Sound of Music District Road Bike Tour

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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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: Departure

DAY 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 meters

DAY 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 meters

DAY 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 meters

DAY 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 meters

DAY 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 meters

DAY 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 meters

DAY 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: Departure

5 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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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.