Austrian Lakes Family Cycle Tour

Arrival in the culturally rich City of Mozart. Regardless whether you stroll along the river Salzach with ice cream in hand, glance over the roofs of Salzburg high up from the hill ‘Kapuzinerberg’ or start with a shopping spree in the ‘Getreidegasse’: you can see the wonderful flair as Salzburg simply oozes culture everywhere. No matter what age you are, Salzburg will enchant you!

An option for your first cycling day, either take a short ride by regional railway where you start your family tour full of beans in Oberndorf or cycle directly to Oberndorf from Salzburg. Obermdorf is the birthplace of the most famous Christmas carol ever ‘Silent Night’ where it was first performed in 1818. Sorry to say the original church was destroyed in floods but it 1937 a replica was built.  Then onwards you continue to cycle along the lovely babbling river Salzach into the diverse nature of Austria’s largest moor area, here the warm lakes Höllerersee and Holzöstersee with lido for families await. Just like a little Garden of Eden.

You have two options today. Maybe after a small swim in the wonderful warm moorland lake, you can come and join the funny “Wanderbauerngolf”, a  different kind of crazy golf along funny walking paths, played with wooden bats. If you do not fancy this then you can take another cycle tour along the river Salzach to Burghausen.  Burghausen is a beautiful city with a very charming old town.

Here in the nature reserve, time seems to stand still. You cycle past the animal paradise to Michaelbeuern and from there into the Trumer-Lake district with its three crystal clear lakes, Lake Obertrumer See, Lake Mattsee and Lake Grabensee. This is the best place to cool off, have fun and relax in the glistening water after your cycling tour.

A cool jump into the water? Not just one but three massive lidos (entrance fee included) await you. Try the slide or the raft, this place has a lot to offer. However, this is not all yet, experience the aerial adventure in the high rope course and swing as high as 35 metres (open from Wednesday-Sunday). A brilliant outdoor adventure for children and adults.

You cycle through the nature reserve of the pretty Egelseen-lakes to Schleedorf, from there you continue along the sparkling Lake Irrsee all the way to Lake Mondsee. At the tranquil Lake Mondsee you will not miss out on swimming and fun, that’s a guarantee! During your cycling tour, you get to taste the typically Austrian cuisine, dishes such as Schnitzel and apple strudel, in one of the many inns.

The route leads you past lush meadows along the cycle path to Thalgau and onwards to Eugendorf. From here you continue on the tracks of the disused Ischler railway all the way to the river Salzach and then along the Tauern-cycle path into the centre of Salzburg. As a reward, you can treat yourselves to a delicious ice cream or try the original Salzburg chocolates called ‘Mozartkugeln’ at the place of their creation. Be advised to take enough time for this city. There is so much to see, a visit to Mozart’s birthplace, cathedral, Mirabell palace or the castle ‘Hohensalzburg’. The water fountains in Hellbrunn palace are a lot of fun too. The Zoo Hellbrun is a must for all animal lovers.

Today options for departure are all yours. Alternatively, how about you add an extra day and discover all of Salzburg’s secrets?