, your travel materials will include the contact details and schedules of the taxi services handling the transportation.
Most of our tours are recommended for individuals aged 12 and older who have some cycling experience. However, the Drau Cycle Path is a family-friendly option, as it features mostly flat terrain and dedicated cycling paths away from main roads. That said, younger participants should be confident cyclists, and parents are encouraged to assess whether this tour is suitable for their family.
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