Austria's Ten Lakes Cycle in Comfort

Austria's Ten Lakes Cycle in Comfort

29 Views
8 Days From

$2390

Austria's Ten Lakes Cycle in Comfort

8 Days Starting and ending in Salzburg

Visiting: Salzburg, Mondsee, Gmunden, Hallstatt, Lake Wolfgangsee

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

ALC

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

moderate

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Active

From: $2390

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

The Austrian Lakes region of Salzkammergut is one of the most delightful and charming regions in all of Europe. Made famous by the film, the Sound of Music, its breathtaking landscapes feature postcard perfect alpine lakes, high rolling mountains, verdant green meadows and scenic valleys. If you have the opportunity to slow down and experience this spectacular region by bike - do it. On this one week self guided cycling trip in Austria you will pedal at your own pace between ten glistening lakes, including classics like Lake Attersee, Mondsee and Wolfgangsee. Beginning in Mozart's home town of Salzburg, where there is time to explore this enchanting city, you'll soon be immersed in an alpine wonderland as you cycle through Salzburg's stunning alpine foothills en route to the many picturesque lakeside towns including the beautiful UNESCO listed village of Hallstatt before returning to Salzburg. Overnight stay in charming hotels set in the heart of the historic town centres or on the lakeshore, specially handpicked for their fine cuisine, local character and friendly service.

Highlights

  • Cycling through the Salzkammergut region with incredible views

  • Exploring the enchanting city Salzburg

  • Discovering beautiful lakeside towns of Hallstat, Bad Goisern and Bad Ischl

  • Enjoying the cuisine and kind hospitality of family run hotels

  • Staying in comfortable hotels

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive Salzburg

Location: Salzburg

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Check into the hotel where you will have a welcome briefing and bike fitting. The remainder of the day is free to explore the city. The attractions are aplenty and you should spend some time visiting the castle, the square or enjoying a beer in one of the monastery breweries.

Day 2 : Cycle To Lake Mondsee (40Km/25Mi)

Location: Mondsee

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Mondsee

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you will cycle along the Salzach and then along the disused Ischler railway line en route to Eugendorf. You will then 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 town with the same name, which is well-known - and not just because of the Sound of Music! Overnight Mondsee.

Day 3 : Cycle Via Gmunden To Traunkirchen On Lake Traunsee, Partly By Boat In Jul And Aug (50-70Km/31-43.5Mi)

Location: Gmunden

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Traunkirchen

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you will cycle along the shore of Lake Mondsee until you get to Lake Attersee. This is the largest lake in Salzkammergut and is well-known due to its deep-green During the months of July and August part of the route will be by boat, otherwise you will travel by bike along the lakeside, heading towards Weyregg and then through Aurachtal past Lake Traunsee to Gmunden, with its famous palace and the ceramic bells in the town hall tower. From Gmunden you only have a few more kilometres until you get to Traunkirchen, where you will stay overnight.

Day 4 : Cycle Along The River Traun Via The Health Resort Of Bad Goisern To The Delightful Village Of Hallstatt (45Km/28Mi)

Location: Hallstatt

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Hallstatt

Meals Included: Breakfast

The cycle route takes you along the edge of Lake Traunsee until you get to the salt town of Ebensee. From here you will continue to cycle along the river Traun until you get to Bad Ischl with its imperial past. Once you have cycled through the health resort town of Bad Goisern, you will arrive at Lake Hallstatt. The scenery here is spectacular so be sure to enjoy the view as you cycle along the lake to the “loveliest lakeside town in the world” – Hallstatt. You will stay overnight in the centre of the village.

Day 5 : Cycle To Lake Wolfgangsee (40Km/25Mi)

Location: Lake Wolfgangsee

Accommodation Name: Hotel near Lake Wolfgangsee

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you head back along the river Traun until you get to Bad Ischl. You should definitely stop in the famous Café Zauner where you can try the sweet specialities (included in the trip cost). Emperor Franz Josef and Sissi both enjoyed the Gugelhupf cake here. Fuelled up, you will continue cycling along Lake Wolfgang, soaking up the delightful atmosphere until you reach your accommodation for the next two nights.

