Cycling the Scenic Route from Salzburg to Vienna
Austria Bike Tours
Explore Austria’s past along riverside trails
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€973 Rates
Overview
Austria, situated in central Europe, blends rich history, stunning scenery, and lively urban centers. From the awe-inspiring Alps to quaint villages and cultural cities, it's a fusion of old-world charm and modern energy.
Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, boasts magnificent baroque architecture and a musical legacy, while Vienna, the capital city, showcases grand palaces and vibrant cultural scenes.
Cycling from Salzburg to Vienna unveils Austria's landscapes and traditions. The route winds through charming towns, idyllic countryside, and riverside paths along the Danube. It's a wonderful mix of historic landmarks, beautiful views, and well-maintained bike routes, promising an enriching adventure.
Highlights
- Salzburg- the birthplace of Mozart and UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Vienna- City of imperial grandeur and rich cultural heritage
- Bad Ischl- former summer retreat for the imperial family
- The Wachau Valley- orchards, vineyards, and local wines
- Melk Abbey
- Picturesque lakes
- Scenic paths along the Danube
- Alpine vistas
Don't forget to check out all our bike tours in Austria!
Itinerary
Day 1: Salzburg
Day 2: Salzburg - Lake Wolfgang - St. Gilgen, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 3: St. Gilgen - Lake Traunsee - Gmunden, 37 mi. (60 km)
Day 4: Gmunden - Wels - Linz, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 5: Linz - Ardagger / Grein, 34 mi. - 37 mi. (55 km - 60 km)
Day 6: Ardagger / Grein - Spitz / Weißenkirchen, 40 mi. (65 km)
Day 7: Spitz / Weißenkirchen - Krems - Tulln - Vienna, 34 mi. - 37 mi. (55 km - 60 km)
Day 8: ViennaDistances are approximate and the itinerary is subject to changes due to uncontrollable factors such as weather conditions or provisions from local authorities. Temporary route deviations may occur, such as detours for roadwork or unforeseen circumstances not reflected in maps.
Day 1: Salzburg
Salzburg, the start of your active vacation, is a city steeped in musical history and cultural treasures. The enchanting Old Town has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved medieval and baroque architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and the strong influence of the city's most famous resident, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. You will find your bikes waiting and ready at the first hotel.
Sample Accommodations- Category A: Arcotel Hotel Castellani
- Category B: Hotel Ganslhof
Day 2: Salzburg - Lake Wolgang - St. Gilgen, 28 mi. (45 km)
The cycling begins directly from Salzburg, passing through the towns of Eugendorf and Thalgau in the beautiful Salzburger Flachgau region. En route a picturesque detour to Mondsee is possible, recognized as the setting for the iconic wedding scene from "The Sound of Music". What follows is a stunning ride along the shore of Lake Wolfgang to arrive at St. Gilgen, famous as the birthplace of Anna Maria Pertl, Mozart's mother. Picturesque with the lake and surrounding mountains, St. Gilgen is characterized by its charming streets, historic buildings, and tranquil ambiance.Sample Accommodations
- Category A: Hotel Zur Post
- Category B: Hotel Schernthaner
Day 3: St. Gilgen - Lake Traunsee - Gmunden, 37 mi. (60 km)
The route continues along the shores of Lake Wolfgang (Wolfgangsee) and passes through Bad Ischl, a beloved summer getaway for the imperial family. It is also home to the renowned Café Zauner, celebrated for its delectable pastries. In addition, Bad Ischl was named one of Europe's 3 "European Capitals of Culture" for 2024! You pedal along the Ischler Ache River to Ebensee, located on the southern edge of Lake Traunsee, the deepest lake in Austria. The day concludes in Gmunden, famous for its dramatic cliffside Ort Castle. Alternatively, for an additional fee, you may use the boat service linking Lake Traunsee's south shore (Ebensee) to the north shore at Gmunden, reducing the route by about 10 km (tickets can be purchased on site). In the evening, admire the Gmundner ceramics, renowned for their distinctive designs and craftsmanship. You can also stroll along the historical streets or the lakeside promenade, or consider taking a boat trip on Lake Traunsee.Sample Accommodations
