Cycle Through the Lakes and Historic Landscapes of the Salzkammergut
The Salzkammergut is one of Austria’s most distinctive lake regions, where mountain lakes, historic towns and cultural heritage come together at the foot of the Alps. This cycling holiday takes you from Salzburg through Lake Mattsee, Lake Mondsee, Lake Traunsee, Lake Hallstättersee and Lake Wolfgangsee, with highlights including Hallstatt, Bad Ischl and the Dachstein area.
A Self-Guided Cycling Holiday with Premium Accommodation
The experience combines independent cycling with a a deluxe stay in selected 4-star castle hotels and manor houses. As a self-guided tour, you can discover the region at your own pace, following prepared route information while your luggage is transferred between accommodations. Included boat, ferry and train journeys add variety to the journey and make it possible to experience the Salzkammergut from different perspectives.
ROUTE
The circular route starts and finishes in Salzburg and explores the Salzkammergut through a succession of lakes and historic destinations. From Salzburg, it heads towards Lake Mattsee and Lake Mondsee before continuing to Lake Traunsee and the area around Bad Aussee and Hallstatt. The route then follows Lake Wolfgangsee before returning to Salzburg. Along the way, the itinerary combines lakeside landscapes with historic towns, castles and manor houses, as well as views of the Dachstein glacier massif and the Hallstatt area.
Travelling independently lets you explore the Salzkammergut at your own pace, with route information and navigation materials provided. Luggage transfer keeps cycling comfortable, while included ferry, boat and train journeys add variety to the route.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Salzburg
Individual arrival in Salzburg. If you have booked a rental bike, bike handover takes place today. Take some time to explore the picturesque historic old town of this fascinating cultural city before the cycling tour begins.
Day 2: Salzburg – Lake Mattsee
55 km / 34 mi
The tour begins along the Salzach River towards Oberndorf, the birthplace of the famous Christmas carol “Silent Night.” Continue to the Augustinian convent in Michaelbeuern before reaching the Trumer Seenland, a beautiful lake region formed by Obertrumersee, Lake Mattsee and Grabensee. Overnight in a special historic setting.
Day 3: Lake Mattsee – Lake Mondsee
50 km / 31 mi
Cycle through the European Nature Reserve Wenger Moor towards Neumarkt and Lake Irrsee, before continuing into the Salzkammergut. At Lake Mondsee, discover the historic town with its castle and Benedictine monastery, adding a cultural highlight to the day’s ride.
Day 4: Lake Mondsee – Lake Traunsee
50 km / 31 mi
Continue along the shores of Lake Mondsee to Unterach am Attersee, where an included ferry crossing takes you to Weyregg during the operating season. From here, cycle through the scenic Aurach Valley towards Gmunden on Lake Traunsee, where a unique ceramic carillon adds a distinctive touch to this lakeside town.
Day 5: Lake Traunsee – Bad Aussee / Hallstatt
30 km / 19 mi
Cycle a short distance to the railway station and take the included train to Bad Aussee in the Lake Hallstatt area. Here, the impressive Dachstein glacier massif and its ice caves form a dramatic mountain backdrop before the route continues along the lakeshore to Hallstatt, the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is also an opportunity to visit the historic charnel house and salt mine.
Day 6: Hallstatt – Lake Wolfgangsee
50 km / 31 mi
Begin with a boat trip across Lake Hallstättersee, then continue through Bad Goisern to the elegant imperial spa town of Bad Ischl. Discover traces of its imperial past, including Empress Sissi’s tea house, the Imperial Villa, Imperial Park and Lehar Villa, before following the Ischler Ache towards Lake Wolfgangsee.
Day 7: Lake Wolfgangsee – Salzburg
60 km / 37 mi
Follow the historic Ischlertrasse, once the railway route between Salzburg and Bad Ischl, towards St. Gilgen on Lake Wolfgangsee, the birthplace of Mozart’s sister Nannerl. After the descent to Scharfling, continue along Lake Mondsee through Thalgau and Eugendorf before following the second section of the historic Ischlertrasse back to Salzburg.
Day 8: Departure from Salzburg
Individual departure from Salzburg or extend your stay and enjoy more time in this historic city.
Extend Your Stay
Additional nights can be organized on request.
Getting to Salzburg (Departure Point)
By Plane: Fly to Salzburg Airport (SZG). From the airport, you can reach the city centre by taxi or transfer.
By Train: Travel to Salzburg main station, which is well connected to the major cities in Austria.
By Car: Parking options are available in the city, with prices depending on the accommodation and parking facility.
How to book this tour
We require a deposit of 25% of the tour price per person upon reservation, final payment 6 weeks before tour departure.
Included
- 7 nights in selected 4-star castle hotels and manor houses
- Daily breakfast
- Daily luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
- 1 ferry crossing on Lake Attersee, including bicycle, during the operating season
- 1 boat trip on Lake Hallstättersee, including bicycle
- 1 train journey from Lake Traunsee to the Lake Hallstatt area
- Maps and route information per room
- Service hotline, including weekends
NOT Included
- Individual travel/flights
- Bicycle or E-bike rental
- City taxes and local tourist visitor fees
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Anything not listed as included is not included.
Choose the option that best fits your schedule and start planning your cycling journey.
Check available options
Departures & Prices
Prices are per person in a double room 2026. 2027 available on request.
Daily arrivals are available from 30 April to 8 October.
Season 1
30 Apr – 19 May | 1 Oct – 8 Oct
From
1350€
Options & Supplements
✓
+530€ Single Room
Season 2
20 May – 30 Jun | 1 Sep – 30 Sep
From
1420€
Options & Supplements
✓
+480€ Single Room
Season 3
1 Jul – 31 Aug
From
1500€
Options & Supplements
✓
+480€ Single Room
Accommodation
Carefully selected to ensure comfort, quality, and a relaxing and unforgettable journey.
Stay in selected 4-star castle hotels and manor houses in Salzburg, Lake Mattsee, Lake Mondsee, Lake Traunsee, the Hallstatt area and Lake Wolfgangsee, with daily breakfast and luggage transfer included.
The accommodation consists of selected 4-star castle hotels and manor houses, offering a distinctive stay in historic properties throughout the Salzkammergut. Breakfast is included each morning, and daily luggage transfer allows you to enjoy the cycling stages without carrying your luggage between accommodations. As some castle hotels and manor houses have only a limited number of rooms, an equally exclusive 4-star hotel may be provided as an alternative.
Additional night
Prices per person, including breakfast
Salzburg
Double Room 179€
Single room +86€
BIKES
Below you’ll find the essential information for rent options.
Bike
99€
eBike
230€
The image shown is for illustration purposes only and represents the type of bicycle offered for the tour.
The exact bicycle provided is subject to availability.