Charming Austrian Lakes Ride, 8 days

Charming Austrian Lakes Ride, 8 days

You, your bike and in front of you a glittering blue lake. How does that sound? Explore five lakes in the beautiful Salzkammergut during your cycling journey there. The Salzkammergut: the pearl of Upper Austria and a patchwork of lakes. An ideal place to unwind as you cycle through the rolling hills, through meadows and moorland.

From Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, travel on to the Mondsee, Attersee and Traunsee and then to Lake Wolfgang and Lake Hallstatt. The rolling hills of the Salzburg Alpine foothills will enchant. In the imperial town of Bad Ischl, a world full of royal history awaits you including the imperial villa, where Sisi and Franz (beloved Austrian Empress and Emperor in the 1800s) celebrated their engagement. A living coffee house culture and a host of boutiques selling traditional clothing, or ‘Tracht’ await you. Enjoy active relaxation alongside astounding natural beauty!

Duration: 8 days

Cycling Season: Saturday and Sunday departures from April to October

You need to have a spirit for adventure, independence and self-management on this self-guided trip.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Salzburg

Welcome to Austria! Make your own way to Salzburg. After your welcome briefing and bike fitting, perhaps take a stroll through the famous Getreidegasse and across the impressive Residenzplatz.

Meal: Nil

Stay: Local 3* – 4* accommodation

Day 2 Salzburg – Lake Mondsee

Today you will cycle along the Salzach and then along the disused Ischler railway route until you get to Eugendorf. Cycle across lush meadows on the cycle path to Thalgau and the foot of the Drachenwand, an impressive rock massif that stretches all the way to lake Mondsee. The lake side cycle path will then lead you into the centre of the same named town, which is well-known – and not only because of the Sound of Music!

Meal: Breakfast

Stay: Local 3* – 4* accommodation

Cycling Distance: 40 KM

Day 3 Lake Mondsee – Lake Attersee – Lake Traunsee

Cycle along lake Mondsee’s shore until you get to Lake Attersee. This is the largest lake in Salzkammergut and is not only well-known due to its deep-green colour. Many celebrities from near and far live by this lake in magnificent estates.

Cycling along the lakeside, you will head to Weyregg and then through Aurachtal past Lake Traunsee to Gmunden with its famous palace and the ceramic bells in the town hall tower. You only have a few more kilometres until you get to Traunkirchen, where you will be staying overnight.

Meal: Breakfast

Stay: Local 3* – 4* accommodation

Cycling Distance: 50 KM or 70 KM

Day 4 Lake Traunsee – Lake Hallstatt

The bike path takes you along the edge of Lake Traunsee until you get to the saline town of Ebensee. From here you will cycle along the river Traun until you get to Bad Ischl with its Imperial past. Once you have crossed the health resort of Bad Goisern, you will finally get to Lake Hallstatt. Impressed by the amazing scenery, cycle along the lake to the “loveliest lakeside town in the world” – Hallstatt. Stay overnight in the centre of the village.

Meal: Breakfast

Stay: Local 3* – 4* accommodation

Cycling Distance: 45 KM

Day 5 Lake Hallstatt– Lake Wolfgangsee

Today, head back along the river Traun until you get to Bad Ischl. You should go to the famous Café Zauner where you can try the sweet specialities (included in the price). Emperor Franz Josef and Sissi have both enjoyed a Gugelhupf cake here. Fuelled up, continue cycling along Lake Wolfgang and you will enjoy the atmosphere around your famous hotel, the “weißen Rössl”.

Meal: Breakfast

Stay: Local 3* – 4* accommodation

Cycling Distance: 40 KM

Day 6 Rest day by Lake Wolfgangsee

You have a wide array of possible activities for an active day by Austria’s most famous lake. We recommend the journey with the cog railway up to the top of mount Schafberg (1,782m). From the top you get a beautiful view of the surrounding area. Another option is a boat ride. A day swimming in the crystal-clear water of Lake Wolfgangsee is an alternative way to have an active rest day.

Meal: Breakfast

Stay: Local 3* – 4* accommodation

Day 7 Lake Wolfgangsee – Salzburg

Today cycle along the bike path to St. Gilgen along the edge of the lake. From there you have an hour walk in the Tiefbrunnau (your bike will be transported in the meantime). Afterwards, get back on your bike and cycle to Lake Hintersee and through the Strubklamm gorge into the Wiestal valley.

The ride through the Glasenbachklamm gorge is impressive and will bring you to the Salzachtal valley. Just before Salzburg, a diversion to Schloss Hellbrunn is well worth it. Your destination is the festival and Mozart town of Salzburg with its many tourist attractions.

Meal: Breakfast

Stay: Local 3* – 4* accommodation

Cycling Distance: 50 KM + hike

Day 8 Depart Salzburg

Today marks the end of your cycling journey. Make your onward journey home.

Meal: Breakfast

Inclusions

~ 7 nights accommodation at local hotels;

~ 7 buffet breakfasts;

~ bike rental with bike insurance (option for e-bike available);

~ luggage transfer between accommodation;

~ bike transfer into the Tiefbrunnau/opportunity for limited number of persons to get a lift;

~ 1 Zaunerstollen and a coffee per person in the famous Cafe Zauner;

~ detailed cycling route map;

~ GPS-data available;

~ service hotline.

Exclusions

~ air travel to Austria;

~ transportation to and from Salzburg;

~ tourist visa to Austria (if applicable);

~ travel insurance;

~ provision of helmet;

~ hotel tourism tax;

~ expenses of personal nature.

Important Notes

~ A deposit of 20% if required at the time of booking. Balance payment will be collected 60 days prior to departure.

~ This trip is self-guided and requires just minimum 1 traveller to depart.

~ Should you require a visa to enter Austria, it is your responsibility to obtain such document before departure.

~ Please only book your air ticket to Austria when you have been informed to do so.

~ Trip grading is an indication of the difficulty of the activities included. Preparation and engaging in regular exercise to maintain good physical condition and active lifestyle prior to the trip will be most beneficial in ensuring you have full enjoyment of the trip. We are glad to discuss your concerns and answer your queries.

~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the cyclists. Therefore inclusion of the itinerary may be altered due to (not limited to) bad weather, local conditions, accommodation book out, the skill levels of the cyclists and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to make changes necessary and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue with the trip.

~ Because cycling requires a certain level of cardio and stamina exertion, it is not suitable for cyclists with chronic and/or acute disease. Please consider your physical condition before booking. Cyclists must ensure they are medically and physically able to cycle.

~ If cyclist presents difficulty in completing the ride of the day, we strongly discourage the cyclist from continuing for the day with top priority on the safety of the cyclist (and travel companions) in mind. The cyclist can fast track to the next accommodation making use of public transportation (where available) or booking private transfer at cyclist’s own expense. Cyclists can use mobile applications such as Google Search, Google Map, etc. to source for fast-track options.

~ Cyclist may choose to terminate the ride early during any time of the planned cycling day or make it a rest day, and fast track to the next accommodation by making use of public transportation (where available) or booking private transfer at cyclist’s own expense. Should the cyclist wish to partake in other activities or sightseeing on the rest day, it will be at the cyclist’s own expense. Cyclists can use mobile applications such as Google Search, Google Map, etc. to source for fast-track options.

~ There is no refund for uncompleted cycling distances or missed inclusions.

~ Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See HERE for details.

~ By making a payment to Travel Wander LLP, you (and on behalf of the rest of travelling companions) acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to Travel Wander’s Booking Conditions and Other Important Information: Cancellation and Amendment, Modes of Payment, Privacy Policy, Indemnity Policy, and Terms & Conditions.