Day 1: Salzburg – Individual arrival

Use the extra time for a stroll through the picturesque old part of this cultural and fascinating city.

Day 2: Salzburg – Lake Attersee – 60 km / 38 miles

Along the old railway-line Ischler, you will cycle to the Mondsee and soon reach the slightly rolling hills of the Attergau and the Attersee, a popular recreation area that is favoured by most locals and guests alike.

Day 3: Lake Attersee – Traunsee – 50 km / 31 miles +boat

Today you will pass through the romantic valley of Weißenbachtal and reach the banks of Lake Traunsee. Then transfer by boat or train to Gmunden, which is the former imperial capital city of salt

Day 4: Traunsee – Lambach – 30 km / 19 miles + train ride from Lambach to Linz

This cycling stretch leads you through the villages of Laakirchen and Steyrermühl on to Lambach. In Lambach take train to the state capital of Upper Austria and Culture Capital of Europe 2009, Linz.

Day 5: Linz – Strudengau – 60 km / 38 miles

Enjoy the day with a visit to the monastery in St. Florian and stop by the oldest towns in Austria, the welcoming village of Enns. Your final destination today is the romantic Baroque village of Grein complete with the oldest existing theatre in Austria.

Day 6: Strudengau – Wachau – 65 km / 41 miles

Passing the through regions of Strudengau and Nibelungengau, you reach the famous Wachau, recently nominated as an UNESCO World Culture Heritage Area. Visit the unique Benedictine monastery of Melk or sample the local wine at one of the “Heurigen“ typical Austrian wine taverns.

Day 7: Wachau – Vienna – 65 km / 41 miles + train ride from Tulln to Vienna

Enjoy the ride through a few impressive villages. Travelling via Weißenkirchen and Dürnstein and then on to the medieval town of Krems, you stop by the impressive Benedictine monastery of Gottweig. In Tulln you transfer by train to the “City of Music”, Vienna.

Day 8: Vienna – End of bike trip or extension

Individual departure or extend your stay in Vienna. Experience this great city!

Note: As this is a Centre-Based & Self-Guided-tour, day 2-7 are mere program suggestions. You may change the order of the suggested tours or change them completely.

Note: As not all ferries start their service with April 1. and no ferries operate in October, route changing applies.

Day 1: Podersdorf/Lake Neusiedl- Individual arrival

Individual Arrival. Free Parking in front of the hotel available. Check-in, bike hand-over.

Day 2: Lake Neusiedl bike path – 48 km / 30 miles

Along the bike path you´ll find picturesque villages and quiet towns through slightly hilly landscapes until you arrive in Rust, “The Village of the Storks”. Return back to Podersdorf by ferry and enjoy the cozy warm shafts of the sunlight.

Day 3: Wine and culture bike path – 43 km / 27 miles

The wines from this region are very famous and delicious. During your ride through the extensive vineyards and rolling hills you will enjoy the wonderful lake-view. The castle of Halbturn is renowned and the most significant Baroque building of Burgenland. Maybe you´ll see the coloured bee-eaters which are breeding in sandy holes during the summer.

Day 4: Lacken bike path through the marsh puddles – 48 km / 30 miles

“Lacken” (little lakes) are definitely worth visiting. Most of them are less than 50 cm deep and partly consist of salt water. These “Lacken” are the reason for the variety of Flora in this region. You will pass by swamps, reed-fields and vineyards, where the grapes are acclaimed worldwide for world-class wines. Today is also the perfect day for a side trip to the St. Martins Thermal bath – one of Austria’s most beautiful thermal baths.

Day 5: Sopron/Hungary – 72 km / 45 miles

The ferry takes you to the southern town of festival Mörbisch. You continue cycling on to the Hungarian side of the lake and reach Sopron, which is located near the border. Sopron is a city that is rich of historical heritage and which has many sights to see. A special recommendation near the Austrian-Hungarian border is the wine-grower house “Raspi” in the town of Fertöràkos. The menu card starts with fillets of lamb and presents lots of different, exquisite specialities.

