Zell am See-based star tour to discover the heart of Austria by bike
Upon arrival in this famous mountain region, you will be greeted with typical Salzburg hospitality. Leave everyday life behind and admire the picture-postcard panoramas of mountains, snow-capped peaks and lakes. The area around Lake Zeller See offers great diversity and the possibility of exploring by bike, boat or on foot. A walk to the top of the mountain gives you spectacular views of Lake Zell, the valley and the Kitzsteinhorn glacier in Kaprun. With a comprehensive programme of activities for the whole family and plenty to keep the children entertained, you can even spend a day without cycling if you wish.
Highlights of the trip:
- Spectacular Krimml waterfalls
- Crystal-clear Lake Zell
- Schmittenhöhe with a view of 30 peaks over 3,000 metres▪
- The famous Tauern cycle path
- Kitzsteinhorn with TOP OF SALZBURG
- “Cool Kids Fun & Cool Adventure” programme: action-packed fun for families and children. To be booked on site at the accommodation (comfort level only).
Day 1: Arrival in Zell am See
Take advantage of your arrival to explore the surrounding area and take a walk along the shores of Lake Zeller See from Schüttdorf to the centre of Zell am See (approx. 30 minutes). With its many restaurants, the small town is the ideal place to enjoy a casual meal and visit the charming shops.
Suggestions for 7 programmes:
We offer you programmes that you are free to do or not to do to fill these 6 days. Plan your days as you wish!
1) Excursion to Mittersill, Krimml and its waterfall (63 km)
The day begins with a train ride to Mittersill. Enjoy the magnificent natural spectacle of the Krimml waterfalls (included). Take the time to visit and feel the overwhelming power of the water. The stage then takes you back to the starting point on the Tauern cycle path. You will pass through small, quiet villages surrounded by forests and meadows. Once you arrive in the charming mountain town of Mittersill, enjoy the view of the Hohe Tauern National Park and the Kitzbühel Alps.
Before returning to Zell am See by train, immerse yourself in the immersive alpine worlds of the National Park Worlds (included) and discover, among other things, Austria's highest peak, the Grossglockner (3,798 m).
2) Saalfelden and Maria Alm Loop (45 km)
Cycle to the northern shore of Lake Zeller See and continue through the pretty little village of Maishofen. Its historic Kammer Castle is visible from afar. After a delicious meal at the 16th-century family farm, you continue your excursion to Almdorf to Maria Alm. After a short sightseeing tour of Maria Alm, you can climb the highest bell tower in the Salzburg region. For history lovers, we recommend the Ritzen Castle Museum (included) on the idyllic Ritzensee lake in Saalfelden. Dive into the past before returning to Zell am See via Maishofen / Neunbrunnen.
3) Excursion to St. Johann im Pongau (45 km) - only possible on day 3
With the exception of a short stretch on the road, the day takes place on the Tauern Cycle Path through a hilly landscape dotted with lush meadows and rustic farms. After a short climb, you reach your first destination of the day, Taxenbach. The perfect place to take a break before setting off on an excursion into a world full of magic. The Kitzloch Gorge (included) is among the most beautiful gorges in the Austrian Alps. On a guided tour, explore the 16th-century footbridges and tunnels and marvel at the power of the Rauriser Ache waterfall. After this spectacular natural wonder, cycle along the Salzach River to St. Johann im Pongau. Return by train from St. Johann im Pongau to Zell am See (included).
4) Zeller See and Kaprun Loop (30 km) - including the ascent to Kitzsteinhorn
Today you will cycle around Lake Zeller See. Start with the walk on the northern shore of the lake. Make a short detour to the famous Prielau Castle with its small chapel dedicated to the Holy Trinity built in 1730. You can take a break for a game of mini golf, a game of beach volleyball or a swim in the cool waters of the lake. If your legs get tired, relax by crossing the lake by boat (included). After returning to the hotel, you still have time to climb the Kitzsteinhorn (included), from where you can enjoy an incredible view of the majestic mountain landscape. Discover the unique Gipfelwelt 3000 with the highest viewing platform in the Salzburg region, the "TOP OF SALZBURG". After a guided tour of the Gipfelwelt 3000 exhibition (included), head back down into the valley on the glacier train (included). Tip: For a stress-free bike tour, visit the Kitzsteinhorn in the morning and postpone your bike ride until the afternoon!
5) Hinterglemm Loop (52 km)
Cycle along the Glemmtal cycle path towards Saalbach, along steep cliffs. The magnificent view of the surrounding mountains is breathtaking. Follow the Saalach River to the winter sports resort of Hinterglemm, which became famous in 1991 as the venue for the Alpine Ski World Championships. The town also has a lot to offer in summer. A stroll through the town centre with its baroque parish church is definitely worthwhile. Tip: Ambitious cyclists can continue via Kolling to Lengau. A slow train will take you from the Lengau car park to the Lindlingalm (not included). A Kneipp facility (hydrotherapy) for tired legs, an adventure playground where children can let off steam and a ropes course will delight young and old alike. Take the slow train (not included) or walk back to the Lengau car park and cycle back to your hotel.
6) Rest day or hike to the Schmittenhöhe summit
Today you can leave your bike at the hotel and take the Sonnenalm and Sonnkogel cable cars (included). Alternatively, take the bus to the Schmittenhöhe valley station (mobility card included), or travel there by car or bike (steep path).
We offer you a leisurely ride along the panoramic promenade from Sonnkogel to Schmittenhöhe. After a short climb, an absolutely beautiful landscape and pure mountain air await you. After the descent from Schmittenhöhe in the modern Porsche Design gondola, you deserve more than anything a tasting of local homemade products at the farm shop "Feinkost Schmiderer" (voucher for a snack included). End the day with a refreshing swim in the crystal clear water of Lake Zeller See.
7) Fuschertal Loop (30 km)
This program is one of the highlights of your cycling holiday in Austria. You will cross the Fuschl Valley towards numerous three-thousand-metre peaks such as the Brennkogel, the Hoher Tenn and the Schwarzkopf. Continue via Bruck to Fusch on the Grossglockner Alpine Road. Once you have reached the small mountain village of Fusch, you can enjoy a well-deserved rest. For wood enthusiasts, the Mühlauer Säge Museum (included) tells the story of wood, from the seed of the tree to the finished product. If you still have some energy and want to continue cycling, you can continue (uphill) towards Ferleiten to the beautiful Käfertal (+ 7 km and 340 m of elevation gain). In the Ferleiten animal park (included) you will have the opportunity to observe wild animals that are usually hidden in the Hohe Tauern National Park. An excursion that will delight the whole family.
Day 6: Zell am See
End of the tour after breakfast. If you want to extend your stay, you can book an extra night.
