Austria’s Lake District Cycle (Five Lakes from Mondsee to Wolfgangsee) 8D7N, Self Guided

Making your own way from the airport, your adventure begins in the magnificent city of Salzburg, which borders the mighty country, Germany; and is pierced by the Salzach River. It is nestled in pure natural scenery.

Arrive in Salzburg in time for your welcome briefing and bike fitting. Your accommodation for today is a 4-star hotel in Salzburg. Settle in and make yourself at home. Head to the restaurant for a delectable meal showcasing the intricate flavours of Austrian culture.

If you’d prefer a more active rest of your day, head to the beautiful Mozart town and experience some of its beauty firsthand. Explore the Altstadt Salzburg, Salzburg’s Old Town. See the plenty art galleries, jewellery and craft workshops, and boutique shops. Traverse the magnificent Hohensalzburg Fortress, a picturesque fortress that stands tall, dominating the city’s skyline with all its history.

After a splendid day of adventure, make your way to your home for the night, a family run 4-star boutique hotel located in the heart of Salzburg. Settle into your unique designed room exuding elegance at every turn. You can make your way to the hotel’s spa for a heavenly massage in the hands of expert masseurs (at own expense). Or, venture to the lounge area with a tasty beverage and marvel at the view overlooking the rooftops of Salzburg.

Level 3, Approx. 40 km (25 miles), 3-5 hours biking

Fuel with a hearty breakfast before you venture along the famous Salzach River out of Salzburg. Peddle your way out of Salzburg with an escort of wind and beauty. The route will lead to the disused Ischler railway until you reach the town of Eugendorf, a small market town northeast from Salzburg. From there, you will continue cycling across lush meadows, through nature's ambience to Thalgau. You will also be moved when you ride through the foot of Drachenwand, an impressive rock formation that stretches all the way to Lake Mondsee. The lakeside cycle path will then lead you into the centre of the town of the same name, Mondsee. The town is home to the mediaeval Mondsee Abbey, whose cloister church was used for the site of the wedding in the famous film "The Sound of Music."

Your home for today is the 4-star Schlosshotel Mondsee, 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.

Level 3, Approx. 50 km (31 miles), 3-5 hours biking

After the feel of yesterday's ride, get ready to navigate through beauty after a warm hearty breakfast. Today starts off with a ride along Lake Mondsee shores all the way to Lake Attersee also known as Kammersee. Lake Attersee is famous not only for being one of the largest lakes in Salzkammergut but it has an enticing deep-green colour and serves as home to both nature and celebrities.

Paddle through Weyregg, a municipality in the district of Vöcklabruck embedded in elegant sceneries and then through Aurachtal, a perfect picture town in Germany with stunning views. You then make your way past Lake Traunsee, an epitome of real beauty to Gmunden, a town in Austria blessed with several landmarks and home of a major ceramic industry which you shall be graced to behold. You still have some distance to take in the experience before you reach Traunkirchen which is situated in Austria with beautiful landform and remarkable heritage. You are free to delight yourself in delicious recipes, spend the night in Traunkirchen and await tomorrow's treasures.

A longer cycle route is also available.

You’ll stay at the charming family-run 4-star hotel, The Hotel Post Am See. The hotel has been owned by the Gröller family since 1950. Tradition and hospitality were thus continued. he 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.

Level 3, Approx. 45 km (28 miles), 3-5 hours biking

Enjoy a delightful breakfast for a headstart to this day's wonders. Warm up as you bike on a cycle path to take you to the edge of Lake Traunsee until you make your way to the saline town of Ebensee which is known for not just top rated beauty but its high level of trade.

From there you will cycle along the calming river Traun until you get to Bad Ischl, a town buttered in pure natural ambience and known with its imperial past. Once you have crossed the health resort of Bad Goisern you'll finally have the chance to gaze on the exclusive five-star natural lake, Lake Hallstatt. As you cycle along the picturesque lake, you will be awestruck by the breathtaking scenery that surrounds you alongside friendly locals to the lovely lakeside town of Hallstatt. You will spend the night at the heart of Hallstatt.

You stay at Heritage Hotel, 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.consisting of three historic buildings renovated to create a single structure of luxury. This breathtaking oasis offers views of Lake Hallstatt and also easy access into the town.

Level 3, Approx. 40 km (25 miles), 3-5 hours biking

Today you head back along the river Traun until you make your way into Bad Ischl. You should definitely make a stop at Cafe Zauner, the cafe has a long history, dating back to the 19th century and has hosted several dignitaries like Emperor Franz Josef. Stop to try some of its delicious treats and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Renergised, continue to cycle along Lake Wolfgang and balance with the harmony of the water. Enjoy the pleasing aura of your outstanding resort, the famous 'weißen Rossl', a 4-star resort that oozes uniqueness just as much as the surrounding mountain and Lake District. Soothe yourself with a relaxing massage in the spa, where your body and soul will be pampered. Later, make your way on your own to one of the restaurants to delight in exquisite cuisine.

Today comes with a chance to ease yourself and ponder on your past journeys. You have a vast assortment of activities for a thrilling day on Austria's most famous lake.

Embark on a cog railway up to the peak of the mighty mount Schafberg, which is situated in the Northern Limestone Alps with an elevation of 1783m. Be amazed at its green coat and pleasant aroma. This adventure is to be organised by yourself. From the top you have an astonishing view of the surrounding area.

Another alternative is a boat ride (also organised by yourself). Spending a day swimming in the crystal blue waters of Lake Wolfgang can be a refreshing and invigorating way to have an active and enjoyable day.

Level 3, Approx. 50 km (31 miles), 3-5 hours biking

Today you ride along the bike path of St. Gilgen along the edge of the lake to witness scenic water views. From there you will have a one hour walk in the Tiefbrunnau locality, an ideal chance to interact and observe locals up-close, and unravel iconic heritage (your bike will be transported in the meantime). Afterwards, get on your bike and pedal to Lake Hintersee and through Strubklamm gorge, a monarch of pure nature with spiking tourist attractions.

From there you head into Wiestal prolific valley. The ride through the Glasenbachklamm gorge is impressive and will bring you to Salzachtal valley which holds some interesting villages such as St. Koloman. Just before entering Salzburg, a stop at Schloss Hellbrunn is definitely worth your while. This Baroque villa of palatial size has attracted thousands of visitors from all over the world. Find out why up close.

Your final destination is the festival and Mozart town of Salzburg, one of the largest and most prominent cities in Austria. Explore fortresses, Mozart’s Geburtshaus, the picturesque St. Peter’s Cemetery and Abbey and more. A train and tram are also available to take you to Gmunden, a city of great heights and remarkable vocation. Visit the town's pottery industry and meet the masterminds behind ceramic wonders. Uncover other iconic landmarks such as the Schloss Ort. Alternatively, simply unwind in the oasis of your hotel.

Savour one last breakfast, a perfect time to reflect on your incredible journey before you bid farewell and make your own arrangements for your onward travel. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.