The Enns Valley and the Austrian Lakes

Day 1:

Arrival at Salzburg airport. Transfer by minibus or taxi to our base hotel in Schladming.

Day 2:

Schladming. After breakfast we personally equip you with your bicycles ensuring a perfect fit for everyone. The day is then yours to explore Schladming and the surrounding area. The small town lies in the beautiful Enns Valley, which at this point carves a path west to east between the Dachstein Tauern to the north and the Schladminger Tauern to the south. Both these magnificent ranges have peaks reaching close to 3000m that prove a magnet for walkers in the summer. We suggest a leisurely excursion up the Enns Valley to the interesting and historic town of Radstadt. Built at the end of the 13th century by Salzburg bishops, Radstadt is still enclosed by its original fortified walls. Schladming itself is a renowned ski resort and a popular summer destination for cyclists and walkers. The town has an attractive pedestrianised centre, with an array of interesting shops, cafés and restaurants.

Day 3:

Schladming to Bad Mitterndorf. The Enns Valley cycle route passes through Schladming leading you downstream past the picturesque villages of Haus and Gröbming. The valley is wide and lush, supporting a variety of farming. Rich green meadows grazed by cattle give way to fields of golden corn, with frequent incursions of dense pine forests sweeping into the valley from the lower slopes of the towering peaks to the north and south. Towards the end of the day a gap appears in the mountains and the route follows a lake shore track to Bad Mitterndorf. 26 miles (42km).

Day 4:

Bad Mitterndorf. A charming village, Bad Mitterndorf is a little known jewel on the edge of the Salzkammergut. In common with many of the ski resorts in Austria they particularly encourage cyclists to visit during the summer months. The local tourist office produce a brochure featuring a selection of circular rides based around the village and we detail one of these routes in our information pack.

Day 5:

Bad Mitterndorf to Altaussee. An enchanting ride through spectacular scenery is punctuated by a visit to Bad Aussee, a medieval salt processing town that reinvented itself as a chic spa resort in the early 1800s. The town is the capital of the Styrian Salzkammergut and lies at the confluence of two branches of the River Traun. The old town square contains a number of historic buildings, with impressive examples of Late Gothic and Renaissance architecture. The route continues to the picturesque lakeside resort, Altaussee. 18 miles (29km).

Day 6:

Altaussee. The village is spread along the western shore of the Altausseer See, a crystal clear lake nestling beneath the towering Totes Gebirge. There are excellent walking possibilities in the surrounding area or, you may take a tour around the nearby salt mines, which were used as a place of safety for important works of art during the Second World War. For a cycling excursion we recommend a trip to the Grundlsee, whose emerald green waters shimmer in the shadow of the pale coloured Totes Gebirge. This lake, with its peaceful charm, has long been a draw for prominent Austrians and once counted Sigmund Freud amongst its frequent visitors.

Day 7:

Altaussee to St. Wolfgang. This morning’s ride follows a cycle route through spectacular alpine scenery along a track closed to all but farm and forestry traffic. En route you will discover a wonderful Gasthof, the Blaa Alm, and though you will probably reach it a little early for lunch, its unspoilt location begs you to pause a while and sample its excellent fare. You will emerge from this tranquil interlude at the bustling spa town, Bad Ischl and then continue on quiet country lanes to St. Wolfgang. 23 miles (37km).

Day 8:

St. Wolfgang. The town, as you might imagine, draws its name from St. Wolfgang, who erected a chapel here in the 10th century. The chapel became a place of pilgrimage in the 12th century and the town steadily grew around it. Situated on the north shore of the lake of the same name, St. Wolfgang has a truly glorious location. There are a multitude of things to do, including a steam train ride to the summit of the Schafberg, affording panoramic views of twelve lakes; a cycle excursion to St. Gilgen, the birthplace of Mozart’s mother; and a relaxing boat trip on the lake.

Day 9:

St. Wolfgang to Mondsee. The tour continues, heading north on a cycle track through a gap in the mountains. After passing the sparkling Schwarzensee, the route emerges at the Attersee, the Salzkammergut’s largest lake. A narrow lane hugs its southern shore before following the Seeache gently upstream to the south-eastern tip of Mondsee. The village of Mondsee is at the far northern end of this beautiful crescent shaped lake. 23 miles (37km).

Day 10:

Mondsee. The village was founded in the middle of the 8th century when a Benedictine monastery was established by Odilio, a Bavarian count. There are many well preserved buildings in the old village centre and, the parish church, made famous as the location for the wedding scene in ‘The Sound of Music’, is considered a particularly fine example of Gothic architecture. We suggest a relaxing cycle excursion to the nearby Irssee. The lake is preserved as a nature conservation area, however, it is also renowned for its bathing, as the water reaches a remarkable 27°C during the summer months.

Day 11:

Today we say "Auf Wiedersehen". We will transfer you direct from Mondsee to Salzburg airport by train or minibus, and look forward to welcoming you back again next year.