Sound of Music District Road Bike Tour
Austria Bike Tours
Bike in the Austrian Alps!
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length5–8 days
- Prices from€940 Rates
Overview
On this bike tour in the majestic mountain region made famous by the 'Sound of Music", you begin and end in Salzburg. The "Old Town" in Salzburg, with its world-famous baroque architecture, is one of the best-preserved city centers in the German-speaking world, even listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
Leaving Salzburg and cycling through mountain passes, you will enter into the famous Salzkammergut region, one of the most popular regions in all of Austria because of its picturesque towns, lakes, and mountains. The hills are a challenge but rewarding, and equally rewarding are the many lakes you find upon your descents on this road bike tour in Austria.
You will enjoy Gosau Lake, Lake Hallstatt, Lake Grundslee - surrounded by breathtaking alpine mountains and lush forested valleys - and Lake Attersee. You will enjoy the culture and history of the many quaint lakeside villages.
This tour is available as an 8 day, 7 day, or 5 day tour. See itineraries below.
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Itinerary
8 Day Tour
Day 1: Arrival in Salzburg
Day 2: Salzburg - Bavaria - Salzburg, 53 to 66 mi. (85 to 105 km)
Day 3: Salzburg - Hallstatt/Bad Goisern/Obertraun, 53 to 66 mi. (85 to 105 km)
Day 4: Round trip tour into the Ausseerland, 50 to 66 mi. (80 to 107 km)
Day 5: Lake Hallstatt - Lake Attersee, 44 to 56 mi. (70 to 90 km)
Day 6: Round trip tour to Lake Traunsee, 53 mi. (85 km)
Day 7: Lake Attersee - Salzburg, 47 mi. (75 km)
Day 8: DepartureDAY 1: Arrival in Salzburg
You will get your tour information booklet in the starting hotel. If you've booked a welcome meeting, a representative will be present to answer any questions you may have. Rental bikes will be delivered by 8 p.m.DAY 2: Salzburg - Bavaria - Salzburg, 53 to 66 mi. (85 to 105 km)
You will follow the castle road out of the city and will cross the border to Bavaria. Enjoy the wonderful mountain lake Königssee where you make take a boat trip. Afterward, you cycle through the national park of Berchtesgaden and around the mountain massive of Untersberg. If you are fit enough cycle up to the mountain road where you will have a wonderful view over Salzburg and the eagles nest in Berchtesgaden.
Difference in altitude: + 550 to 1.200 meters and - 550 to 1.200 metersDAY 3: Salzburg - Hallstatt/Bad Goisern/Obertraun, 53 to 66 mi. (85 to 105 km)
Following the cycle trail along the Salzach River, you will depart from the city. Almost immediately, you will have two choices to get to Hallstatt. The more demanding route leads to a high road with fantastic views. The alternative route follows the river valley to Golling, located in the Austrian Alps about fifteen miles away from Salzburg, in a wide-open valley. Besides being located next to the river, it is also home to the Gollinger Waterfalls, featuring a 245 foot drop in two steps, which are considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Austria. Afterward, it is into the Lammer Valley to cross the first mountain pass into Upper Austria to arrive at the famous mountain lake of Gosau. The lake envelopes the bottom of a deep glacier-carved valley in the heart of the looming glacier mountain of Dachstein, whose image is reflected in the stunning blue of the waters on sun-filled days. This is perhaps the most beautiful lake in all of the Alps. You will then cycle down to Lake Hallstatt and the village of the same name that overlooks the lake. If you have time, a lovely way to experience this pristine lake and quaint World Heritage village is to take a ferry across and then back again. You will either overnight here or in Bad Goisern. Bad Goisern (officially Bad Goisern am Hallstättersee) is a town with a long history. It was first mentioned in the 13th century under the name "Gebisham". In 1931, Goisern became a spa-town and in 1952 it became a market town. Since 1955 Goisern is called "Bad" Goisern (Bad means bath in German and it is a title given by the government to cities with medicinal or thermal baths).
Difference in altitude: + 750 to 1.250 meters and – 620 to – 1.100 metersDAY 4: Round trip tour into the Ausseerland, 50 to 66 mi. (80 to 107 km)
You will start your day cycling on a side road of the lake and through the little pass that opens up to the wide Koppen Valley. If you opt for the long itinerary, you will cycle around the looming mountain of Grimming. First down to the Enns Valley and the small alps and then back up to Ausseerland and over to Lake Grundlsee with an area of 5 km squared, the largest lake in Styria. Formed during the last ice age is one of three lakes lying in a chain along a short stretch of River Traun. From here, off to Lake Altaussee. The scenery encompassing lake and mountains is spectacular. For a real challenge and reward, climb up a mountain road (5249' or 1600 m) to an unforgettable alpine pasture. You will overnight once again in either Hallstatt or Gad Goisern.
