Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
7.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire
This cycling trip offers a charming introduction to the Austrian lakes district, Salzkammergut, a region steeped in the melodies of the famous film 'The Sound of Music'. Picture-perfect Austria unfolds before your eyes: tranquil blue lakes, lush green meadows, idyllic alpine villages, and locals dressed in traditional attire..
Starting your cycling journey from Salzburg, Mozart's birthplace, tracing the enchanting path of Salzach river to the first gem, Mondsee. Pedal onwards to Attersee, Salzkammergut's largest lake, renowned for its deep-green waters. Explore the beauty of Lakes Traunsee, Hallstattsee, and Wolfgangsee, where a day of swimming in Lake Wolfgangsee's crystal-clear waters provides a refreshing break from cycling. Delight in stops at UNESCO-listed Hallstatt and St Wolfgang, offering captivating insights into Austria's rich history and culture. Don't miss a visit to Bad Ischl, steeped in its Imperial past and designated as a European Capital of Culture for 2024.
Indulge in the culinary wonders of Salzburg, a city steeped in musical heritage and delightful treats. Experience the city's rich chocolate legacy by trying the world-famous Mozart Kugel Chocolates, or book a chocolate tasting tour. Additionally, savour the quintessential Mozart Cafe, a coffee delight featuring a double espresso crowned with whipped cream and accompanied by a side of sherry brandy. These gourmet experiences can be enjoyed at your own pace, adding a touch of sweetness and sophistication to your Austrian adventure.
Explore the stunning Austrian lake district while staying in comfortable and carefully chosen accommodations. One such spot is Schlosshotel Mondsee, a beautiful palace once a monastery. It mixes history and luxury perfectly, offering a relaxing retreat after your explorations. There's also a unique 4-star hotel, a UNESCO heritage building, adding to your experience. Enjoy the beauty of Salzkammergut with the ease and comfort of these special accommodations, making your lakeside adventure in Austria truly memorable.
Arrive in Salzburg in time for your welcome briefing and bike fitting.
You stay at Hotel Auersperg.
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4 star Hotel and Villa Auersperg is a charming hideaway in the heart of Salzburg, offering a quiet retreat amidst the city's bustle. This family-owned boutique hotel provides comfortable rooms, a garden with a terrace, and a choice of organic breakfast, including vegan and gluten-free options. Guests can relax in the Petit Spa, enjoy yoga and massages. With a bar and restaurant on-site, this central hotel, run by the same family for three generations, promises a peaceful stay in the midst of Salzburg's lively atmosphere.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
The day starts with a ride along the Salzach River out of Salzburg, then along the disused Ischler railway route until you get 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 same named town, which is well-known - and not only because of the Sound of Music!
You stay at Hotel Schlosshotel Mondsee.
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Nestled in the heart of Mondsee, the Schlosshotel Mondsee is a historic gem, once Austria’s oldest Benedictine monastery, transformed into a palace in 1810. Centrally located next to the medieval Mondsee Abbey, famed for its cloister church St Michael featured in The Sound of Music wedding scene, this unique 4-star hotel offers ultimate comfort and relaxation. Enjoy exquisite cuisine with breakfast served in the castle vaults or the charming castle garden. After your outdoor adventures, unwind in the wellness area, complete with a vaulted pool, Finnish sauna, bio sauna, and infrared cabin. Culinary delights and historical charm await at Schlosshotel Mondsee.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Next you will cycle along lake Mondsee's shore until you get to Lake Attersee. This is the largest lake in Salzkammergut and is not only well-known due to its deep-green colour. Many celebrities from near and far live by this lake in magnificent estates. Either by boat (only if you arrive from 01.07. till 31.08.) or by bike along the lakeside, you will head to Weyregg and then through Aurachtal past Lake Traunsee to Gmunden with its famous palace and the ceramic bells in the town hall tower. You only have a few more kilometres until you get to Traunkirchen, where you will be staying overnight.
You stay at Hotel Post Am See.
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The Hotel Post Am See has always been closely connected to the the Traunkirchen monastery which has been an important part of its history. The foundation stones of today's hotel were laid in 1327 by the Benedictine nuns when the monastery was rebuilt after a fire. A guest house was built not far from the monastery to accommodate and feed the workers. The history of the 'Hotel Post' as a hospitable house is almost 700 years old. In 1773 the monastery was closed, but the hospitality in the later Hotel Post continued. Via new private owners, the house became an important post station on the way to the inner Salzkammergut. This gave its name to the later Hotel Post.
The hotel has been owned by the Gröller family since 1950. Tradition and hospitality were thus continued. Today Monika and Wolfgang Gröller are the third generation to host the Post am See. Very recently renovated, the rooms were all given a more traditional look, lovingly designed and regionally inspired with modern facilities.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
The bike path takes you along the edge of Lake Traunsee until you get to the saline town of Ebensee. From here you will cycle along the river Traun until you get to Bad Ischl with its Imperial past. Once you have crossed the health resort of Bad Goisern, you will finally get to Lake Hallstatt. Impressed by the amazing scenery, you will cycle along the lake to the 'loveliest lakeside town in the world' - Hallstatt. You will stay overnight in the centre of the village.
You stay at Heritage Hotel.
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Situated in the car-free historic centre of the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hallstatt in Upper Austria's Salzkammergut region, Heritage Hotel consist of three carefully renovated, historic townhouses to form a hotel.
In the main building, Kainz house, you will find the reception area, restaurant and sauna.
Stocker House is the oldest secular building in Hallstatt’s town centre, tracing its noble history back over more than 500 years. According to the chronicler, Stocker house would back then have served as a court of law. The house is about a 3-minute walk from Kainz main house where every room is unique all with stunning views.