Day 6 : Rest Day To Visit Mt Schafberg Or Relax By The Lake

Location: Lake Wolfgangsee

Accommodation Name: Hotel near Lake Wolfgangsee

Meals Included: Breakfast

There are so many options today for an active day by Austria’s most famous lake. We recommend taking the cog railway up to the top of Mount Schafberg (1782m/5846ft). If you do wish to take the cog railway, you will need to arrange this yourself. From the top you get a beautiful view of the surrounding area. Another option is a boat ride on the lake (also organised by yourself). You could also spend the day swimming in the crystal clear water of Lake Wolfgangsee.

Day 7 : By Bike To Salzburg (50-70Km/31-43.5Mi)

Location: Salzburg

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Salzburg

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you will cycle along the the bike path, following the lake, to St. Gilgen and on to the deep blue Fuschlsee. Continue cycling 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.

Day 8 : Trip Concludes

Meals Included: Breakfast

The trip concludes after breakfast.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    7 nights 4 star hotels/ spa hotels

  • 7 breakfasts

    Enjoy 7 breakfasts during your stay.

  • 7 nights 4 star hotels/spa hotels

    Stay in 4-star hotels or spa hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities for 7 nights.

  • Bicycle rental

    Bicycle rental includes a 21 or 7 speed bike with pannier and bicycle insurance for theft/damage. A 27 speed superior bike and e-bike are available for a supplement.

  • Digital information pack

    Receive a digital information pack including a smartphone app with maps and useful information.

  • Luggage transfer

    Luggage transfer is included during the tour.

  • Welcome briefing

    Attend a welcome briefing at the start of the tour.

  • Boat excursion on Lake Attersee

    A boat excursion on Lake Attersee is included during July and August.

  • Zaunerstollen and coffee

    Enjoy 1 Zaunerstollen and a coffee per person in the famous Cafe Zauner.

  • Emergency hotline

    Access to an emergency hotline is provided during the tour.

What's Not Included

  • Travel to and from Salzburg

    Travel to and from Salzburg is not included.

  • Meals not listed as included

    Lunch and dinner daily and beverages are not included.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is mandatory and not included.

  • Helmet

    Helmets are not available for rent; please bring your own well-fitted helmet.

  • Tour guide

    This is a self-guided trip, and a tour guide is not included.

  • Solo traveler supplement

    A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.

  • Entrance fees

    Entrance fees not listed as included are excluded.

  • Transfers not included in the program

    Transfers not included in the program are excluded.

  • Handlebar phone holder

    We recommend bringing a handlebar phone holder to follow the route more easily using the app.

  • Storage of luggage and parking

    Storage of luggage and parking are not included.

  • Tourist tax

    Tourist tax is not included.

  • Items of a personal nature

    Items of a personal nature such as telephone calls, souvenirs, and laundry are not included.

  • Paper documents on arrival

    Paper documents on arrival are not included unless requested at the time of booking.

Grading

GRADE 3 - daily distances cycled each day are between 40 and 70km (25 and 43.5mi). On the banks of the Lakes and while on the River Salzach the paths will be flat. Otherwise, the cycling is over mostly hilly terrain. Around one third of the route cycled in on dedicated cycling paths, and the majority of the rest is cycled on field and forest paths, farm roads and little used backroads. Only some short sections have to be cycled on roads with more traffic. We recommend pre-trip training involving cycling on light to medium traffic roads to ensure you are comfortable cycling through towns.

Accommodation

Enjoy 7 nights in 4-star hotels and spa hotels in Austria. Note that twin rooms may have one or two mattresses on the same bed frame with separate duvets, and beds may not be separable due to room constraints.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 7 nights in 4-star hotels or spa hotels. In Austria, a twin room may not always have two separate beds; often, it consists of one or two mattresses on the same bed frame with separate duvets.

  • Is there a boat excursion included in the tour?

    Yes, a boat excursion on Lake Attersee is included during the months of July and August.

  • What kind of bicycles are available for the tour?