Difference in altitude: + 705 to + 1.050 meters and – 550 to – 1.010 metersDAY 5: Lake Hallstatt - Lake Attersee, 44 to 56 mi. (70 to 90 km)
Today is relatively easy and allows for time to visit the famous emperor city of Bad Ischl. This spa town was also named one of 3 "European Capitals of Culture" for 2024! Starting off, the road follows the shore of the lake and then the route is along the brine pipeline road to Bad Ischl. Here you must decide which route you will take. One leads to Lake Wolfgangsee and the Mozart village of St. Gilgen, made famous by the movie "The Sound of Music". Both trails offer wonderful views of lakes and mountains. You will overnight in St. Georgen, only a few minutes away from Lake Attersee, Austria's largest lake. Due to its steady winds and clean water quality, Attersee is famous for attracting sailors and swimmers alike. During the season numerous sailing competitions are held. One of the most cherished winds on Attersee is the so-called "Rosenwind" meaning "breeze of roses". It is an easterly wind that crosses a castle's rose garden and fills the air across the lake with the smell of roses.
Difference in altitude: + 550 to + 750 meters and – 420 to – 560 metersDAY 6: Round trip tour to Lake Traunsee, 53 mi. (85 km)
The landscape is a bit different today. The cycling will be in a slightly hilly area to the beautiful city of Gmunden. The town on Lake Traunsee is where the Traun River flows out of this mountain lake. The site of Celtic and Roman settlements, Gmunden was fortified in the 12th century and chartered in the 13th. Its Baroque parish church on 13th-century foundations was consecrated in 1723, and the town hall dates from 1659. You can enjoy a coffee and a view of the water at the lake promenade. Once again on your cycle, it is a ride up the side of the mountain range called "devil mountains." Don't forget to stop and look back so that you can appreciate the view before you head back down to Lake Attersee. You can cycle around the lake back to St. Georgen or cross the lake on a boat. Overnight in St. Georgen.
Difference in altitude: + 790 meters and – 650 metersDAY 7: Lake Attersee - Salzburg, 47 mi. (75 km)
In the morning you will pass fields and little hamlets on your ride to Lake Mondsee where you can visit the wedding church of the Sound of Music. You will notice that the landscape changes again with small, soft hills but you will still see lakes along your route. After Mondsee, you ride by Lake Irrsee, the only real climb up to Sommerholz, to a little church and an impressive view. From here the route is up and down through woods, fields, and hamlets to Eugendorf. The last 12 km you will follow the former Salzburg railway. Tonight you will overnight in this city of music. Salzburg literally means salt castle, aptly named for its massive fortress and the white gold of the surrounding mountains. Perhaps you will want to spend an extra night or two here to celebrate your accomplishments. Salzburg is the jewel of Austria and one of the most beautiful of all European cities. It is the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. There is a memorial dedicated to him at the Salzburg Mozart Square that you will want to see. Nestled between two mountains Kapuzinerberg and Mönchsberg and the River Salzach, Salzburg is teeming with culture and history full of small alleyways with quaint, colorful townhouses. The exceptionally well-preserved Medieval and Baroque old town (Aldstadt) will be a highlight of your time in the city. It is tucked into the space between the cliffs of the Mönchsberg, a rocky hill that is topped by the massive fortress of the Hohensalzburg, and the left bank of the river. The 900-year-old fortress, reigning over the city, provides a stunning view. Bring your appreciation of beauty and culture, your love of history, and your sense of adventure.
Difference in altitude: + 570 meters and – 690 metersDAY 8: Departure
7 Day Tour
Day 1: Arrival in Salzburg
Day 2: Salzburg - Hallstatt/Bad Goisern, 85 to 105 km, difference in altitude + 750 to 1.250 meters and – 620 to – 1.100 meters
Day 3: Round trip Ausserland, 80 to 107 Km, difference in altitude + 705 to + 1.050 meters and – 550 to – 1.010 meters
Day 4: Hallstatt - Lake Attergau (overnight in St. Georgen), 70 to 90 Km, difference in altitude + 550 to + 750 meters and – 420 to – 560 meters
Day 5: Round trip Lake Traunsee, 85 Km, difference in altitude + 790 meters and – 650 meters
Day 6: Attergau - Salzburg, 75 km, difference in altitude + 570 meters and – 690 meters
Day 7: Departure5 Day Tour
Day 1: Arrival in Salzburg
Day 2: Salzburg - Hallstatt/Bad Goisern
Day 3: Hallstatt - Attergau
Day 4: Attergau - Salzburg
Day 5: Departure*All distances are approximate.
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Map
Hotels & Bikes
Accommodations in 3 and 4-star hotels.
Bicycles
Road Bike
Carbon road bike equipped with Shimano 105 10V Compact. Accessories include a small repair kit (tube and pump included), which you will be required to return at the end of your tour. The bicycle also features a water bottle holder. Standard pedals are provided but you can bring your own pedals.
