Austria: Vienna to Salzburg Bike Tour

Seven nights; seven days of easy to moderate cycling throughout Styria and the Austrian Lake District, with a day of spectacular hiking at Katrin Alm. Journey on paved bike paths and quiet roads through fairy tale forests and alongside rivers, lakes, and subalpine pastures.

“We found wonderful small and quaint cafés everyday for our morning coffee breaks…our trip was an outstanding experience!” - Jim L. & Dana D.

WHY THIS TRIP?

• Ride through Austria on a mix of smooth bike paths and rustic trails, immersing yourself in stunning, ever-changing landscapes.
• End in magical Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace, where baroque architecture and dramatic alpine views create an unforgettable finale.
• Peruse the shelves at the stunning Admont Abbey Library, a Baroque treasure trove filled with centuries-old manuscripts and captivating art.
• Venture into Gesäuse National Park, with its soaring cliffs, lush forests, and the powerful Enns River carved through the landscape.
• Discover UNESCO World Heritage Site Hallstatt, a storybook village by the lake, known for ancient salt mines and charming, pastel-colored houses.
• Unwind in Austria’s beloved spa town of Bad Ischl, an important spa resort of Imperial Austria.
• Access the panoramic views of the Salzkammergut alpine trails, reached via a ride on the Katrin cable car.
• Pedal through Wolfgangsee and St. Wolfgang village, where legends and a fairytale abbey await by the lakeside.

ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:

Click here to learn about our difficulty rating system.

40-70 km daily on predominantly paved bike paths and secondary roads with light traffic. Easy to moderate riding including a few rolling hills throughout the route.

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Daily Distance:

• 1: Meet in Vienna; transfer to Mariazell; cycle Hubertussee Loop ~21km (+353m / -353m).
• 2: Mariazell to Wildalpen ~44 km (+576m / -843m).
• 3: Wildalpen to Admont ~62km (+894m / -863m).
• 4: Admont to Tauplitz ~49km (+480m / -222m).
• 5: Tauplitz to Bad Ischl ~72km (+713m / -1145m).
• 6: Bad Ischl Loop ~64km (+819m / -819m), or optional hike (1-4 h).
• 7: Bad Ischl to Salzburg ~72km (+724m / -742m).
• 8: Farewells.

(Click image to enlarge)

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Activity Levels

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To help you choose an appropriate level of daily challenge, we use elevation profiles to represent the route, and a challenge-rating system using symbols from the skiing world. Many of you will already be familiar with it; If not, here is a brief explanation. Note that these classifications may vary with weather and/or road conditions, and you should always arrive with a sense of fun and adventure. If you are unsure, choose a guided trip. The vehicle support can help you get over any hill, and can turn even the most difficult trip into an easy one.

 

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The easiest routes we offer, these are generally flat and cover relatively relaxed distances. You will be comfortable riding a hybrid bike, walking in sneakers, or paddling a light kayak, and will normally have time to take many photos and enjoy extended lunches.

 

This is primarily an easy route, but some days may fall into the moderate category. You can expect time to stop and smell the roses, but some of the rides may be on more hilly terrain.

 

Requiring moderate fitness levels, these cover terrain with hills and valleys, and tend to include distances of 50-80km (30-50mi.)/day cycling, or 3-6 hours of walking per day. Most Freewheeling Adventures fall into this category, and are suitable for most ability levels.

 

This is primarily a moderate route, suitable for most ability levels, but some days may be a little more challenging. You can expect some long distances, and/or some big climbs/descents.

 

The most challenging trips, these include longer distances, bigger hills, long hikes, exposed paddling, and full days of activity. We recommend a higher degree of fitness and training to make the most of the experience.

 

There is also a rare double black diamond, reserved for only the most difficult adventures.

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