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Discovering the Salzkammergut Between Lakes, Mountains and Traditions
Abersee-Salzburg-St.Georgen-Traunkirchen-Ebensee-Hallstatt-Abersee
An 8-day cycling tour in Austria is the perfect way to explore one of Europe’s most enchanting regions: the Salzkammergut. This area combines unspoiled nature, imperial history and Alpine traditions in a postcard-perfect landscape. Cycling through this region means riding along crystal-clear lakes, green valleys, charming villages and majestic mountains, enjoying an authentic and relaxing travel experience.
The Salzkammergut stretches from Salzburg to the Dachstein mountains and is home to 76 lakes, including famous ones such as Lake Wolfgang, Lake Mondsee and Lake Traun, as well as smaller, hidden lakes ideal for peaceful breaks far from mass tourism. Cycling along the lakeshores offers a sense of freedom, with plenty of opportunities for a refreshing swim during the warmer months.
The name Salzkammergut means “Estate of the Salt Mines”, reflecting the historical importance of salt, once known as “white gold” of the Habsburg Empire. This precious resource led to the development of towns like Hallstatt, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most photographed lakeside villages in the world. Exploring Hallstatt by bike allows you to experience its beauty at a slow and respectful pace.
During this 8-day cycling holiday, you will also visit Bad Ischl, the elegant spa town and former summer residence of Emperor Franz Joseph, as well as the idyllic Ausseerland region, famous for its Alpine meadows, turquoise lakes and traditional wooden houses. Bad Aussee, the cultural heart of the region, is especially known for its traditional costumes (Tracht) and deep-rooted customs.
One of the highlights of the tour is Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart. Its baroque old town, the impressive Hohensalzburg Fortress and lively squares full of cafés, restaurants and shops offer the perfect blend of culture, leisure and culinary delights.
A cycling holiday in Austria is also a journey through taste. Along the route, you can enjoy regional specialties such as Wiener Schnitzel, Kasnocken (cheese dumplings), freshly smoked lake fish and classic desserts like apple strudel and Kaiserschmarrn, the Emperor’s favorite sweet dish. These flavors are perfectly complemented by Austrian wines, local craft beers and homemade syrups made from elderflower or mountain pine.
This 8-day cycling tour in Austria is ideal for travelers seeking nature, culture and well-being, with routes suitable for leisure cyclists and lovers of slow tourism. As an old Austrian folk song says: “There is no land more beautiful in our time…” — and few places embody these words as perfectly as the Salzkammergut.
A journey to remember, pedal stroke after pedal stroke.
The daily program of the 8-day tour
Individual arrival at your hotel. Upon check-in, you will receive all cycling tour documents directly at the reception, if no personal briefing has been scheduled.
The rental bicycles, if booked, will be delivered to the hotel and will be ready for use.
Overnight stay and breakfast in Abersee/Wolfgangsee
This morning you will follow the scenic cycling path along the lakeshore, riding through the charming village of St. Gilgen, known as Mozart’s village, and continuing on to Lake Mondsee. Parts of today’s route follow the old railway line, leading you directly towards Salzburg.
The cycling tour ends with a pleasant 10 km downhill ride, offering wonderful open views of the mountains surrounding the city. As the stage is not very long, there is plenty of time to explore Salzburg at a relaxed pace.
A walk through the UNESCO-listed old town takes you past the impressive baroque cathedral, the famous Salzburg Glockenspiel with its 35 bells (played daily), and up to the commanding Hohensalzburg Fortress, well worth a visit. Don’t miss Mozart’s birthplace. To end the day, enjoy a drink on one of the terraces overlooking the elegant Residenzplatz.
Alternative: cycling tour from Mondsee to Oberhofen, followed by a train journey to Salzburg.
