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This cycling holiday leads you through some of Austria’s most impressive alpine scenery. Along the way you’ll see picture-perfect alpine villages, serene mountain lakes, glistening glaciers, tumbling waterfalls and cavernous gorges.
This could almost be called the highlights of Austria tour. You start and finish in the charming city of Salzburg, famous with many for being the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart while for others it is inextricably linked with one of the most popular musicals ever made, The Sound of Music.
The pretty village of Lofer
Leaving the city you follow a riverside cycle path into a world of lush meadows, mountain streams and towering peaks - you are actually following the famous Alpe-Adria Cycle Path for the first day and a half of this route. The Kitzstenhorn glacier above the pretty village of Kaprun is an awe inspiring sight as are the thundering waterfalls near Krimml. Stunning views and fresh mountain air are constants throughout the trip and each evening will be spent in cosy, idyllic alpine villages.
The route is mostly along bike paths and quiet roads. Other than a couple of short, steep climbs the whole the route is reasonably level and well within the abilities of most leisure cyclists.
The route is mostly along bike paths and quiet roads. There is one notable 2.5 km climb to contend with on day 3 but otherwise the route is only gently undulating
On arrival in Salzburg make your way to your hotel. After check-in you’re free to explore the city of Mozart. As well as being the great composer’s birthplace, Salzburg has plenty to offer. You shouldn’t miss the imposing Hohensalzburg Castle and Mirabell Palace, but we also highly recommend simply sitting in a traditional café and enjoying a coffee and indulgent pastry whilst absorbing the atmosphere of this lovely old town.
After leaving Salzburg you will follow a lovely cycle path beside the Salzach river to the beautiful old salt-mining town of Hallein. You'll actually be following the famous Alpe Adria Cycle Path for the first day and half of this route so you will doubtless encounter other cyclists as you head south. In the village of Gölling we recommend investing in the short hike to admire the nearby waterfall. A little further on you may also wish to stop and visit the nearby ice caves that stretch for 40 km below the mountains. The ancient hilltop castle at Werfen is quite a sight and the pretty nearby village of Werfen is also a good place to stop for refreshments. After a few more kilometres on pleasant bike paths through stunning alpine scenery you’ll stop for the night in St. Johann im Pongau, a bustling little town with plenty of cafés, bars and restaurants.
Today you continue south along the Salzach valley, following the Alpe Adria Cycle path - the alpine scenery is breathtaking from the first turn of the pedal to that last. Near the village of Alpendorf you may be tempted to make a short detour to visit the Liechtensteinklamm, a deep and narrow gorge through which a wooden walkway has been constructed for safe viewing. Shortly after the village of Schwarzach you follow a scenic country lane uphill for about 2.5 km, it is quite steep in places so take your time and stop for a rest if necessary. Once you reach the more level high country lane the views are sensational and you pedal past past traditional old farmhouses and peaceful little hamlets. After a while the lane returns to the valley floor and leads you along a wide fertile valley to the pretty village of Bruck which sits at the base of Austria’s highest mountain – the Großglockner (3798m). From here it is not far to the charming village of Kaprun where you will spend the next two nights
After breakfast you take the train with your bike to Krimml, 50 kms to the west. From the station at Krimml it is a short 3 km ride up to the head of the valley to the Krimml Waterfalls, the highest falls in Europe. If you wish you can the waterfall trail on foot to get incredibly close to the plunging falls (various options, payable locally). After your visit, set off on your bike back to Kaprun, following a lovely bike trail through the lush meadows and stunning high-alpine scenery of the Hohe Tauern National Park. You spend you second night in the village of Kaprun, close to the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier.
After breakfast you begin your return journey towards Salzburg. After a few kilometres you will reach the stunning resort town of Zell am See which enjoys an idyllic location on the shores of the Zeller Lake. The bike path leads you along the lake shore offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains reflected in the still lake. You then follow the Saalaach valley northwards to the charming little village of Maria Alm, a good place for a coffee break. After more pleasant kilometres cycling along the along the wide scenic valley you arrive in the picture-perfect village of Lofer surrounded by high granite peaks. If you have any remaining energy take the cable car up to the Loderbichl for some amazing views of the surrounding area. Overnight in Lofer
Your final ride continues to follow the Saalach river which is now quite boisterous with rapids and fast flowing sections that attract daring kayakers. The tranquil Saalach valley provides more idyllic and serene alpine cycling. After a while you actually cross briefly into Germany and cycle through the Deautsche Eck (German corner) where you can visit Bad Reichenhall, a spa town with a distinct Bavarian flair. A short distance further on you arrive back in Salzburg, the perfect place to toast and celebrate completing your alpine cycling adventure.
After breakfast its time to check-out and head for your home or next adventure.
On this tour you can choose between a regular bike, a regular Plus bike, a gravel bike or an electric bike.
Regular bikes provided are modern alloy framed models with 21 speeds. The bikes come equipped with pannier, lock and a repair kit with pump. Water bottle holders are not provided. Minimum height: 148cm. If you wish to have a male specific bike with crossbar, the minimum height is 165cm.
The regular Plus bike offers a step up in terms of components (hydraulic Magura brakes HS 11, Shimano Deore XT) and the crossbar frame provides a more sporty riding position. High quality, suntour suspension forks ensure a comfortable ride on these bikes. The bikes come equipped with pannier, lock and a repair kit with pump. Water bottle holders are not provided. Minimum height: 155cm.
The gravel bike will suit keen cyclists who are used to riding a road bike and appreciate a sporty riding position. At 12kg they are the lightest bikes offered on this tour. Wide tyres, a solid carbon fork, hydraulic disk brakes and a GRX rear derailleur with 20 gears ensure safety and comfort on your bike tour. These bikes come equipped with pannier, lock, repair kit and pump. Minimum height: 155cm.
Electric bikes with unisex frame are also available. Minimum height: 148cm
Adult helmets are available to buy at the time of booking the trip. Sizes: XXS-M (52-57 cm) or S-L (56-60cm) only. However, we do always suggest you bring your own.
Below you will find examples of the types of accommodation typically used on this tour. Please note that the hotels we book for you may differ slightly from those described but they will certainly be of a similar standard.
Comfort: Comfortable 3 hotels, inns and guesthouses.
Salzburg: Ganslhof
St Johann im Pongau: Hubertus
Kaprun: Martini
Lofer: Bad Hochmoos
Superior: Good quality 3 and 4 star hotels
Salzburg: Zum Hirschen
St. Johann im Pongau: Brückenwirt
Zell am See: Zum Hirschen
Lofer: Hotel Zum Schweizer
Local taxes
Some hotels have started to charge a local/tourist tax. These taxes are not included in the sale price of the tour and must be paid directly by you at check-in or checkout at the hotels. This fee varies and is ever changing but as a guide, you may be asked to pay between €1-€4 per person per night.
Fly to Salzburg airport and then take the regular public bus into the city. Alternatively you can also fly to Munich airport, followed by a commuter train to Munich’s main station and then an intercity to Salzburg – total journey time approx 2.5 hours.
Research flights from the UK here.
Research train times here.
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