Seethaler House is perched on the hillside on what locals know as the Hallberg and offers a magnificent view across Lake Hallstatt. This house most closely resembles how the Hallstatt locals live and each of the unique rooms offers a magnificent view across Lake Hallstatt. The building is about a 5-minute walk from the main house Kainz where the main restaurant is.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Today you head back along the river Traun until you get to Bad Ischl. You should definitely go to the famous Cafe Zauner where you can try the sweet specialities (included in the price). Emperor Franz Josef and Sissi both will have enjoyed a Gugelhupf cake here. Fuelled up, you will continue cycling along Lake Wolfgang and you will enjoy the atmosphere around your famous hotel, the 'weißen Rossl'.
You stay at Hotel Weisses Rossl.
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Weisses Rossl Inn, which translates to The White Horse Inn, stands proudly on the shores of Lake Wolfgang, inviting guests for five generations under the attentive care of the Peter family. This charming retreat in the picturesque Salzkammergut region is open all year, offering an array of amenities including a gym, parking, and a bar. The star attraction is its extraordinary SPA, featuring a unique floating pool right on the lake at a soothing 37°C, alongside a 30°C heated side pool, sauna, steam bath, relaxation areas, and a sun terrace. Dive into unparalleled relaxation and relish the extraordinary experience of the lake's floating pool at Weisses Rossl.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
You have a wide array of possible activities for an active day by Austria's most famous lake. We recommend the journey with the cog railway up to the top of mount Schafberg (1782m). This is to be organised by yourself. From the top you get a beautiful view of the surrounding area. Another option is a boat ride (also organised by yourself). A day swimming in the crystal clear water of Lake Wolfgangsee is an alternative way to have an active day...
You stay at Hotel Weisses Rossl.
MastercardVisaHairdryerWiFiTVMinibarAirconSafeTea/coffee
Weisses Rossl Inn, which translates to The White Horse Inn, stands proudly on the shores of Lake Wolfgang, inviting guests for five generations under the attentive care of the Peter family. This charming retreat in the picturesque Salzkammergut region is open all year, offering an array of amenities including a gym, parking, and a bar. The star attraction is its extraordinary SPA, featuring a unique floating pool right on the lake at a soothing 37°C, alongside a 30°C heated side pool, sauna, steam bath, relaxation areas, and a sun terrace. Dive into unparalleled relaxation and relish the extraordinary experience of the lake's floating pool at Weisses Rossl.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Today you cycle along the bike path to St. Gilgen along the edge of the lake. From there you have a one hour walk in the Tiefbrunnau (your bike will be transported in the meantime). Afterwards, you get back on your bike and cycle 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.
You stay at Hotel Auersperg.
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4 star Hotel and Villa Auersperg is a charming hideaway in the heart of Salzburg, offering a quiet retreat amidst the city's bustle. This family-owned boutique hotel provides comfortable rooms, a garden with a terrace, and a choice of organic breakfast, including vegan and gluten-free options. Guests can relax in the Petit Spa, enjoy yoga and massages. With a bar and restaurant on-site, this central hotel, run by the same family for three generations, promises a peaceful stay in the midst of Salzburg's lively atmosphere.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Markus Sittikus, Salzburg; Villa Carlton, Salzburg.
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The 4 star Markus Sittikus is a beautifully presented hotel, based in an 18th century building with a mustard facade located in a quiet side street not far from the Mirabell palace, just a 15 minute walk from the old city.
Inside the hotel the decor is attractive and individual, with bold colours like mustard yellow and red tartan in the comfortable bar area, and some colourful murals painted on the walls throughout the building. Public rooms have period furniture and the upbeat interior, combined with the personal attention you receive from the friendly staff, make a stay here particularly memorable.
The hotel has 39 rooms though it feels smaller, with television (CNN/BBC), direct dial phones and hairdryers. Each one is individually decorated with attractive colour combinations and solid wooden furniture, in keeping with the age and status of the building.
It is also one of the few hotels in Salzburg to have a garden to relax in, if you are looking for some respite after doing the sights.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
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A 15-minute walk from Getreidegasse shopping street, this upscale hotel is 14 minutes from Mozart's Birthplace. Featuring elegant modern decor, the polished rooms and suites come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, iPod docks and desks. Some upgraded rooms have balconies and/or in-room tubs, while suites have living areas.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £534.
These flight inclusive prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £534.
Our aim is to provide holidays that are unbeatable for choice and flexibility. We've listed our most popular travel options below, however you aren't limited to these - we can tailor-make virtually any holiday to suit.
Air prices include our standard flights
Out: British Airways Gatwick to Salzburg (Sat deps), Lufthansa Heathrow to Salzburg via Frankfurt (Fri & Sun deps) then taxi to hotel 25 minutes, payable locally
Return: Taxi to airport 25 minutes, payable locally then British Airways Salzburg to Gatwick (Sat deps), Lufthansa Salzburg to Heathrow via Vienna (Fri & Sun deps).
Business/club/first class seats are available on request.
Alternative Air Travel
Alternative flights, onward rail to your holiday area, and connecting private transfers can be arranged from most UK airports. If you would like to use one of the many 'low cost' airlines, we can book these on your behalf. We can also book UK shuttles to connect with your onward flight, please call for details and prices.
Self drive
We can arrange various channel crossings for you. Please call for details and prices.
Alternative transfers
If you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge).
To find out more about the travel options available call our sales team on 01606 720199, use our live webchat (we're open from 9am today) or email sales@headwater.com
Should you require overnight airport accommodation, airport parking or even a uniformed chauffeur to take your car from your departure terminal and park it for you, we can arrange this for you through Holiday Extras. You can book airport parking, airport hotels and executive lounges through their website or contact us for further details. Early booking is recommended to obtain the best availability and prices.
Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2+
Moderate plus
7.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
Optional
e-bike hire
