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Tauern Cycling Tour
Explore the enchanting High Tauern region, known for its natural beauty and cultural appeal
Immerse yourself in the historical ambiance of Salzburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Witness the awe-inspiring Gollinger and Krimml waterfalls
Traverse charming Austrian towns, such as Golling, St. Johann im Pongau, and Kaprun
Tackle the iconic Grossglockner High Alpine Road
Enjoy spectacular panorama in the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park
Itinerary
Upon arriving in Salzburg, you’ll have the opportunity to explore its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while admiring the artistic house facades, sacral buildings, and palaces. Discover Mozart’s birthplace on Getreidegasse and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the charming streets.
Hotel in Salzburg
As you leave Salzburg, you’ll cycle southwards along the Salzach River, with Schloss Hellbrunn and its impressive Renaissance fountains as one of the first highlights. The route takes you through a picturesque landscape with steep rock faces and ravines, eventually arriving in Golling, where a visit to the spectacular Gollinger Waterfall awaits.
30 km and 320 m of elevation gain / 260 m of elevation loss
Hotel in Golling
The day begins with a moderate ascent to Lueg Pass, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Tennengebirge mountain range. As you continue along the narrowing Salzach Valley, you’ll pass the Salzachklamm Ravine before reaching Bischofshofen. St. Johann im Pongau is only a few kilometers away, with the famous Liechtensteinklamm gorge close by.
35 km and 430 m of elevation gain / 300 m of elevation loss
Hotel in St. Johann im Pongau
Today, you’ll cycle at a comfortable pace towards Bruck on the scenic Großglocknerstraße, a remarkable alpine mountain road leading towards the majestic Großglockner, Austria’s highest peak. Soon, you’ll arrive in Kaprun, a charming village nestled amid the stunning mountain landscape.
45 km and 670 m of elevation gain / 500 m of elevation loss
Hotel in Kaprun
Today’s adventure will tackle the iconic Grossglockner High Alpine Road! The winding road will lead you toward the fringe of the glacier at Fuscher Törl, where three regions of Tyrol, Salzburg, and Carinthia converge. The adventure will offer you breathtaking views of the Glockner massif and surrounding alpine lakes. Guesthouses are common on the way, so you can make a stop or two before you reach Hochtor, the highest pass in Austria. From the pass, you will enjoy the descent back to Kaprun.
80 km and 2100 m of elevation gain / 2100 m of elevation loss
Hotel in Kaprun
Depart from the upper Salzach valley and follow the natural course of the Saalzach river, cycling through the Saalfelden basin and visiting the pilgrimage site of Maria Alm. Saalfelden, the largest town in the Pinzgau area, offers an optional detour to the fascinating Seisenberg gorge, where the Weissenbach river has carved a deep path through limestone rocks over thousands of years.
55 km and 470 m of elevation gain / 600 m of elevation loss
Hotel in Lofer
Witness the powerful Saalach river breaking through the Steinerne Meer mountains near Unken, and continue cycling to the spa town of Bad Reichenhall. The river Saalach is a natural border with Germany, and as you cycle through its riverside meadows, you’ll return to Salzburg.
50 km and 400 m of elevation gain / 600 m of elevation loss
Hotel in Salzburg
After a delightful breakfast, your Tauern cycle tour in Austria comes to an end. Should you wish to extend your stay in Salzburg, we’d be happy to assist.
Self guided
Included in price
Optional Extras
Description
Discover the breathtaking landscapes, charming villages, and cultural attractions of the Tauern Cycling Tour, which takes you through the region of the High Tauern, the highest mountain range in Austria.
This cycling adventure combines the best of Austria’s natural beauty with the historic charm of cities like Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart.
The itinerary begins in this “city of music” and leads you through picturesque towns, such as Golling, St. Johann im Pongau, and Kaprun. Along the way, you will encounter stunning natural wonders, including waterfalls, gorges, and the impressive mountain panoramas of Austria’s highest peaks.
The true highlight of your adventure awaits on the legendary Grossglockner High Alpine Road. The winding masterpiece will lead you to Austria’s highest pass, Hochtor, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic Glockner massif.
To ensure a seamless and hassle-free experience, we book all of your accommodations and provide a comprehensive itinerary booklet, complete with a GPS track for effortless navigation. We also offer reliable customer support throughout your journey, so you can focus on enjoying the captivating landscapes and charming towns along the Tauern Cycling Tour.
Embark on this unforgettable adventure and create lasting memories as you explore the natural beauty and rich history of Austria’s Tauern region.
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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