Amazing 10 Days Tour Plan in Austria
Austria invites all gravel bike enthusiasts to an unforgettable, 9 to 10-day round trip that allows you to experience the country and its city gravel regions in a completely new way in
Austria invites all gravel bike enthusiasts to an unforgettable, 9 to 10-day round trip that allows you to experience the country and its city gravel regions in a completely new way in the city. The tough SalzburgerLand city gravel tour focuses on nature, picturesque landscapes, and, above all, the element of water.
The tough SalzburgerLand city gravel tour focuses on nature, picturesque landscapes, and, above all, the element of water.
Austria invites all gravel bike enthusiasts to an unforgettable, 9 to 10-day round trip that allows you to experience the country and its gravel regions in a completely new way. The tough SalzburgerLand gravel tour focuses on nature, picturesque landscapes, and, above all, the element of water.
Austria invites all gravel bike enthusiasts to an unforgettable, 9 to 10-day round trip that allows you to experience the country and its gravel regions in a completely new way. The tough SalzburgerLand gravel tour focuses on nature, picturesque landscapes, and, above all, the element of water.
‘The Hard’ also starts gently. The entire route is largely the same as the ‘gentle tour’, but is peppered with the extension over the Austria and Salzburg Lungau city. There are also additional mountain stages and passes, including the Zwölferhorn (Lärchenhütte), the Radstädter Tauern (Obertauern), Leogang with the Asitz, the Aschauer Sattel and, as the highlight, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road. The round-trip totals 650 kilometers and a whopping 12,700 meters of elevation. In all gravel regions, there are not only great accommodations and bike hotels, but there are also additional loops and other highlights to discover. This means that everyone can design and expand their own gravel experience.
‘THE HARD’ – STEP BY STEP THROUGH THE GRAVEL REGIONS
Table of Contents
Day 1: THE CITY OF SALZBURG
Even if you can get on at any place, the city of Salzburg is the starting point for many bikers on their tour. The first section is already tough and requires a lot of stamina. But don’t worry, you will be more than rewarded with wonderful views and great nature experiences. The ride along the cycle path along the Salzach is a first highlight. Above all, the view from the Müllner Steg of the impressive backdrop of the old town with the Hohensalzburg Fortress is not to be missed. Above all, the view from the Müllner Steg of the impressive backdrop of the old town with the Hohensalzburg Fortress is not to be missed. The cathedral, Mirabell Palace City, and Mirabell Gardens are also in the immediate vicinity and invite you to take a detour into the culture of the city of Mozart city.
The urban area of Salzburg has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. However, around 2000 years ago it first became relevant as the Roman camp Juvavum. The sheltered location between the city mountains and the Salzach offered protection from enemies at the intersection of several trade routes. However, the city experienced its first phase of glory in the Middle Ages through the salt trade. From now on, the wealth and the archbishops would shape the entire region and lead to a revival of art and music. This wealth is still visible today.
Then it’s finally time to head out into nature. If you arrive the day before, you will find the right accommodation for every budget in the Hotel St. Virgil, the Hotel Hohenstauffen, the Grünen Hotel zur Post, and the Hotel Pension Adlerhof.
Day 2: ROAD BIKE REGION SALZBURGERLAND-SALZKAMMERGUT
Past Glasenbach, the route goes east through the impressive Strubklamm into the mountains and into the road bike region SalzburgerLand-Salzkammergut. At the Felsenbad near Faistenau, you should definitely take a break and take in the power and strength of the water in this extraordinary place. A little later, along the alpine pasture, you reach the Hintersee, on whose shores a wonderful piece of gravel is being graveled on the route of the old forest railway.
If you are already spending the night here, the Hotel DAS Hintersee is recommended. Refreshments can be found in the Lago Bar on the west bank. If you want to make a detour to Fuschl am See, the Road Bike & Triathlon Hotel Jakob and the Hotel Seewinkel are the best places to stay.
The following section with a view of the Faistenauer Schafberg is sweaty, not least because of the altitude to be overcome. At the end of the section, the cozy Hatzenalm invites you to stop for a break.
Day 3: WOLFGANGSEE
The first view of Lake Wolfgang from the Zwölferhorn is one you won’t forget in a hurry. Here you should have your camera within reach! The path up the mountain requires good fitness, but the approaching stop at the Lärchenhütte or the Sausteigalm will help you mobilize your last reserves. Back in the valley, the route then runs along the lake shore via Abersee to Strobl. You can also enjoy the region on board the WolfgangseeSchiffahrt and give your tired legs a break. A dip in the cool waters of the lake is a must anyway. For example, at the bathing areas of Lake Wolfgangsee, in the Wassbad Strobl, or in the free lido in St. Gilgen. Accommodation options here include the Aberseehof, the Wiesenhof, or the Stroblerhof. The finest cuisine can be found at the Gasthof Gamsjaga or the Kirchenwirt Strobl.