Day 6: Cherry-blossom bike path – 45 km / 29 miles

Start today’s journey by ferry to the other side of the lake. You will be guided alongside vineyards and extensive cherry orchards. Wonderful views over the Hungarian Lowlands will be a reward for you after a few short uphill stretches on today’s tour. Return by ferry back to Podersdorf.

Day 7: Festival bike path – 54 km / 34 miles or Day of rest (optional)

You get to baroque town of Rust by ferry. Along the route, you have the opportunity to get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the festival venues in Mörbisch am See and St. Margarethen. In the Haydn city of Eisenstadt, the impressive Esterházy Palace awaits you. Culinary delights can be enjoyed at the Taubenkobel in Schützen, at the Ruster Heurigen, the local Wine Academy, and the Palace Vinotheque in Eisenstadt. The route also offers a vibrant variety of inns and cozy wine taverns.

Take a day to relax and regenerate. Enjoy the lake with its numerous leisure facilities, such as sailing, surfing or swimming. Joining the hotel´s wellness area would be another option.

Day 8: Podersdorf – End of bicycle trip or extension

Either departure well recovered or if you still have some more time, take another day to visit the capital city of Austria, Vienna (reachable within 1 hour by bus). Please contact us for your needs; we stay at your disposal.

Daily departures
April 01 –  October 31

SEEWIRT & HAUS ATTILA****

The hotel

The popular and family-run 4-star comfort hotels Seewirt & Haus Attila are situated in a top location, directly on the gorgeous beach of Lake Neusiedl. The shore area is free of reeds and a large sunbathing lawn offers a relaxing view of the steppe lake. The unobstructed view to the lighthouse, the direct contact with the water and the breathtaking view make the hotels a top address for recreation seekers, athletes, families and cyclists. Already when you wake up you can hear the sound of the waves. Almost like being at the sea. One look out of the room and you can see all the way to the Hungarian mainland. Discover the windmills on the Pannonian plate, storks flying by, watch the colorful action of surfers and kiters, or count the stars above the dark Pannonian night sky – these are vacation prospects! You master your bike perfectly – maybe you would like to try a new sport? Then try on the in-house Stand Up Paddle Boards (SUP) and enjoy the freedom at Lake Neusiedl!

Location

The houses are located directly next to each other and have a total of 70 beautiful, modern equipped rooms. These are newly equipped – almost all offer a balcony with a view over Lake Neusiedl. In the village-facing rooms, the beautiful “Pannonian morning sun” welcomes you and guarantees a nice start to the day. The rooms (some of which are also wheelchair accessible) facing the lake will gift you with a breathtaking sunset – in between a relaxing day at the lake awaits you.

Restaurant

Enjoy delicious traditional Pannonian meals in the cozy Top-Restaurant. Let yourself indulge from the cook with his original, regional products directly out of the lake and from the farm. Get yourself a glass of local wine and take a look from the lake terrace to the Schneeberg with the foothills of the Alps.

Wellbeing

Ease, recovery and a fantastic view to the lake are waiting for you in the well-being area with aromatic steam bath, sauna and tepedarium. The indoor pool offers a beautiful panoramic view. Get directly to the lake by using the hotel own beach access.

Day 1: Salzburg – Individual arrival

Independent arrival to Salzburg. Use the extra time for a walk through the picturesque old part of this fascinating town.

Day 2: Salzburg – Lake Wolfgangsee – 50 km / 30 miles + boat (Cat. A)

You start your tour exploring the birth city of the world famous composer W.A. Mozart and leave same to the north to reach the old train tracks of the Salzkammergut railway. Biking through Eugendorf and St. Gilgen you reach the south bank of the idyllic lake “Wolfgangsee”, where you enjoy a nice boat ride.

Day 3: Lake Wolfgangsee – Lake Traunsee – 50 km / 31 miles + boat (Cat. B)

At first you should explore the old imperial village of Bad Ischl, where you find traces of emperor Franz Josef and his empress Sissi everywhere. A must is the visit to the famous pastry shop “Zauner”. Along the river Traun you finally reach your hotel on the lake “Traunsee”.

