Ten lakes of Austria cycling holiday

The foothills of the Alps and gentle countryside surrounding Salzburg provided the inspiration for the classic film The Sound of Music. What could be more enjoyable than cycling along the shoreline paths of the clear lakes in such a wonderfully untouched landscape.

The stunning cultural city of Salzburg, Mozart's home town, is the start and finish point for this tour. The route take you through the ‘Silent Night’ town of Oberdorf and the Austrian Emperors summer residence in Bad Ischl. The region's historical wealth comes from its salt mines and trading, which is reflected in the picture postcard towns and villages on the lakes through which you pass.

This gentle to moderate cycling holiday has some daily variations en route and is suitable for families with older children. The route follows mainly dedicated cycle paths, lakeside routes and country lanes. There are some short climbs, a train ride, and even a short section on foot whilst your bike is transferred to the top of the hill. This provides a stunning downhill ride through a picturesque gorge back to Salzburg. With your luggage transferred each day, good quality hotels and with lovely food to round off each day, this is relaxing holiday, on which you can almost hear Maria singing in the background!

Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Salzburg
Depending on your arrival into Salzburg you should have time take a look around and explore the winding streets of the old part of town before returning to your hotel to meet our local representative. You will be fitted for your hire bikes, should you be using them and have the chance to discuss your upcoming ride, as well as receiving all your route maps and notes.

Day 2: Salzburg to Wallersee approx 45-55km
You begin your riding by following the river Salzach to Oberndorf the home of the a memorial chapel to mark the spot where Silent Night was first performed. If this has interested you then in Arnsdorf, your next port of call, you can learn more about the carol and its composer in the Silent Night Museum which explores the areas connection with the song. Further along the route you come across the striking benedictine Michaelbeuern abbey which may have been founded as far back as the 8th century. You spend the night in the picturesque Trumer Lakes area or on Lake Wallersee.

Day 3: Wallersee to Mondsee approx 50-60 km
Today's ride begins by winding through the nature reserve and network of small lakes of Egelseen to Schleedorf, a village which showcases traditional local crafts,  and onwards to Lake Irrsee. The town Mondsee is one option for your overnight stop tonight. Mondsee is home to a striking Monastry which encompasses the church where the wedding scene from The Sound of Music was filmed. Even without this claim to fame the church is well worth a visit due to its beautiful interior.

Day 4: Mondsee to Traunse approx 45-55 km
Hope you packed your sea legs as today you cross Lake Attersee by boat to reach Weyregg, where are wide range of activities are accesible, from golf to paragliding. Continue on through the lovely Aurachtal valley to Gmunden, a charming town on the north shore of Lake Taunsee. Close by is Castle Orth situated on a small island in the lake. (At certain times of the year the ferry is not available and the alternative route adds 15km of relativly easy riding)

Day 5: Traunse to Bad Goisern approx 20-35 km
The legs get a bit of a rest today as you transfer by train from Traunsee to Obertraun on Lake Hallstätter See home to a large network of ice caves. Following the shore of the lake you reach the town of Hallstatt which really is stunningly beautiful. Hallstatt is also known for the Beinhaus (bone house) where the skulls of the towns former residents are decorated and displayed as a mark of respect. The area became wealthy through the nearby salt mines and this is reflected in the houses perched delicately over the lake.  From here it is a short ride to the Market town of Bad Goisern or Bad Ischer where your bed for the night awaits.

Day 6: Bad Goisern to Wolfgangsee approx 35 km
Back on the bike for the short ride to Bad Ischl and the summer residence of the former emperor of the Austro-Hungarian empire Franz Jospeh, who described the palace as "Heaven on Earth". You follow the course of the river Ischler Ache to Lake Wolfgangsee and  St. Wolfgang, with its cog railway to the summit of nearby Schafberg, which you may want to visit before retiring to nearby Abersee which will be your home for the night.

Day 7: Wolfgangsee to Salzburg approx. approx 40-50 km
Today is your final days cycling but with the views on offer you might wish you had another week to explore. St. Gilgen known as the Mozart village is todays first port of call. After a wander round you can hike to  Kühleiten while your bikes are transferred ahead  which giving you a nice downhill ride to Lake Hintersee and through Strubklamm gorge to the Wiestal resevoir. The ride continues through the picturesque Glasenbachklamm gorge, a favourite destination for local day trippers because of its diverse geographical features. Shortly before returning to Salzburg a visit to Hellbrunn is worthwhile for a look around its fabulous gardens, with an elaborate trick fountain, and a final dose of sound of music nostalgia with locations from the film.  Your final night is back in Salzburg.

Day 8: Departure
After breakfast you might have the time for a last look around Salzburg before returning home.

Equipment
We provide everything except a bike (although we are able to hire these, see booking form for details), personal equipment and clothing. If you are taking your own bike, it is imperative that it is in good mechanical order. If you are not mechanically minded, we advise you to take your bike to a local bicycle dealer for a service. Details of which spares you should take will be included in the Information Pack sent with your booking confirmation.

What the price doesn't include
A) Personal clothing and equipment.
B) Lunch and evening meals (unless on the half board option, £180).
C) Travel insurance (available if required, £26).
D) Bar bills, telephone calls, souvenirs, etc.
E) Bike hire (available if required, £70).
F) Entrance fees to museums and other attractions.
G) Travel arrangements to the first nights hotel.