Cycling Around the : Self-Guided Cycling

East of , you find a breathtaking region dotted with many lakes (76 in total) called the Salzkammergut. The landscape includes fjord-like steep rocks and cliffs bordering lush, green mountains and pristine green-blue mountain lakes. This stunning panorama of natural beauty has drawn European tourists for centuries and was the favored summer resort of the Habsburg monarchy. Note that the Hallstättersee region was recognized by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for its great natural and cultural heritage. The idyllic village of is “the jewel of this region” and additionally , , St. Wolfgang and St. Gilgen are some of our favorite villages you will encounter on this visually spectacular tour.

Included in the Tour Price

• 7 nights of lodging in well situated, 3 and 4-star hotels • 7 buffet breakfasts • Luggage transfer • Train from Halstatt to Tauplitz and Ferry over Lake Hallstatt • Train from Salzburg- Oberhofen • Train from Bad Goisner/Hallstatt - Taublitz • Route directions (one per room), maps and brochures • GPS Device with directions

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Salzburg Arrive at your leisure in Salzburg. Explore the beautiful and charming city of Salzburg.

Day 2: Train to Oberhofen - Mondsee - – St. Georgen - 30 miles (49 km) With the train you will leave the city of Salzburg and start the cycle tour in Oberhofen. First you will pass the romantic lake of Irrsee, then you reach the famous little city of Mondsee, where the wedding in the Sound of Music took place. You will continue following the cycle path along Lake Mondsee to the Attergau or to Lake Attersee. The Attergau shows you the countryside, set back from the touristy lake region, with beautiful meadows and gardens. Tonight you will sleep in St. Georgen

Van Gogh Tours Inc. • (781)-646-0096 • [email protected]

Day 3: Lake Attersee/Attergau – - / - 28 miles (45 km) The bike route between the lakes Attersee and Traunsee is a bit hilly but not too demanding. We’ll see quaint hamlets and tidy farm houses along the way before arriving in the picturesque lakeside city of , the former capital of the Austrian Empire. Gmunden is dotted with charming, well preserved old houses and a wonderful esplanade reflecting its rich history. Enjoy a walk along the esplanade and a stop at Schloss Orth, the remarkable castle in the Traunsee Lake that’s a photographer’s delight. Afterward we’ll follow the cycle trail along Lake Traunsee to scenic Ebensee. Overnight in Traunkirchen or Ebensee.

Day 4: Lake Traunsee – Bad Ischl - Halstatt /Bad Goisern- 18-25 miles (30-40 km) We’ll follow the bike path along the River to the former imperial city of Bad Ischl. Bad Ischl was the summer residence of the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph and it was his favorite destination for rest and contemplation. Bad Ischl is the cultural and geographic center of the Salzkammergut, where the emperor and his wife Elisabeth (the captivating “Sissi” of the famous film) regularly spent their summers. It’s possible to visit the Emperors Villa, Café Zauner and the Hotel Austria. Afterward we’ll bike to the UNESCO World Heritage Region of Hallstatt, historically known for local salt mines and considered one of the loveliest lakeside villages in all of Austria. Overnight in Hallstatt or Bad Goisern.

Day 5: Ausseerland round trip – 28-34 miles (45-55 km) In the morning we’ll take the train to Tauplitz in the Ausseerland which is well known for its daffodil festival in spring. After Ausseerland we’ll cycle through a wonderful countryside surrounded by high mountains. Then we continue on uphill to Lake Grundlsee and afterward to the quaint little city of Bad Aussee. Finally we’ll pass through the wild valley of Koppental and return to Hallstatt or Bad Goisern with time left for more afternoon sightseeing or relaxing. Overnight in Hallstatt or Bad Goisern.

Day 6: Hallstatt – Lake Wolfgangsee - 18-25 miles (30-40 km) With the ferry you will cross the lake and follow the lovely cycle trail along lake Hallstatt. Afterwards you will follow the river Traun to the Emperor city of Bad Ischl where you should visit the emperor villa and the famous pastry shop of Zauner. Along the former roman road you will cycle to the lake Wolfgangsee. Overnight in Abersee, Strobl or St. Wolfgang.

Day 7: Lake Wolfgangsee – Salzburg – 30 miles (49 km) You will follow the cycle trail along the lake to the Mozart village of St. Gilgen and on to Lake Mondsee. Afterwards you will partly follow the former railway tracks to Salzburg. The cycle tour ends with a 10 km long descent to Salzburg with free view to the mountains around Salzburg. (Option: Cycle tour from Mondsee to Oberhofen and with the train to Salzburg) Overnight in Salzburg.

Day 8: Departure after breakfast.

Van Gogh Tours Inc. • (781)-646-0096 • [email protected]

Level of Difficulty We rate the tour ‘moderate’ as there are hills as you pedal from one lovely lake to the next. The hills however are usually short and can be walked if one chooses. The mileage varies a little depending on the hotel that is available for you.

Bicycle 21-speed hybrid bikes (male and unisex models) are included in the tour price. Bicycles come equipped with 2 small pannier bags, helmet, lock, GPS device, and repair kit.

Getting There Fly into Salzburg, (three hours by train to Salzburg) or Munich (two hours by train to Salzburg). For train schedules visit www.oebb.at or www.eurail.com. Make sure you use the German city names (Wien for Vienna, Munchen for Munich etc.) Your hotel in Abersee (or St. Wolfgang or Strobl) is a one-hour bus ride away from Salzburg. You will find the public bus (bus number 150) opposite of the train station. You will receive exact directions once we receive full payment. Alternatively, private transfers are available, please inquire.

Not included in the tour • Alcoholic and bar beverages • Tourist Tax (€1.50 - €2 per person will need to be paid upon arrival at each hotel) • Lunches and dinners • Transportation other than scheduled VGT transfers

Van Gogh Tours Inc. • (781)-646-0096 • [email protected]