    The tour provides a 21 or 7-speed bicycle with a pannier and bicycle insurance for theft or damage. A 27-speed superior bike and e-bike are also available for an additional supplement.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    The tour includes 7 breakfasts. Lunch and dinner are not included and need to be arranged separately.

  • Is there a guide provided during the tour?

    No, this is a self-guided trip, so there is no tour guide provided.

  • What should I bring for the cycling tour?

    You should bring your own well-fitted helmet as it is not available for rent. It is also recommended to bring a handlebar phone holder to follow the route more easily using the app.

  • What is the difficulty level of the cycling tour?

    The tour is graded as level 3, with daily cycling distances between 40 and 70 km (25 and 43.5 miles). The terrain is mostly hilly, with some flat paths along the lakes and river Salzach. Pre-trip training on light to medium traffic roads is recommended.

  • What happens on the rest day by Lake Wolfgangsee?

    On the rest day, you have options to take the cog railway up to Mount Schafberg, enjoy a boat ride on the lake, or spend the day swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wolfgangsee.

  • How fit do I have to be?

    Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.

  • What happens if something goes wrong?

    On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.

  • I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?

    Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.

Reviews of this operator

Katharine McLennan (Google Reviewer)  

UTracks is awesome. My...

13-Jun-2024

UTracks is awesome. My Assisi trip was one of the most beautiful trips I have taken in my 56 years. I wanted to walk by myself, and Utracks teamed up with a local Italian travel company to do everything for me—book the hotels and move my bags from hotel to hotel as I walked the track. The app was AMAZING. It showed the daily itinerary, and the interactive map told me metre by metre where I needed to go and whether I was on track or not. It was far more accurate than Google Maps, and I loved all the commentary on what to look for and what not to. The places I stayed were known as "agriturismo places." They are hosted by families on working farms. Those gorgeous families had farms and accommodations that sometimes dated back to 800!!! But all of them had done a fantastic job updating them to be modern, beautiful rooms. I loved how warm the hosts were and how much they appreciated my stay. There were seldom more than 5 people staying each night. The walk was fabulous -- and incredibly well-researched and noted. I was often the only one on the trails, but I always felt safe and looked after by UTracks in their 24-hour cover. I never had to use it - but as a single woman walking on her own through the Italian hills -- it is great to know that people know where I am. The preparation pack sent to me was also incredibly organised with equipment lists, hotel directions-- with all the contacts, and the contacts of the lovely fellow who would be taking my bag from place to place. He was fantastic -- and I also felt supported by him if things were to go wrong. I will definitely be working with Utracks again and can't wait to plan my next adventure.

Kate (Google Reviewer)  

Wonderful experience in Turkey hiking...

31-Oct-2024

Wonderful experience in Turkey hiking the Lycian way. It was unhurried, with beautiful scenes and access to nature. The accommodation was excellent with (truly) amazing home cooked Turkish food throughout. We felt a lot calmer, fitter and healthier afterwards.

Addy K (Google Reviewer)  

Great hike to sample some...

04-Oct-2023

Great hike to sample some of the best locations along the Tour Du Mont Blanc. Our guide Sara was great at maintaining pace and knew the route very well. The scenery was amazing especially the tall mountains close to our accomodation. The accomodation provided great 3 course dinners, and we got to sample French, Swiss and Italian food. This is not an easy hike, but as long as you are able to do 1000 mtr elevation gain hikes, this is thoroughly enjoyable.

Mike Burke (Google Reviewer)  

UTracks did everything they promised,...

23-Oct-2024

UTracks did everything they promised, but it is what they did above & beyond that stands them apart. We were caught in the fires in Portugal & they arranged transport to get us out of danger, changed hotel bookings to accommodate the new circumstances & made us feel very safe. We were more than impressed with the level of communication & service. I won't be looking anywhere else when I book my next trip.

Lisa Kibeiks (Google Reviewer)  

Fantastic trip! Well organised and...