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Hotel accommodations for 4, 6, or 7 nights in 3 or 4-star hotels
- Breakfasts
- Road bike rental including pedals, spare tube, pump, and lock
- Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
- Train ride from Obertraun to Tauplitz (8 and 7 day tour only)
- 1 x tour book per room
- Service hotline
- GPS data
What’s Not Included
- Meals not mentioned
- City Tax
- Bicycle protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Daily arrival from April 27 to October 15, 2024
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2024
8 day tour Twin/double $ 2169 £ 1145 $ 1,962 € 1305 kr 200207 ₪ 5348 ¥ 223514 Mex$ 24076 NZ$ 2384 NOK 15557 zł 5732 S$ 1944 kr 15587 $ 1,435 Single room $ 2876 £ 1518 $ 2,601 € 1730 kr 265408 ₪ 7090 ¥ 296306 Mex$ 31917 NZ$ 3160 NOK 20623 zł 7599 S$ 2577 kr 20663 $ 1,902 7 day tour Twin/double $ 1920 £ 1014 $ 1,737 € 1155 kr 177194 ₪ 4734 ¥ 197823 Mex$ 21309 NZ$ 2110 NOK 13769 zł 5074 S$ 1720 kr 13795 $ 1,270 Single room $ 2560 £ 1352 $ 2,316 € 1540 kr 236259 ₪ 6311 ¥ 263764 Mex$ 28411 NZ$ 2813 NOK 18358 zł 6765 S$ 2294 kr 18394 $ 1,693 5 day tour Twin/double $ 1563 £ 825 $ 1,413 € 940 kr 144210 ₪ 3852 ¥ 160999 Mex$ 17342 NZ$ 1717 NOK 11206 zł 4129 S$ 1400 kr 11227 $ 1,033 Single room $ 1978 £ 1044 $ 1,789 € 1190 kr 182564 ₪ 4877 ¥ 203818 Mex$ 21954 NZ$ 2173 NOK 14186 zł 5227 S$ 1773 kr 14214 $ 1,308 Extra Options
GPS rental $ 125 £ 66 $ 113 € 75 kr 11506 ₪ 307 ¥ 12846 Mex$ 1384 NZ$ 137 NOK 894 zł 329 S$ 112 kr 896 $ 82 Welcome meeting $ 91 £ 48 $ 83 € 55 kr 8438 ₪ 225 ¥ 9420 Mex$ 1015 NZ$ 100 NOK 656 zł 242 S$ 82 kr 657 $ 60 Supplemental bike delivery fee
(applies to bookings/groups with only one rental bike)$ 83 £ 44 $ 75 € 50 kr 7671 ₪ 205 ¥ 8564 Mex$ 922 NZ$ 91 NOK 596 zł 220 S$ 74 kr 597 $ 55 Extra nights in Salzburg (4 star hotel)
April 1 to June 30 & September 1 to October 30 Twin/double $ 158 £ 83 $ 143 € 95 kr 14574 ₪ 389 ¥ 16271 Mex$ 1753 NZ$ 174 NOK 1132 zł 417 S$ 142 kr 1135 $ 104 Single room $ 224 £ 118 $ 203 € 135 kr 20711 ₪ 553 ¥ 23122 Mex$ 2491 NZ$ 247 NOK 1609 zł 593 S$ 201 kr 1612 $ 148 July 1 to August 31 Twin/double $ 199 £ 105 $ 180 € 120 kr 18410 ₪ 492 ¥ 20553 Mex$ 2214 NZ$ 219 NOK 1431 zł 527 S$ 179 kr 1433 $ 132 Single room $ 266 £ 140 $ 241 € 160 kr 24546 ₪ 656 ¥ 27404 Mex$ 2952 NZ$ 292 NOK 1907 zł 703 S$ 238 kr 1911 $ 176 Reduction (per person/night) if booking a 3 star hotel: $ 25 £ 13 $ 23 € 15 kr 2301 ₪ 61 ¥ 2569 Mex$ 277 NZ$ 27 NOK 179 zł 66 S$ 22 kr 179 $ 16 Extra Info
Skill Level — Moderate–Difficult
This is a moderate to difficult self-guided road bike tour. You will mainly follow small side roads, cycle trails, and sometimes encounter short distances on main roads in which you will encounter traffic. Each day gives an option to cycle a shorter distance, and it is also possible to shorten the tour by using e.g a train or boat on a lake. There will be more traffic during the tourist season on the side roads of the lakes. The terrain is up and down with some ascents that are demanding but not very long (2 to 5 km).
Airport Info
Arrive Salzburg International Airport (SZG)
Local Travel
SZG airport is only 3 km away from the city center. You can take a city bus to the center and from there you can take a taxi to your starting hotel.
Climate
Please check local conditions prior to arrival.
Day of Rest
Days with a round trip cycling route can be used as a day of rest.
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.Extra Stay
Extra nights in Salzburg highly recommended and available upon request.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Best Seller Reisen.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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