Cycling the Scenic Route from Salzburg to Vienna

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: Vienna

Distances 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!

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.

Air Conditioning Notice (Austria Tours): Please note that air conditioning is not standard in many accommodations in Austria. While we will always try to accommodate this preference where possible, it cannot be guaranteed. We appreciate your understanding and recommend preparing accordingly, especially during warmer travel periods.

Bicycles

Touring Bike

• 21-gears
• Unisex aluminum frame (low entry)
• Traditional men's frame also available in limited quantity
• Shimano ALIVIO derailleur
• Modern V-breaks
• Selle Royal saddles

Premium Bike

• 27 speed Shimano Deore XT
• Sporty riding position and design
• Hydraulic Magura brakes
• High-quality suspension fork from Suntour

Gravel Bike

• Comfortable gravel geometry for a fast, smooth ride
• 6061-T6 aluminum frame with carbon fork
• SRAM Apex 1x12 gear system (40/11-50)
• Hydraulic disc brakes
• Miche wheels with Schwalbe G-One gravel tires
• Selle Italia gel saddle
• Weighs approximately 11.5 kg

Electric Bike

• Pedelec electric assist bike with 3 levels of assistance
• Weighs approximately 23 kg

Accessories

• Saddle bag (water-repellent)
• Handlebar bag (water-repellent)
• Service set with tools and an extra bicycle tube
• Pump
• Combination lock