R2/R19 Salzkammergut bicycle way

Description:
Travelling by bicycle, you have the opportunity to admire crystal-clear lakes and imposing mountain peaks as you follow the route taken by the imperial family. Surround yourself with history, majestic landscapes and picturesque views on this leisurely tour through the states of Upper Austria, Salzburg and Styria, and enjoy the same impressive scenery that captivated artists like Gustav Klimt.

Directions:
320 picture-perfect kilometres through the federal states of Salzburg, Upper Austria and Styria.

At whatever point cyclists join the circular route, they will instantly find themselves in the midst of some of the most stunning scenery in the Alpine region. And that’s not all – this journey in the footsteps of the Habsburg monarchy can be added to or shortened at any time thanks to boat and rail connections and intersections with other routes.

Anyone saddling up in front of Mozart’s Birthplace in the city of Salzburg is sure to have one objective in mind: to pedal along to the master’s melodies all the way to Lake Wolfgang or follow the rattling rhythm of the former Ischlerbahn railway. Today, most of this section of the route still runs along this now peaceful line, which once led from Salzburg to Bad Ischl.

Lake Wolfgang is the gateway to the landscape that makes this route so special with its 70-plus crystal-clear lakes and an array of mountain peaks, many of which are easily accessible. At this point, cyclists can decide whether they want to hop aboard one of the ferries, such as the one to St Wolfgang, or make a rapid ascent of the Zwölferhorn or Schafberg peaks by cable car or mountain railway. Stopping for a bite to eat at the Weiße Rössl, or White Horse Inn, is like travelling back in time to the middle of an operetta, and a trip up into the mountains works wonders when you want to take a break from it all. Bad Ischl – European Capital of Culture 2024 – is a connecting point in more ways than one. This is where all the threads of Empress Elisabeth’s passion for embarking on summer retreats come together, evidence of which can still be seen today in her former teahouse or in the Kaiservilla. Here, cyclists can take a refreshing deep breath on the banks of the River Traun – a moment arguably best enjoyed with a sweet pastry from Konditorei Zauner, a former Purveyor to the Imperial and Royal Court. From Bad Ischl, the route leads to the Styrian Salzkammergut, the home of regional folk costume and – from a culinary point of view – the char.

It goes without saying that the onward journey to Trautenfels in the Enns Valley, which heads into more alpine terrain, is an extremely rewarding one. En route lie the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hallstatt, where the oldest salt mine in the world can be found; giant ice caves in the Dachstein massif; Bad Aussee, over the border into Styria and close to the mystical waters of Lake Altaussee and Lake Grundlsee; and not to forget Kulm ski flying hill.

Alternatively, if visitors opt for the shorter option on departing Bad Ischl, they can board the world’s oldest coal-fired paddle steamer at Gmunden and take a relaxing trip on Lake Traunsee. Now the route turns westwards towards the turquoise waters of Lake Attersee for an opportunity to enjoy a drink at one of the fabulous beach bars or a quick dip before heading in the direction of Unterach and Mondsee. Enjoy one of the wonderful beach bars here or a dip in the water on the way to Unterach and the Mondsee. From Mondsee, take side roads and bike paths to Irrsee and on to the Salzburg Lake District, which includes Wallersee, Mattsee and Obertrumer See. Before heading back to Salzburg, be sure to visit the new BioArt Campus in Seeham.

Tip:
Numerous excursion and complementary options make the bike path network around the Salzkammergut Cycle Path one of the most beautiful cycling regions in the Alpine region.

Several bike hubs also allow shorter round trips. Using the alternatives by train and boat, the bike path is also suitable for families, especially the routes Salzburg-Mondsee, along the Wolfgangsee and along the Traun.

Safety guidelines:

• The level of difficulty is categorised between easy and intermediate.


• The route mainly follows cycling paths and low-traffic secondary roads. For sections along state highways, there are boat and train alternatives (Lake Hallstatt, Lake Traun, Lake Wolfgang, Lake Attersee).


• There is signage in both directions within the framework of the state cycling path network (R2 in Upper Austria, R19 in Styria).

Equipment:
Modern trekking bikes or mountain bikes are ideal. Racing bikes are not recommended.

Punctures can happen: a basic equipment of tools and accessories never hurts!

• Tire repair kit


• Multitool


• Spare tube, air pump, tire levers


• First aid kit

Additional information:
Salzkammergut Tourism

+43 6132 26909

www.salzkammergut.at 

In July and August, the towns on the Salzkammergut lakes are in high season, which limits availability for one-night accommodations. In July and August, it is recommended to make reservations by the day in advance - the local tourism associations will be happy to help you find them.

www.salzkammergutradweg.com