Salzburg Lakes Tour: Around the Lakes within the Foothills of the Alps

Day 1: Arrival in Salzburg

Arrive in Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend time in the historic old town, strolling past the Salzburg Cathedral, Mirabell Gardens, and the Hohensalzburg Fortress. In the evening, you’ll meet for a tour briefing and be fitted with your rental bikes.

Overnight in Salzburg.

Day 2: Salzburg – Lake Wallersee
31-37 mi / 50-60 km

Your cycling journey begins along the Salzach River, leading to Oberndorf, where the carol Silent Night was first performed. Continue to Arnsdorf to visit the Silent Night Museum, then ride on to Michaelbeuern Abbey. The route finishes in the Trumer Lakes region with Obertrumer See, Mattsee, and Grabensee, and may also include Lake Wallersee. A shorter, direct option is available.

Overnight in Lake Wallersee.

Day 3: Lake Wallersee – Lake Mondsee
31 mi / 50 km

Cycle through the peaceful Egelseen Nature Reserve and the village of Schleedorf before reaching Lake Irrsee, a quiet gem of the Salzkammergut. End the day at Lake Mondsee, where you can visit the basilica featured in The Sound of Music, explore the castle, or stop at the local smokehouse.

Overnight in Mondsee

Day 4: Lake Mondsee – Lake Traunsee
31-50 mi / 50-80 km

Follow the shoreline of Lake Mondsee to Lake Attersee, the largest lake in the region. In July and August, a boat ride may be available; otherwise, enjoy cycling along the water’s edge. From there, the route continues through the Aurach Valley to Lake Traunsee. Highlights include Orth Castle and Gmunden’s ceramics tradition, Altmünster with its bicycle museum, and Traunkirchen’s famous Fishermen’s Pulpit.

Overnight near Lake Traunsee.

Day 5: Lake Traunsee – Lake Hallstättersee – Bad Goisern/surrounding area
12-22 mi / 20-35 km

A short train ride takes you to Obertraun on Lake Hallstatt. Here you can visit the Dachstein Ice Caves before cycling along the lakeshore to the UNESCO town of Hallstatt, known for its salt mine and historic timbered houses. Continue to your overnight stay in Bad Goisern or a nearby village.

Overnight near Bad Goisern.

Day 6: Bad Goisern/surrounding area – Lake Wolfgangsee
22 mi / 35 km

Ride along the Ischler Ache River into Bad Ischl, the imperial resort town of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Sisi. Visit the Imperial Villa, Sisi’s Teahouse, or the renowned Café Zauner. Continue on to Lake Wolfgangsee, passing through St. Wolfgang, Strobl, Lake Abersee, and St. Gilgen, known as Mozart’s village.

Overnight at Lake Wolfgangsee.

Day 7: Lake Wolfgangsee – Salzburg
31-43 mi / 50-70 km

Your final ride takes you through St. Gilgen and past the clear waters of Lake Fuschlsee and Lake Hintersee. Cycle through the Strubklamm and Glasenbachklamm gorges before reaching the Salzach Valley. Just before Salzburg, visit Hellbrunn Palace with its gardens, zoo, and trick fountains. The tour ends back in Salzburg, where you can celebrate with a stroll through the old town.

Overnight in Salzburg.

Day 8: Departure from Salzburg

After breakfast, depart from Salzburg or extend your stay to enjoy more of the Salzkammergut lakes or nearby alpine attractions.