Day 4: Lake Traunsee – Lake Attersee – 35 km / 22 miles

One of the highlights of this tour is the visit to Gmunden, a picturesque village on the north bank of the Traunsee and former imperial salt capital, now well known for it´s touristic importance and its beautiful handmade ceramics. Now you move on to the beautiful area of Attersee.

Day 5: Lake Attersee – Lake Mondsee – 35 km / 22 miles

Just enjoy the ride along the Attersee, the most favourite lake in the Salzkammergut region with locals and visitors alike. This lake already inspired famous artists like the composer Gustav Mahler and the painters Gustav Klimt and Christian Ludwig Attersee. Your path continues to Mondsee and on to the village of Mondsee. Visit the church, which was used as romantic backdrop for the wedding the musical “Sound of Music”.

Day 6: Lake Mondsee – Trumer Seenland – 45 km / 28 miles

Along the old tracks of the “Ischler” railway that once brought guests into the Salzkammergut, you will cycle further to the Trumer Lake District; Obertrumer See, Mattsee and Grabensee.

Day 7: Trumer Seenland – Salzburg – 45 km / 28 miles

On the day before departure there is still plenty of time to enjoy nautre`s beauty and pristine, before youcycle back to Salzburg.

Day 8: Salzburg – End of self-guided bicycle tour or extension

Individual departure or extension.

Hotel category A
Selected, modern 4-star hotels with all imaginable comforts, possible accommodation in the best 3* house on the square.

Hotel category B
Selected hotels, inns and guesthouses of the 3* category. Here you can enjoy the world renowned Austrian hospitality, which is characterized by friendliness and high service.

Bike itinerary from Salzburg to lake Bled in Slovenia

Day 1: Individual arrival in Salzburg

We recommend arriving in Salzburg a day of two prior to the tour to get over jetlag and to enjoy the city and especially the picturesque “Altstadt” old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 2: Salzburg – St. Johann in Pongau – 65 km / 41 miles, profile up 560m, down 260m 

Head off today through the lovely Salzach Valley to the 900-year old Hohenwerfen Castle, perched on a rock 113 metres high above the market village of Werfen. It’s among Europe’s oldest and most well-preserved castles. Surrounded by the Tennengebirge, Hagengebirge and Hochkönig mountain ranges, this is a sight not to be missed. Time permitting; take a side trip high above the valley to the glacial caves of Eisriesenwelt. You’ll spend the night at the popular alpine sports town of St. Johann.

Day 3: St. Johann in Pongau – Mallnitz – 57 km /36 miles, profile up 900m, down 260m

Following a cycling path through the beauty of the Gastien Valley and the stunning Liechtensteinklamm (Liechtenstein Gorge), you’ll stop at the beautiful spa town of Bad Gastien, with a waterfall forming a unique centrepiece to the town. From here it’s onwards through Tauerntunel, which emerges at the sunny southern side of the Alps. You’ll spend the night in the alpine village of Mallnitz, amid the vivid colours of the Hohe Tauern National Park.

Day 4: Mallnitz – Mohlbrucke/Sachsenburg – 30 km / 19 miles, profile up 160m, down 780m

Today it’s into the heart of the ancient province of Carinthia, where you’ll glide downhill into the Molltal Valley amid the majesty of 3000-metre mountain peaks. The highlight of the day will be the cogwheel train running high above the Drau Valley, providing outstanding panoramic views.

Day 5: Mohlbrucke/Sachsenburg – Villach – 54 km / 34 miles, profile up 180m, down 250m

A relatively easy descent today which takes you along the Drau River as it meanders its way through the lakeside town of Spitall an der Drau, and its impressive ancient Roman city of Teurnia. Then on to Villach, the meeting point of the valleys where you’ll leave the alpine climate behind for a decidedly more Mediterranean feel! Here you can visit the old timer car museum or take a riverboat cruise.

Day 6: Villach – Kranjska Gora – 54 km / 34 miles, profile up 590m, down 280m

Pop into the Italian border town of Tarviso for a pizza and cappuccino before following the scenic cycling path which takes you along the old railway line crossing the Italian-Slovenian border and onwards through the emerald beauty of the Sava Valley. As you head on to the village of Kranjska Gora for the night, your view will be dominated by the magnificent Dobratsch Mountain.