Overnight stay and breakfast in Salzburg
Distance: 49 km / 30,4 mi
Min. height 440m – max height 640m
Taking the train from Salzburg, you will reach Oberhofen, the starting point of today’s cycling tour. The ride first leads you along the romantic Lake Irrsee, before arriving at the famous town of Mondsee, known as the location of the wedding scene in The Sound of Music.
Continuing along the cycling path by Lake Mondsee, you will reach the Attergau region or Lake Attersee. This area offers a glimpse of the countryside slightly off the main tourist trail, with green meadows and well-tended gardens, perfect for experiencing the authentic rural charm of Austria.
Overnight stay and breakfast in St. Georgen
Distance: 49 km / 30,4 mi
Min. height 480m – max height 580m
Today, you will follow the scenic road along Lake Attersee, cycling towards the next stunning lake, Traunsee. Take time to enjoy the charming lakeside town of Gmunden, dominated by the impressive Orth Castle, located directly on the lake. The castle is connected to the shore by a 123-meter-long wooden bridge and is one of the oldest and most iconic buildings in the Salzkammergut.
Continuing along the shores of Lake Traunsee, you will pass the historic village of Traunkirchen before reaching Ebensee, where today’s stage ends.
Overnight stay and breakfast in Traunkirchen or Ebensee
Distance: 45 km / 28 mi
Min. height 420m – max height 660m
Today, you will cycle along the Traun River to the historic imperial town of Bad Ischl. Here, you can visit the magnificent Emperor’s Villa and taste the delights of the famous Zauner pastry shop.
In the afternoon, you will continue following the Traun River along the historic Salt Trail, a route that highlights the importance of salt, historically a valuable resource and key economic driver in the Salzkammergut. The day ends in the picturesque village of Bad Goisern, also renowned for its traditional craftsmanship.
Overnight stay and breakfast in Bad Goisern / Hallstatt
Distance: 30/40 km – 18,6/24,8 mi
Min. height 440m – max height 560m
Today, you will take the train to Tauplitz, a wide valley flanked by majestic mountain ranges. From here, you can cycle through green meadows and alpine pastures, fully immersed in unspoiled nature.
Depending on your fitness level, you can either cross a small mountain pass to reach Lake Grundlsee, or follow the riverside cycling path to Bad Aussee. The final stretch runs along the river, passing through the beautiful Koppenvalley Nature Reserve.
If the train is not running, you can cycle directly to Hallstatt for the return journey.
Overnight stay and breakfast in Bad Goisern / Hallstatt
Distance: 45/55 km – 28/34 mi
Min. height 500m – max height 850m
Today, you will cross Lake Hallstatt on a scenic ferry, then follow the beautiful lakeside cycling path.
You will continue along the Traun River to the historic town of Bad Ischl. Afterwards, cycling along the ancient Roman road, you will reach the picturesque Lake Wolfgangsee, surrounded by breathtaking mountain and lake scenery.
Overnight stay and breakfast in Abersee / Strobl / St. Wolfgang
Distance: 30/40 km – 18,6/24,8 mi
Min. height 460m – max height 620m
Breakfast and end of our services. You will have the option to book additional nights to extend your stay and continue enjoying the beauty of the region.
Impressions of the Salzkammergut
Abersee-Salzburg-St.Georgen-Traunkirchen-Ebensee-Hallstatt-Abersee
LEVEL 2
You cycle through a landscape of rolling hills. This generally not-too-difficult route with short daily distances makes it an ideal tour for leisure cyclists,… but some cycling experience is required, as there are several not-too-severe climbs to tackle, especially between the lakes. Most of the cycling is on cycle paths and quiet country roads. Average physical fitness is required.
Average daily distances: 40 km – 24,8 mi
Total km: minimum 247 km / 153,4 mi or maximum 278 km / 172,7 mi
DEPARTURES:
Daily from 24 April until 18 October 2026
PARTICIPANTS:
2 or more people (solo traveller on request)
START / FINISH:
Abersee-St.Wolgang / Abersee – St.Wolfgang
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