Tauern Path

by Tripsite

Region

Salzburg

Duration

8 days

Guided Status

Self-Guided

Difficulty

Moderate

D-Score™

N/A - Unknown

Overview

With the snowy peaks of the Hohe Tauern Mountains serving as a constant panorama, this bicycle tour in Austria begins in Krimml, where the famous Krimml Waterfalls cascade over 1200 ft. in three stages to the valley below. The "Tauernradweg", or Tauern Bike Path, stretches over 300 kilometers along the largest rivers in the country, to Salzburg, and further on to Passau. This is one of Austria's most beautiful regions. Soaring panoramas enthrall! Come and cycle the paths that meander the Salzach and Saalach Rivers at the foothills of the Austrian Alps. This is a moderate self-guided hotel tour with average daily distances of about 35 miles over bike paths, country lanes, and quiet side roads. The landscape is mainly flat since the Tauern bike path follows the course of the Salzach River, however you will encounter slightly hilly terrain with an incline of approx. 750 m from Krimml to Passau. Some long gradients are unavoidable. Two levels of accommodations are offered: Standard (3- and 4-star hotels/inns) and Premium (4-star hotels). The 6-day tour uses standard 3- and 4-star level hotels. Standard bicycles are City Touring Bicycles with an upright riding position, unisex aluminum frame, height-adjustable, gel saddle, integrated frame lock, odometer, and NuVinci-gear shift. Electric bicycles are Velo De Ville Electric Bikes with a unisex frame, Bosch Active Line-mid-mounted motor, gel saddle, integrated frame lock, odometer, and Nuvinci-gear shift. Both come with a handlebar bag with map holder and rear panniers. Electric bikes also include a repair kit and tire pump. What’s included: Hotel accommodations in the chosen category, buffet breakfasts, standard bike rental, daily luggage transportation (no limit on pieces of luggage, between 9:00 am & 5:30 pm), route descriptions & maps, GPS tracks on request, service hotline, €10 voucher per person for the Reichersberg Monastery shop (8-day & 10-day tour), admission to Hohensalzburg Fortress, including ascent and descent by fortress railway (8-day & 10-day tour; premium category only), guided tour of the Old Salt Works in Bad Reichenhall, including admission to the Salt and Brand Museum (6-day & 10-day tour), free parking on arrival in Scharding, restaurant guide with recommendations, and Bike Protection. What’s not included: Lunches & dinners, visitor’s tax payable on arrival, and Travel Insurance. The tour is run by Austria Radreisen.

Daily Ride Schedule

60 km 0 m

N/A

Salzburg – Burghausen

Day 8: Burghausen – Obernberg/Bad Füssing

50 km 0 m

N/A

Burghausen – Obernberg/Bad Füssing

Day 9: Obernberg/Bad Füssing – Schärding/Passau

45 km 0 m

N/A

Obernberg/Bad Füssing – Schärding/Passau

Day 10: Excursion to Passau or Individual Departure

35 km 0 m

N/A

Excursion to Passau or Individual Departure

Accommodation & Services

Accommodation

Hotel

What's Included

Accommodation arrangements

Bike rental

About the Salzburg

A dedicated guide for this region is not available yet.

EUR 773

per person

Go to Provider

Why Choose This Tour?