Day 7: Kranjska Gora – Bled – 40 km / 22 miles, profile up 290m, down 620m

To begin with you’ll cycle into the nearby town of Kranjska Gora, one of Slovenia’s most popular alpine ski resorts and host to many world cup skiing events. The route then takes you through the beautiful forests of the Krma Valley, past a historic farming museum and onwards to the pearl of Slovenia: Lake Bled. This fairytale setting with its beautiful church sitting on an island in the middle of the lake and guarded by a medieval hilltop castle is the perfect place to shake off those aching muscles. Relax here with a boat ride to the island, or a coffee and Bled’s famous cream cake (kremsnita).

Day 8: Bled – End of self-guided bike tour or extension

The tour ends after breakfast or possible extension of the trip.

What’s included in the self guided tour?

Bicycle tour from Vienna to Budapest self-guided

Day 1: Vienna – Individual arrival

Individual arrival in Vienna. (Tip: use low-cost carriers to Vienna/Bratislava). Tonight the evening belongs to you! Why not enjoy a spectacular stroll through the imperial city or visit a typical Viennese tavern with local foods and goodies‚ a so-called Heurigen? The possibilities are endless in the ‘City of Waltz‘.

Day 2: Vienna – Bad Deutsch Altenburg/surroundings – 42 km / 26 miles

Not far from Vienna begins an untouched alluvial landscape and a Nature Reserve with stunning and diverse Flora and Fauna. Get away from it all and enjoy the wonderful peace and silence, only interrupted by the twittering chirps of birds. The ancient Romans have left their print and also have relaxed in the nice warm water of Bad Deutsch Altenburg.

Day 3: Bad Deutsch Altenburg/surroundings – Bratislava – 26 km / 16 miles

Nestled between the hills of Hainburg and the Carpathian Mountains you cycle on to Europe’s youngest capital, Bratislava. The Slovak capital is an enchanting, sleepy old town in addition to magnificent modern buildings.

Day 4: Bratislava – Sigetköz – Györ – 82 km / 51 miles

The marshy landscape of the Szigetköz is an ideal environment and paradise for birds and fish alike. In the midst of these wild and untouched lowlands with more than 500 tiny islands you will find quaint farming villages and a labyrinth of countless Danube canals and creeks. Recommendation: Enjoy the route between Mosonmagyarovar and Györ comfortably by train. Train tickets are available at ticket machines at the train station and cost approx. € 1,- per ride. This shortens the cycling stage to approx. 44 km.

Day 5: Györ – Komarno/surroundings – 57 km / 36 miles

The National Stud of Babolna is world famous as an Arabian horse breeding facility and is definitely worth a stroll through. While you are visiting the Studs and the Stud Museum you can catch a glimpse of some secret Hungarian horse breeding techniques and methods. After cycling through the lush rolling hills into the village of Komarom, the favourite village of renowned King Matthias.

Day 6: Komarno/surroundings – Danube Bend – 52 km / 33 miles

Today you cycle along the banks of the Slovakian Danube on small low-traffic roads through quaint and quintessential villages. On your way to the “Town of Bishops and Kings”, Esztergom, also known as the „Hungarian Rome“ or “Royal City”, you pass the Roman fort of Kelemantia. The Basilica of Esztergom, the largest Catholic Church in Hungary is another highlight and glamorous part of the overall tour.

Day 7: Danube Bend – Budapest – 69 km / 43 miles or ship or train ride

The hilly landscape of the Danube Bend will enchant you. You will cycle through small idyllic villages, discover the artist town of Szentendre with the nearby Farm Museum and enjoy a fantastic view of the most famous sights of Budapest during your ride towards the capital city of Hungary. Note: Boat ride at the beginning or end of the stage, depending on the season. Outside the boat season train ticket as a substitute.

Day 8: Budapest – End of self-guided bike trip

Enjoy this day in Budapest. If you want you can go back to Vienna by train. The two capital cities are very well connected. Direct trains to Vienna run every hour. Duration of trip approx. 3 hours.

8 days self-guided tour

Hotels
Category A: selected 4-star comfortable hotels in all cities
Category B: 3-star hotels/inns in Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest 4-star hotels