18-Oct-2024

Fantastic trip! Well organised and everything went smoothly. Would probably split the two big 30+ days if I were to have my time again. The heat adds another level of difficulty. Accommodations were all different but all clean and welcoming. Meals were varied as we walked into different regions the food changed to what was local. We never had a bad meal or a bad stay anywhere. Highly recommend this trip through France. A nice quiet Camino compared to the Frances but far more challenging. Very enjoyable.

Patrick Shum (Google Reviewer)  

Hassle free self guided tour...

26-Jul-2023

Hassle free self guided tour around the most scenic Austrian hills and lakes. All our heavy baggage taken care of from hotel to hotel. Hiking not difficult at all, instructions are v clear. I recommend use online GPS map. In case someone want to shorten the walking, various options (bus / boat) provided.

Amanda Liddell (Google Reviewer)  

300km in 12 days from...

15-Jun-2023

300km in 12 days from Porto to Santiago de Compostela where a Cathedral stands as the most beautiful ‘Welcome’ imaginable. The accomodation arranged by UTRACKS was consistently excellent & the ease of only having to worry about carrying your backpack and what you’ll have for lunch is perfect. Yes, most days at breakfast you can make up your own bread roll and filling. Notes and directions were included but once you arrive in Spain you just need to look for the ‘shell’ and ‘yellow arrow’ to find your ‘way’. I am 67 years old & consciously chose to walk alone however I met some fabulous people along the way and finally had hours on end with ‘no headchatter’. There’s healing which catches you unaware & makes every step very worthwhile.

Cathy Eaton (Google Reviewer)  

UTracks “Footsteps of Dali” is...

07-Nov-2024

UTracks “Footsteps of Dali” is a predominantly coastal walk from the very lovely French town Collioure to Cadeques in Spain. There are 2 routes to choose each day and each have different elevation and distance. On day 5 (the 4th day of walking) there is an option to climb up to a monastery. Try not to do this on the only day it is closed (as we did) - Monday. In my opinion the day between Cerbere and Llanca was the best - really pretty coastal scenery and included some rock hopping around the sea edge. The hotels were all family run and comfortable but usually a bit out of the centre. The luggage transfers worked well. (We didn’t have supplied luggage labels and so used sticky sports tape each day to label the next hotel name). Breakfasts were all excellent, dinners varied a bit - but they were adequate. I thought the trip was good value. The trails were not crowded and I recommend October as a good time for this hike. There is little shade so it would be extremely hot at the peak of summer.

Ian Freestone (Google Reviewer)  

Recently two trips with utracks....

26-Aug-2024

Recently two trips with utracks. Mont Blanc self-guided and Austrian hike-bike. In summary, the experience is only as good as the local partner. In Austria, Helmut was amazing! Met with us prior - went over every detail of the trip, answered his phone if we had a concern. Mont Blanc, the partner would only communicate by text, did not meet us on arrival, and would not return calls even when we had an emergency. Other concerns we raised with utracks staff were not responded to adequately leaving the feeling that they had our money, job done.

Amanda Fairley (Google Reviewer)  

Self-guided Hadrian’s Wall Walk. The local...

24-Sep-2024

Self-guided Hadrian’s Wall Walk. The local agent’s documentation needs immediate updating to include current accommodation used and their locations. I also had to uncover (it was not proactively disclosed to me) a double up in accommodation location booking (same town over two nights but different accommodation 160 metres apart) by the same local agent which resulted in me having to walk two days of distance in one day, back track for accommodation on the second night and be charged for a 160m bag transfer! UTracks did apologise and the local agent covered my dinner one night as compensation, but the situation would not have happened if either UTracks or their local agent had reviewed their itinerary which would have called out quite loudly to them the messy issue, before finalising it and providing it to me. I was later contacted by UTracks to acknowledge my post trip feedback, but stating that both UTracks and their local agent had been in contact with me THROUGHOUT my walk. To be clear - I had one phone call initiated by UTracks after I had identified the issues and emailed them, and the only contact with the local agent were two emails and one phone call that I initiated to inform them of the issues they created, that I had to uncover. I wouldn’t describe that as anyone from UTracks or their local agent being in contact with me throughout my trip. It is important to not over state the service or support that people provide to a client.

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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