- Category A: Seehotel Schwan
- Category B: Gasthof Engelhof
Day 4: Gmunden - Wels - Linz, 31 mi. (50 km)
Today you will follow the scenic path of the Traun River with breathtaking views as you travel from the mountains to the plains. You pass through Ohlsdorf and Laakirchen, offering glimpses of local life amidst the Alps' foothills, before reaching Lambach. Here you can visit the impressive Benedictine monastery, Stift Lambach, which dates back to the 11th century. Once you arrive in Wels, you can catch a train to Linz, a city situated along the Danube River that blends historical charm and modern innovation with riverside landscapes.Sample Accommodations
- Category A: Hotel Schwarzer Bär
- Category B: Courtyard by Marriott Hotel
Day 5: Linz - Ardagger / Grein, 34 mi. - 37 mi. (55 km - 60 km)
You have cycled along beautiful lake shores and a lovely river path and today you meet the mighty Danube River and experience the wonderful Danube Cycling Path. You pass through historical locations such as Mauthausen, tragically the site of the World War II Mauthausen concentration camp. The town has memorials and a museum dedicated to honoring the victims and preserving the memory of the tragic events that occurred there. From here you'll continue to Mitterkirchen, showcasing an ancient Celtic village and offering a hands-on experience of life 2,700 years ago. It provides insights into ancient Celtic culture, showcasing reconstructed dwellings and artifacts from that era. Your overnight destination is Grein, a baroque town with Austria's oldest operational municipal theater, Greinburg Castle hosting a historical museum, and a maritime museum highlighting the region's ties to the Danube River.Sample Accommodations
- Category A: Wellnesshotel Aumühle (Grein)
- Category B: Hotel Schiffsmeisterhaus (Ardagger)
Day 6: Ardagger / Grein - Spitz / Weißenkirchen, 40 mi. (65 km)
As the morning unfolds, the cycling route traverses the 'Strudengau,' once a challenging segment along the Danube for boatmen who grappled with formidable currents. Today, it has transformed into a leisurely cycling path, revealing breathtaking landscapes. Maria Taferl is home to a magnificent pilgrimage church overlooks the Danube, drawing pilgrims annually. The awe-inspiring Melk Abbey stands tall over the river, and as you continue through the Wachau, orchards, and vineyards pass by, leading to an evening of sampling local wines.Sample Accommodations
- Category A: Hotel Kirchenwirt (Weißenkirchen)
- Category B: Gasthof Goldenes Schiff (Spitz)
Day 7: Spitz / Weißenkirchen - Krems - Tulln - Vienna, 34 mi. - 37 mi. (55 km - 60 km)
The path passes through wine villages like Spitz and Weißenkirchen, past the ruins of Dürnstein Castle and concludes at the ancient city of Krems. A train ride from Krems leads to Tulln, home to the noteworthy Egon Schiele Museum. The final leg of your bike tour offers a relaxed journey to Vienna with plenty of time to savor the city's delights. Indulge in a Viennese Americano and Sachertorte cake at a traditional coffee house. EMariahilfer Strasse and St. Stephen's Cathedral are worth a visit.Sample Accommodations
- Category A: Courtyard by Marriott Hotel Vienna Prater/Messe
- Category B: Roomz Hotel Prater Vienna
Day 8: Vienna
Your wonderful cycling tour officially ends today. We advise adding additional nights in Vienna to continue exploring this vibrant cultural center. Just ask us!Map
Hotels & Bikes
You will be accommodated in carefully selected 3-star guest houses during your stay (Category B). For an additional fee and level of comfort, you may choose to stay in more distinctive 4-star hotels and guest houses (Category A). Each day’s itinerary includes sample names of accommodations in each category. If the indicated lodging is fully booked or unavailable, an establishment of similar quality will be offered as an alternative.
