CYCLING AND BIKING PLEASURE AT LAKE WOLFGANGSEE

As soon as the last patches of snow melt, the first early bloomers appear and the sun brings warmer temperatures, Lake Wolfgangsee comes to life. The perfect time for anyone who wants to wake their bike or cycle from hibernation. The region invites you to enjoy cycle tours that take you to the most beautiful places in the Salzkammergut.

From easy tours to challenging routes. In addition to the sporting activity, culture and cuisine are not neglected: the region is rich in cultural specialities and offers a variety of excursion destinations. During a break, cyclists can savour the culinary delights of the region. Be it on a terrace right by the lake or with a view of the surrounding mountains, in the numerous restaurants, inns, snack stations and mountain huts, which offer everything from traditional tavern cuisine to award-winning cuisine.

THE AUSTRIAN SALT&LAKE TRAIL – THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE BIKE SEASON

On September 27th 2024, St. Gilgen am Wolfgangsee invites you to an extraordinary event: the start of the Salt & Lake Trail (SALT) at the lakeside promenade landing stage. This ‘Unsupported Bikepacking Adventure’ takes participants on an unforgettable journey through Austria’s dreamlike landscapes, past picturesque villages and along 13 crystal-clear lakes. The event offers two routes to choose from: a challenging route of 400 kilometres with 8,000 metres of elevation gain and a slightly shorter route of 280 kilometres and 5,000 metres of elevation gain, which can be completed in up to seven days. Participants receive GPX data that has been carefully adapted to the optimal routes for gravel bikes and mountain bikes and leads them along gravel roads, forest and woodland paths as well as asphalt roads with little traffic.

The Austrian Salt&Lake Trail has almost no time limit. This gives you the freedom to explore your personal limits and organise this adventure in your own way. This aims to draw participants out of their comfort zone. And to send them on a journey with themselves and nature. The route, which can lead through changeable weather conditions, from late summer heat to possible snowfall on the highest passes, is a unique experience. And regardless of the weather, participants are accompanied and motivated by the autumnal atmosphere and the beautiful colours of the landscape.

© SalzburgerLand Tourismus, Franz Pritz

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BIKE TOURS AT LAKE WOLFGANGSEE

THE FUSCHLERIN AROUND THE ZWÖLFERHORN

The Fuschlerin, which connects Wolfgangsee and Fuschlsee, offers an extraordinary experience for all nature lovers and cycling enthusiasts who want to experience both the challenge and the beauty of the Austrian alpine and natural landscape up close. Starting in St. Gilgen, the route leads along the Salzkammergut cycle path to the district of Brunn/Abersee. From there, follow the WO1 cycle path signposts along well-maintained forest roads up to the Illinger Alm. Later, continue in the direction of the Zwölferhorn.

For experienced cyclists, the route includes a short pushing section before taking a worthwhile detour to the summit of the Zwölferhorn. After this highlight, the tour leads to the picturesque Sausteigalm and then downhill through Tiefbrunnau towards Fuschl, where you cross the crystal-clear waters of Lake Fuschl and the idyllic town centre. Before the tour ends in St. Gilgen, you reach the striking headquarters of Red Bull. This circular tour combines a sporting challenge with unrivalled natural spectacles and cultural insights, making it an unforgettable experience.

duration: 3.5h, length: 36.5km, altitude difference: 1,190m

THE SCHAFBERG TOUR AROUND THE SCHAFBERG AND TO THE SCHWARZENSEE LAKE

At 1,783 metres above sea level, the Schafberg offers breathtaking views and is one of the region’s unforgettable natural sites. A particular highlight of this cycle tour around the mountain is the mystical Schwarzensee lake. Halfway along the route, it beckons you to take a refreshing dip in the cool water. The route starts in St. Wolfgang. After a ride along the WO4 cycle path via Russbach and a short climb, you reach the Schwarzensee. The route meanders past the shore and leads up another climb to the Eisenaualm. After a breathtaking descent towards St. Gilgen, the ever-present WO4 cycle signs guide you safely along the main road no. 154 into the village and on via Strobl back to the starting point in St. Wolfgang. This tour combines a sporting challenge with the unspoilt beauty of the Salzkammergut and offers an opportunity to unwind in nature.

duration: 4h, length: 47.3km, altitude difference: 920m

© SalzburgerLand Tourismus, Markus Berger

THE 3-LAKE TOUR FROM WOLFGANGSEE VIA ATTERSEE TO MONDSEE

The 3-lake bike tour takes you into the heart of the Salzkammergut lake district along the shores of Lake Wolfgangsee, Lake Attersee and Lake Mondsee. Starting in St. Gilgen, you follow the SKGT cycle path to Strobl and then on to Bad Ischl. After a ride of around 5 kilometres, you reach Mitterweißenbach. From there, turn off into the mysterious Weißenbachtal valley. This part of the route takes you directly to the shores of Lake Attersee. The journey continues along the southern shore of Lake Mondsee. Later, you pass Unterach until the lakeside road leads you towards Scharfling. After passing through the Kienbergwandtunnel and the left-hand bend over the Scharfling, the route comes full circle. You reach St. Gilgen again. This tour is not just a sporting challenge. It also gives you the opportunity to experience the beauty and tranquillity of the Salzkammergut through encounters with its three large lakes.

duration: 4.5h, length: 63.6km, altitude difference: 660m

THE CHALLENGING TOUR FROM WOLFGANGSEE TO THE GENNERALM ON THE POSTALM & BACK

On the ‘Challenging Tour’, the full splendour of the region unfolds in a challenging course.This route leads past mountain peaks, rushing mountain streams and charming alpine huts, including a detour to Hintersee.From the starting point in Strobl, the route follows the SKGT cycle path via Abersee.It crosses under the main road 158 in the Brunn district and winds its way through to the junction on the Breitenberg.There the cycle signposts point the way to Hintersee before turning off onto route TG18 to the Genneralm.After a rapid descent to the old Postalm road, the tour leads via route TG15 to the Postalm, where beautiful views open up.The final downhill ride along the panoramic road back to Strobl is the crowning glory of a tour that not only impresses with its scenic beauty, but also with its challenging profile.

duration: 6.5h, length: 62.1km, altitude difference: 1,960m

©Featured Image: Christoph Oberschneider