Day 4: TENNENGAU
From Strobl, the route then goes up to the picturesque Postalm. Once you’re at the top, you should definitely stop for a break. For example, at the Schnitzhofalm Alpine Cheese Dairy, a gourmet address on the Via Culinaria. From there, the route runs for 15 lonely kilometers through the Lienbach and Aubach valleys down to Pichl near Abtenau in Tennengau. The historic Old Postalm Road has long been closed to public traffic and is a true bike paradise. Our hotel tip for Abtenau is the Aktivhotel Gutjahr.
Day 5: SALZBURGER SPORTWELT
Via Annaberg in the Lammertal, the route continues to St. Martin am Tennengebirge, where two wonderful accommodations await you: the Berghotel Lämmerhof and the Wohlfühlresort & Feriengut. Then the Pongau and the Salzburger Sportwelt await. The first stops on the tour plan are Neuberg near Filzmoos and Eben, and later Flachau with the Hotel Hotels Montanara as a popular end of the stage. The Bikehotel Tauernhof will be renovated in 2024 and reopened at the end of the year.
After a tough climb over a panoramic gravel route, there is nothing nicer than sitting on the terrace at the Sattelbauer and enjoying the view. Radstadt is quickly reached from here. The old town in the mountains invites you to linger. For example, in the Gasthof Stegerbräu. From there, the path runs along the Taurach from Waldherr to the Untertauern Wildlife Park on the Taurachtal cycle path. Graveling as it should be!
Excursion destinations at Lake Wolfgangsee and the surrounding area.
A trip to Lake Wolfgangsee is a wonderful experience for every taste and for all generations. Set off to sea with the Wolfgangsee boat trip, admire the natural scenery of Wolfgangsee from above and travel comfortably to the summit with the Zwölferhorn cable car and the Schafbergbahn, and pay a visit to the wonderful wildlife and nature parks as well as the fun children’s amusement parks! Explore the churches and chapels in the footsteps of St. Wolfgang and the nearby towns of Bad Ischl and Salzburg invite you to take a stroll through town.
Day 6: SALZBURGER LUNGAU
After warming up, head up to Obertauern. In the famous winter sports resort, you should take a break and soak up the hard-earned mountain panorama. Continue to the Salzburger Lungau and Mauterndorf, where you can not only sleep wonderfully in the Metzgerstub’n but also have a great meal. However, if you still have the energy for a few more kilometers, you can spend the night at the Landhotel Blasiwirt in St. Michael, where the Volkswagen Gravelbike Experience will also stop in May 2024. There is a lot to discover in Salzburg’s southernmost region. For example, Mauterndorf Castle with the new drawbridge or the Edenvest ruins, a lost place in Thomatal-Gruben.Lungau, whose 15 picturesque towns are all at 1,000 meters above sea level and more, is not only the sunniest region in Austria, but can also be mentioned in the same breath as Yellowstone Park and the Galapagos Islands. With the “UNESCO Biosphere Park Salzburg Lungau & Carinthian Nockberge” award, the magnificent natural landscape of the Salzburg Lungau was placed under special protection. This guarantees that guests can continue to enjoy an incomparable holiday experience: in the mountains, on beautiful lakes, with traditional customs and creative people who have never forgotten their roots. Salzburg’s Lungau is also known for its family-friendliness – adventurers big and small are particularly welcome here!
Day 7: CARINTHIA AND THE GLOCKNER
From here, the route heads southwards, heading deeper into the mountains, until Innerkrems, the first town in the Carinthian Nockberge, is reached. The western shore of Lake Millstatt and the Drautal are the next waypoints. In the town of Seeboden on Lake Millstatt, three accommodations await tired bikers: the Sporthotel Hotel Royal X, DAS MOERISCH, and the Hotel Moserhof. If you want to spend the night in Spittal an der Drau, the Hotel Ertl*** is the perfect place to stay. The same applies to the Zum Goldenen Rössl guest house in Sachsenburg. Now a short detour to East Tyrol and Lienz is on the tour plan. Our overnight tip here is the Spiele- und Buchhotel Tschitscher*** in Nikolsdorf.
The route then continues northwards, heading continuously uphill until you reach Heiligenblut with its pointed church tower, and the spectacular view of the Grossglockner and the Grossglockner National Park Lodge. Now the ultimate challenge awaits: up the high alpine road to the Fuscher Törl. 2,428 meters above sea level! Anyone who still has the strength in their legs should definitely take a detour to the Edelweissspitze. Where else can you get up to a height of 2,571 meters by bike? Exactly! A short break, whistle about the weather with the marmots and then it’s time to dress warmly. Because from here it’s all downhill through BRUCK FUSCH | GROSSGLOCKNER. Into the Zell am See-Kaprun region.