Bicycles
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for 7 nights
- Breakfasts
- 7 or 21-gear touring bike with insurance
- Luggage transfers
- Wine tasting in Wachau Valley
- Train ticket from Wels to Linz
- Train ticket from Krems to Tulln
- Detailed travel documents
- GPS tracks
What’s Not Included
- Airport transfers
- Lunches & dinners
- Boat from Ebensee to Gmunden
- Local taxes
- Entrance fees
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Daily departures
April 13 - October 12, 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
Category A Category B Low season
April 13 - April 19 & October 5 - October 12$ 2017 £ 1055 $ 1,802 € 1208 kr 185204 ₪ 5047 ¥ 208714 Mex$ 22648 NZ$ 2218 NOK 14539 zł 5325 S$ 1796 kr 14415 $ 1,319 $ 1624 £ 849 $ 1,451 € 973 kr 149175 ₪ 4065 ¥ 168111 Mex$ 18242 NZ$ 1787 NOK 11710 zł 4289 S$ 1447 kr 11611 $ 1,063 Regular season
April 20 - May 3 & September 28 - October 4$ 2175 £ 1138 $ 1,943 € 1303 kr 199769 ₪ 5444 ¥ 225127 Mex$ 24429 NZ$ 2393 NOK 15682 zł 5743 S$ 1937 kr 15549 $ 1,423 $ 1783 £ 932 $ 1,593 € 1068 kr 163740 ₪ 4462 ¥ 184525 Mex$ 20023 NZ$ 1961 NOK 12854 zł 4708 S$ 1588 kr 12744 $ 1,166 High season
May 4 - May 31 & September 14 - September 27$ 2300 £ 1203 $ 2,055 € 1378 kr 211267 ₪ 5757 ¥ 238086 Mex$ 25835 NZ$ 2530 NOK 16585 zł 6074 S$ 2049 kr 16444 $ 1,505 $ 1908 £ 998 $ 1,705 € 1143 kr 175238 ₪ 4775 ¥ 197483 Mex$ 21429 NZ$ 2099 NOK 13756 zł 5038 S$ 1700 kr 13639 $ 1,248 Summer season
June 1 - September 13$ 2426 £ 1269 $ 2,167 € 1453 kr 222766 ₪ 6070 ¥ 251044 Mex$ 27241 NZ$ 2668 NOK 17487 zł 6405 S$ 2161 kr 17339 $ 1,587 $ 2033 £ 1063 $ 1,817 € 1218 kr 186737 ₪ 5089 ¥ 210441 Mex$ 22836 NZ$ 2236 NOK 14659 zł 5369 S$ 1811 kr 14534 $ 1,330 Single supplement $ 616 £ 322 $ 550 € 369 kr 56573 ₪ 1542 ¥ 63754 Mex$ 6918 NZ$ 678 NOK 4441 zł 1626 S$ 549 kr 4403 $ 403 $ 382 £ 200 $ 342 € 229 kr 35109 ₪ 957 ¥ 39566 Mex$ 4293 NZ$ 420 NOK 2756 zł 1009 S$ 341 kr 2733 $ 250 Extra Options
2024
Bikes
Premium bike $ 117 £ 61 $ 104 € 70 kr 10732 ₪ 292 ¥ 12094 Mex$ 1312 NZ$ 129 NOK 842 zł 309 S$ 104 kr 835 $ 76 E-bike $ 267 £ 140 $ 239 € 160 kr 24530 ₪ 668 ¥ 27644 Mex$ 3000 NZ$ 294 NOK 1926 zł 705 S$ 238 kr 1909 $ 175 Extra nights
Salzburg Category A Category B Twin/Double $ 182 £ 95 $ 163 € 109 kr 16711 ₪ 455 ¥ 18833 Mex$ 2044 NZ$ 200 NOK 1312 zł 480 S$ 162 kr 1301 $ 119 $ 149 £ 78 $ 133 € 89 kr 13645 ₪ 372 ¥ 15377 Mex$ 1669 NZ$ 163 NOK 1071 zł 392 S$ 132 kr 1062 $ 97 Single room $ 275 £ 144 $ 246 € 165 kr 25297 ₪ 689 ¥ 28508 Mex$ 3093 NZ$ 303 NOK 1986 zł 727 S$ 245 kr 1969 $ 180 $ 192 £ 100 $ 172 € 115 kr 17631 ₪ 480 ¥ 19869 Mex$ 2156 NZ$ 211 NOK 1384 zł 507 S$ 171 kr 1372 $ 126 Linz Category A Category B Twin/Double $ 157 £ 82 $ 140 € 94 kr 14412 ₪ 393 ¥ 16241 Mex$ 1762 NZ$ 173 NOK 1131 zł 414 S$ 140 kr 1122 $ 103 $ 125 £ 65 $ 112 € 75 kr 11499 ₪ 313 ¥ 12958 Mex$ 1406 NZ$ 138 NOK 903 zł 331 S$ 112 kr 895 $ 82 Single room $ 265 £ 139 $ 237 € 159 kr 24377 ₪ 664 ¥ 27471 Mex$ 2981 NZ$ 292 NOK 1914 zł 701 S$ 236 kr 1897 $ 174 $ 215 £ 113 $ 192 € 129 kr 19778 ₪ 539 ¥ 22288 Mex$ 2419 NZ$ 237 NOK 1553 zł 569 S$ 192 kr 1539 $ 141 Vienna Category A Category B Twin/Double $ 149 £ 78 $ 133 € 89 kr 13645 ₪ 372 ¥ 15377 Mex$ 1669 NZ$ 163 NOK 1071 zł 392 S$ 132 kr 1062 $ 97 $ 125 £ 65 $ 112 € 75 kr 11499 ₪ 313 ¥ 12958 Mex$ 1406 NZ$ 138 NOK 903 zł 331 S$ 112 kr 895 $ 82 Single room $ 265 £ 139 $ 237 € 159 kr 24377 ₪ 664 ¥ 27471 Mex$ 2981 NZ$ 292 NOK 1914 zł 701 S$ 236 kr 1897 $ 174 $ 199 £ 104 $ 177 € 119 kr 18244 ₪ 497 ¥ 20560 Mex$ 2231 NZ$ 219 NOK 1432 zł 525 S$ 177 kr 1420 $ 130 Meal Package
