The great cycling holiday in Austria

Your cycling holiday in Austria begins in Innsbruck. Enjoy the unique scenery of the mountains all around. You can't miss the city's landmark – it's the Goldene Dachl (Golden Roof). Covered with over 2,600 fire-gilded copper shingles, all still in their original condition, Emperor Maximilian I had the Dachl built. Also worth seeing are the Hofkirche (court chirch), the Hofburg (court castle) and the Bergisel Ski Jump, which serves as the venue for the annual Four Hills Tournament. If booked, you will receive your rental bike at an information meeting at your first hotel.

On the first stage of your cycling holiday in Austria you follow the Inn Cycle Route. You can take a break in the small town of Hall. Visit the historic old town and the landmark, the Münzerturm. It is part of Hasegg Castle, which houses a coin museum. Cycle at a leisurely pace to the next highlight of the tour. In Wattens, visit the Swarovski Kristallwelten. In chambers of wonder, you will experience the fascination that comes from crystals. In the park is a crystal cloud made of 800,000 crystals – impressive! Your destination for the day, Strass, is at the entrance to the Ziller Valley.

Surrounded by mountain peaks, the bike path leads you through the Ziller Valley. You will reach the small town of Zell am Ziller in a relaxed manner. In the early afternoon, a transfer takes you over the Gerlos Pass to Krimml. During the ride you can take a look at the Krimml Waterfalls. Upon arrival at your hotel, take a hike to Austria's highest waterfalls. Lookout platforms will offer you breathtaking views of the thundering masses of water.

Today's stage of your cycling holiday in Austria takes you through the High Tauern National Park and the Oberpinzgau region. With the surrounding mountain peaks in view and not far from the Salzach River, you will cycle along the Tauern Cycle Route through small towns. Off the beaten path, detours to the ruins of Hieburg Castle, the museum in Bramberg and the Celtic village at Stoanabichl are an option. Visit the high mountain reservoirs in Kaprun or take a boat trip from Zell across Lake Zell, unique mountain panoramas included. You will spend the night in Kaprun or in Zell am See.

Take a dip in Lake Zell before getting on your bike and continuing to follow the Tauern Cycle Route. A few kilometers before your destination for the day is the Seisenbergklamm gorge. Its formation began over 12,000 years ago and is still not complete, as the stream flowing through it continues to dig into the rock. Perhaps you will encounter the gorge spirit during a hike through the gorge, whose voice you may hear quietly as the water roars. Surrounded by mountain ranges you will spend the night in the small market town of Lofer.

Your cycling holiday in Austria will first take you along the Tauern Cycle Route into the Berchtesgadener Land region to Bad Reichenhall in the Kleines Deutsches Eck (Little German Corner). The history of Bad Reichenhall is closely linked to the extraction of salt from brine springs. During a guided tour of the Alte Saline, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the importance and history of salt extraction in the Salt Museum. After a few kilometers you will reach Salzburg. Visit the fortress Hohensalzburg above the city, walk to Mozart's birthplace in the street Gerichtsgasse and try the typical Salzburg dessert Salzburger Nockerln in a café.

Not far from the Salzach River, you will cycle leisurely in a northerly direction, passing through the small towns of Oberndorf and Tittmoning before reaching your destination for the day, Burghausen. Even from a distance, you will notice the castle complex of Burghausen. With its length of about 1000 meters it is the longest castle complex worldwide. During a visit, you will notice that castle courtyards, walls and turrets seem to be endlessly lined up. Below the Höhenburg is the historic old town, located directly on the Salzach River, with its colorful town houses and its pretty cafes.

Today, you will find yourself mostly on the Inn Cycle Route. From Braunau, the path leads on both sides of the river. In Reichersberg you can make a stop at the monastery. A guided tour of the monastery will give you an insight into the still active life of the Augustinian Canons and the past of the over 900-year-old complex. Through the bird- and plant-rich European reserve Unterer Inn you will cycle to Schärding, the baroque town on the Inn. The townscape represents the Inn-Salzach style, characterized by colorful baroque town houses.

After breakfast you hop back on the bike and the next highlight of your cycling holiday in Austria is already waiting for you at the German-Austrian border: the Three Rivers City Passau. Visit the baroque St. Stephen's Cathedral and the mighty fortress Veste Oberhaus above the city. Now you are on the Danube Cycle Route. You can take another break in Engelhartszell. Here you will find the only Trappist monastery in Austria. Your destination for the day is a small natural wonder, the Donauschlinge (Danube Loop) near Schlögen.

Following the course of the Danube, you will reach Linz, the capital of Upper Austria. Stroll through the historic squares of the city center and treat yourself to a piece of Linzer Torte, whose oldest recipe dates back to the 17th century. Freshly strengthened, you cycle on to Enns. The image of Austria's oldest town is characterized by Renaissance and Baroque-style buildings. Climb the 60-meter-high city tower and enjoy the view of Enns and the surrounding area.

Relax as you cycle along the Danube on today's stage of your cycling holiday in Austria and reach Grein. Stretch your legs on a walk to Greinburg Castle and explore the extraordinary architecture. Continue on through the Strudengau region. The Danube valley got its name because of the many swirls and shoals and was once considered one of the most dangerous stretches of the Danube. From Ybbs you are on your way in the Nibelungengau. The hilly landscape was already mentioned in the Nibelungenlied and thus received its name.

On your last stage, you will cycle almost without any ascents towards Melk Abbey, which can already be seen from afar. The Benedictine abbey towers high above the town of Melk and looks back on a history of more than 900 years. Leaving Melk behind, you will now get to know the landscape of the Wachau region. It is known for medieval castle ruins, historic village centers, wines and apricot jam. From Krems you will take the train to Vienna. At the end of your cycling holiday in Austria, treat yourself to a large slice of Sacher cake in one of the quaint coffee houses.

After breakfast your cycling holiday in Austria already ends. We are happy to extend your stay in Innsbruck, Salzburg or Vienna with an extra night.