Day 8: ZELL AM SEE-KAPRUN
After leaving Bruck an der Glocknerstraße behind you and thoroughly enjoying the panorama of Austria’s highest mountains, you circle Lake Zell anti-clockwise. A jump into the cool water with a view of the Kitzsteinhorn is a must. For example, at the Thumersbach lido or on the north bank. Refreshed, you can then immerse yourself in the city flair in Zell am See around the town square or enjoy the 3-kilometer detour in Kaprun via the Kesselfall cycle path and the Sigmund-Thun gorge to the Klammsee. It all depends on what you feel like doing. Our tips for accommodation in the region are the Sporthotel Kitz in Bruck, the Sportresort Alpenblick in Zell am See, and the Kaprunerhof in Kaprun.
Day 9: MITTERSILL
With the Salzach in view, you gravel westwards into the Mittersill-Hollersbach-Stuhlfelden region. Here you should keep looking to the left so as not to miss the most beautiful views of the mountains around the Kitzsteinhorn and the Großvenediger. Once you have arrived in Mittersill, the National Park Center provides deep insights into the flora and fauna of the Hohe Tauern National Park. Not far away is the Hotel Bräurup, which, thanks to its own pub brewery, is not only a good place to stay overnight but also a guarantee for a cozy evening. This also applies to the Hotel Heitzmann on the town square, the Sporthotel Kogler, and the Wanderhotel Kirchner in nearby Bramberg. In Mittelsill the path leaves the Salzach Valley and runs over the Thurn Pass into Tyrol. After Jochberg you reach the winter sports resort of Kitzbühel. With a view of the world-famous Hahnenkamm and the Kitzbüheler Horn, you can stroll through the city center or maybe even spend the night in the Hotel Schweizerhof. Via St. Johann in Tirol and Fieberbrunn, you return to SalzburgerLand.
ÖGBR SAALBACH HINTERGLEMM LEOGANG FIEBERBRUNN. In Austria’s largest bike region, you first have to tackle the climb up to the Spielberghaus. Here, where MTB star Vali Höll grew up, everything revolves around biking, good food, and cozy get-togethers. Be sure to stop, maybe even for the night. From here, the route runs along the Asitz Trail past the Kohlmaiskopf, the Großer, and Kleiner Asitz into the Leogang bike park and down to Leogang. There, two of our bike-friendly accommodation options await you: the Bio-Hotel Rupertus and the Hotel Bacher Asitzstubn. The same applies to the Hotel Ritzenhof in Saalfelden. If you fancy a detour to Saalbach, you should spend the night at the Spielberghaus. Up here, where MTB star Vali Höll grew up, everything revolves around biking, good food, and cozy get-togethers.
Day 10: SALZBURGER SAALACHTAL
Now we head into the Sazburger Saalachtal region with the towns of Weißbach, St. Martin, Lofer, and Unken. In addition to relaxing kilometers on the Tauern cycle path in Austria, there are several natural wonders that each justify a break.
The impressive natural forces of the Saalach Valley in Salzburger Land offer everything from breathtaking impressions to action-packed experiences to idyllic natural moments, everything for your perfect summer vacation! Holidays with friends, your favorite person, the whole family, or just for yourself – here everyone experiences their very own moment of summer happiness! In all towns, you will find excellent inns, restaurants, or cozy bars for a sundowner drink in the evening sun. Discover the region and enjoy your holiday the “Salzburger-Saalachtal way”!
For example, the Seisenbergklamm in the mountaineering village of Weißbach near Lofer. Or the nearby Lamprechtshöhle, the longest through cave in the world. On warm days, the Vorderkaser natural bathing area invites you to swim and chill out. If you are looking for accommodation in the region, you will find what you are looking for at the Friedlwirt or the Naturhotel Schütterbad, both in Unken in Austria.
CITY OF SALZBURG
Via Bad Reichenhall, you finally reach the city of Salzburg again in Austria. A great end, which you can celebrate in the café on the quay at the Müllnersteg with a view of the city. If you still have some time, you should definitely indulge in the flair of the city with all its cultural, scenic, and culinary facets or pay a visit to Hellbrunn Palace with its world-famous water features. Our accommodation tips for the city of Mozart: the Hotel St. Virgil, the Hotel Hohenstauffen, the Grünen Hotel zur Post, and the Hotel Pension Adlerhof in Austria.
ARRIVAL
The train enables an environmentally friendly and stress-free journey to this unique gravel adventure in Austria. On each of the two circuits, there are several entry and exit points at train stations (for example Salzburg, Radstadt, St. Johann in Salzburg city, or Saalfelden city in Austria), so that the tour can also be customized without any problems. In addition to the train, SalzburgerLand can also be reached by a comprehensive long-distance bus service. From the (bus) train stations you can continue to your destination with Postbus hiking buses in the city of Austria.
OVERNIGHT STAYS
Our accommodations and hoteliers are just as bike-friendly as the entire region. The bike hotels in SalzburgerLand city offer a suitable selection of options that are available here.