Category A Category B Dinners (6 x 3-course) $ 366 £ 191 $ 327 € 219 kr 33576 ₪ 915 ¥ 37838 Mex$ 4106 NZ$ 402 NOK 2636 zł 965 S$ 326 kr 2613 $ 239 $ 332 £ 174 $ 297 € 199 kr 30510 ₪ 831 ¥ 34382 Mex$ 3731 NZ$ 365 NOK 2395 zł 877 S$ 296 kr 2375 $ 217 Sharing a room with 2 adults (ages 18+):
Children up to 5 years old: 100% discount.
Children from 6 to 11 years old: 50% discount.
Children from 12-14 years old: 25% discount.
Children from 15-17 years old: 10% discountExtra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
In the Salzkammergut area, the path is mostly flat beside the lakes, interspersed with occasional hills. It predominantly follows bike paths and quiet side roads, minimizing encounters with heavy traffic. Along the Danube, the terrain remains mostly level or gently sloping, traversing a consistently well-maintained cycle path, free from motorized vehicles.
Airport Info
For arrival in Salzburg, the nearest airport is Salzburg Airport W. A. Mozart (SZG), located around 3.1 miles (5 kilometers) from the city center. Alternatively, you can arrive via Munich Airport (MUC) or Vienna (VIE) and then transfer to Salzburg by car, bus, or train.
For departures from Vienna, the closest airport is Vienna International Airport (VIE), situated approximately 11 miles (18 kilometers) from the city center.
Local Travel
Upon arriving in Salzburg, you can opt for a 20-minute bus or taxi ride from the Salzburg Airport to the city center. If arriving by train from Munich or Vienna, choices include a bus, taxi, or local train to reach the city center. Alternatively, a pleasant 15-20-minute walk allows you to enjoy the surroundings.
When departing from Vienna’s city center, transport options to Vienna International Airport include a train, bus, or taxi, taking approximately 20-30 minutes.
Day of Rest
This tour can be customized! Consider adding nights in the locations of your choice to spend more time exploring or to simply spend the day relaxing.
Important to know
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.
Beginning in 2024, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is expected to be fully operational. This will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. The application only takes only about 10 minutes and requires a €7 fee. Once your application is approved, this will be valid for 3 years or until the validity of your passport/travel documents. Approval of your application should only take a few minutes, however we do not recommend waiting until the last minute to complete your application.
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.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Radreisefreunde.
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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