Krimmler Waterfalls Lovely cycling in the flat valley of the Salzach and Inn Werfen, historic market town, and famous for scenes of The Sound of Music Hohenwerfen Castel Hallein Salzburg, city of culture and music Passau, three river city Cycle through the gently rolling Salzach Valley, accompanied by beautiful views of the Hohe Tauern mountain range.
Worth stopping to see the unique lift bridge in Mittersill, which can rise to two meters during periods of high water.
Visit the National Park World with its 1,800 m² of interactive exhibits that showcase the alpine environment.
A walk through Lofer’s winding streets, adorned with traditional Lüfterlmalerei wall paintings, is well worthwhile.
Optional highlights along the route include the dramatic Seisenbergklamm Gorge and the impressive Lamprechtshöhle, one of the largest cave systems in the region.
In Bad Reichenhall, a visit to the Alte Saline, an important Bavarian industrial monument, is highly recommended.
Before reaching Salzburg, you pass Schloss Leopoldskron, famously featured in the film The Sound of Music.
The historic city of Salzburg invites exploration, with the mighty Hohensalzburg Fortress towering above the Old Town and offering sweeping views over the city and its surroundings.
Following the Salzach River, you arrive in Oberndorf, home to the renowned Silent Night Chapel, where the famous Christmas carol was first performed.
Continuing on, you pass the picturesque town of Tittmoning with its colorful market square before following the Lower Inn Nature Trail to Burghausen.
Dominating the old town is Burghausen Castle, the longest castle complex in the world, stretching over more than one kilometer.
Cycling through the idyllic Weilhartsforst Forest, you eventually reach the confluence of the Inn and Salzach rivers.
Continuing along the Inn, you pass through the 5,000-hectare Lower Inn European Nature Reserve, a renowned bird sanctuary.
In Obernberg, the vibrant market square is an inviting spot to pause and take in the scenery.
A highlight of the day is the impressive Augustinian Monastery of Reichersberg.
In Schärding, enjoy a stroll through the town’s charming alleys and pastel-colored buildings.
Alternatively, continue on to Passau, where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers converge.
If you stayed overnight in Schärding and time permits, you may cycle along the Inn River to the city of Passau, also known as the “Three Rivers City,” before returning to Schärding.
Today’s cycling stage follows the Salzach River, offering magnificent views of the Großvenediger peak, which remains snow- and ice-covered even during summer.
Upon reaching Mittersill, you can admire the impressive vertical lift bridge, designed to rise during periods of flooding.
An optional visit to the Nationalparkwelten Hohe Tauern provides an engaging introduction to the alpine landscapes and wildlife of the region.
This pleasant cycling route continues along the Salzach River, passing through small villages and tranquil countryside.
In Uttendorf, there is an opportunity to stop and relax at a scenic bathing lake.
Today’s ride takes you through classic alpine scenery to Maria Alm, a charming village known for its historic pilgrimage church and striking mountain backdrop.
From Saalfelden onward, you follow the Saalach River toward Lofer, a delightful town with winding streets and traditional Lüfterlmalerei wall paintings.
The route through the Pinzgau Saalach Valley often runs directly alongside the river, creating a particularly charming ride.
A highlight is the Bavarian spa town of Bad Reichenhall, where the historic Alte Saline saltworks can be explored on a guided tour through its extensive tunnel system.
Just before reaching Salzburg, admire the elegant Schloss Leopoldskron.
Salzburg delights with its historic architecture, elegant gardens, and excellent cuisine.
From the Hohensalzburg Fortress, enjoy magnificent views over the Old Town.
A visit to the Mirabell Gardens is also highly recommended.
Cycle through riparian forests to Oberndorf, home to the famous Silent Night Chapel.
From Tittmoning, follow the Lower Inn Nature Trail to Burghausen.
Towering above the Old Town is the castle complex, over one kilometer long, well worth an additional overnight stay.
Riding through the Weilhartsforst Forest, you reach the confluence of the Inn and Salzach rivers.
In Obernberg, the colorful market square is an inviting place to stop, and the new INNblick observation tower offers panoramic views.
A highlight today is the Augustinian Monastery of Reichersberg with its monastery shop.
The baroque town of Schärding charms visitors with its pastel-colored houses and narrow alleys.
A recommended highlight is a visit to the famous Krimml Waterfalls, Europe’s highest waterfalls, and a spectacular natural monument.
In the picturesque town of Mittersill, you can visit the unique lift bridge and the National Park Center with its 1,800 m² interactive adventure world.
This leisurely stage follows the Salzach through small villages and tranquil countryside.
The day ends in the renowned resort towns of Kaprun or Zell am See, beautifully located between dramatic mountain scenery and a crystal-clear alpine lake.
The day concludes in Salzburg, a city famed for its baroque architecture, beautiful gardens, and rich culinary traditions.
In Burghausen, the castle complex is over one kilometer long, well worth an additional overnight stay.
Continuing along the Inn, you pass through the 5,000-hectare Lower Inn European Nature Reserve, a renowned bird sanctuary.
The baroque town of Schärding charms visitors with its pastel-colored houses and narrow alleys.
If you stayed overnight in Schärding and time permits, you may cycle along the Inn River to the Three Rivers City of Passau before returning to Schärding.