R2/R19 Salzkammergut Cycle Path
4820 Bad Ischl
The Salzkammergut Cycle Path offers the direct route to the summer retreat.
Like the former Ischlerbahn, it brings you to Lake Wolfgang and the imperial carriages to Bad Ischl.
Recommended season:
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- Loop
- Multi-stage route
- Scenic
- Refreshment stops available
- Cultural/historical value
By bike, you can simultaneously admire crystal-clear lakes and impressive mountain peaks here and follow in the footsteps of the imperial family. Historic, scenically impressive, and picturesque – a comfortable route with a striking scenery through the states of Upper Austria, Salzburg, and Styria, which already inspired artists like Gustav Klimt.
Directions:320 stunning kilometers through Salzburg State, Upper Austria, and Styria
No matter where you join the route – cyclists are immediately immersed in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Alpine region. And: The journey following the footsteps of the Habsburg monarchy can be supplemented or shortened at any time by ship or train connections and junction points.
If you set off in the city of Salzburg in front of Mozart's birthplace, you surely have one thing in mind: drifting along to the master's melodies to Lake Wolfgang – or following the rattling rhythm of the former Ischlerbahn. Even today, one mostly takes the peaceful railway line that once ran from Salzburg to Bad Ischl.
At Lake Wolfgang, the gateway to the landscape opens up, which with more than 76 crystal-clear lakes and many easily accessible mountain peaks makes this route so special. Here, cyclists can decide whether to quickly switch to one of the scheduled ships, such as the one to St. Wolfgang, or to quickly climb the peaks of Zwölferhorn or Schafberg by cable car or mountain railway. Stopping at the “Weiße Rössl” feels like a journey back in time into an operetta and a mountain excursion wonder if you want to rest briefly. With Bad Ischl – European Capital of Culture 2024 – a hub is reached in several respects: Here, all threads of Empress Elisabeth's passion for the summer retreat come together, which can still be experienced in her former tea house or in the Kaiservilla today. Here, cyclists can take a deep breath on the shores of the Traun – probably most enjoyably with a pastry from the k.u.k court confectionery Zauner. From Bad Ischl, it goes toward the Styrian Salzkammergut, the home of traditional costume and – in culinary terms – of the char fish.
No question that the further route into more alpine terrain to Trautenfels in the Enns Valley is very rewarding. On the way are the UNESCO World Heritage Site Hallstatt with the oldest salt mine in the world, gigantic ice caves in the Dachstein massif, and on the Styrian side Bad Aussee on the edge of mystical waters such as Lake Altaussee or Lake Grundlsee and the Kulm ski flying hill.
If you prefer the shorter option from Bad Ischl, an enjoyable ride awaits at Lake Traunsee from Gmunden on board the oldest coal-fired paddle steamer in the world. Now we turn west and head toward the turquoise Lake Attersee. Enjoy one of the wonderful beach bars here or a plunge into the water on the way towards Unterach and Lake Mondsee. From Mondsee, the route goes via side roads and cycle paths to Lake Irrsee and further into the Salzburg Lake District, which also includes Lakes Wallersee, Mattsee, and Obertrumer See. You should definitely visit the new BioArt Campus in Seeham before heading back towards Salzburg.
Tip:Numerous excursion and supplementary options make the cycle path network around the Salzkammergut Cycle Path one of the most beautiful cycling regions in the Alpine region.
Several cycling hubs also allow for shorter circular routes. Using alternatives by train and ship, the cycle path is also suitable for families, especially the routes Salzburg-Mondsee, along Lake Wolfgang, and along the Traun.
Safety guidelines:- The difficulty is rated between easy and medium.
- The route mostly runs on cycle paths and low-traffic secondary roads. For sections on federal roads, a ship or train ride offers an alternative (Hallstatt Lake, Traunsee, Wolfgangsee, Attersee).
- Signage is provided in both directions, each within the framework of the state cycle path network (R2 in Upper Austria, R19 in Styria).
Modern trekking bikes or mountain bikes are ideal. Racing bikes are less recommended.
Breakdowns can happen: a basic set of tools and accessories never hurts!
- Tire repair kit
- Multitool
- Spare tube, pump, tire levers
- First aid kit
Salzkammergut Tourism
+43 6132 26909
www.salzkammergut.at
In July and August, the places on the Salzkammergut lakes are in high season, which limits the availability of accommodation for one night. It is recommended to book day by day in advance during July and August – local tourist boards are happy to assist in finding accommodation.
Paths covering:
further information:
- Multi-day tour
- Flatly
- Board possible
Getting there
Detailed information about arrival can be found here.
Public Transit
Ideally reachable for travel by train:
Attnang-Puchheim (from Vienna and Munich) or Stainach-Irdning and Bad Ischl (from Graz and Schladming)
With the Wegfinder app, timetable information is easier than ever: all connections by bus, train, and tram in Austria can be queried by entering places and/or addresses, stops or important points. The free app is available for smartphones (Android, iOS) – on Google Play and in the App Store
Parking
Around the stations Stainach-Irdning, Salzburg and Attnang-Puchheim there are sufficient parking spaces everywhere.
- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn
Please get in touch for more information.
Salinenplatz 1
4820 Bad Ischl
Phone +43 6132 269090
E-Mail info@salzkammergut.at
Web www.salzkammergut.at
Vis-à-vis users
1. The tours presented for hiking, walking, biking and road biking, mountain biking, motorbiking, horseback riding, climbing, cross-country skiing, and going on skiing and snowshoe tours etc. are to be considered non-paid tour recommendations and only serve as non-binding information. We have no intention of concluding a contract with the users of this website. The utilisation of the data does not lead to the establishment of a contract with us.
The data may only be used for private use; any commercial use is prohibited. In particular, it is not permissible to offer the data on commercially run websites, file-sharing platforms etc. or to use it to develop commercial products. Downloading data does not imply that users are granted rights to the data concerned.
The tour recommendations posted were created with utmost care; nevertheless, we assume no liability for the correctness and completeness of the information.
We point out that neither the tour recommendations included on this website nor the associated data and information were posted by us, but rather by third parties (Art. 16 Austrian E-Commerce Act). We have no influence on whether the details provided (e.g. distance, level of difficulty, change in altitude, description etc.) are authentic, correct and complete. We do not review these third-party contents. For this reason, we assume no liability for the authenticity, correctness and completeness of the information.
Construction-related measures or other influences (e.g. landslides and similar occurrences) can lead to temporary or permanent changes in a route (e.g. loss of a bridge and similar occurrences). Such occurrences can lead to part of the route or the entire route becoming impassable.
The use of the data as well as undertaking (riding, walking, taking etc.) the recommended tours or using the network of paths occurs at users’ own risk and on their authority. In particular, users themselves are responsible for the choice of route, outdoor orientation, adherence to traffic rules, supplies and equipment for tours listed in Point 1 (e.g. bicycle etc.), wearing a helmet, estimating their own fitness, recognising dangers and maintaining an appropriate velocity. We exclude ourselves from any liability whatsoever for damages, in particular accidents, that occur whilst taking part in the recommended tours.
2.Some of the tours lead over roads with normal traffic conditions. Please observe that there is an increased risk which can be avoided by means of appropriate attention and proper estimation and implementation of one’s own abilities. For this reason, please travel a route that is unfamiliar to you slowly and with special care. Pay constant attention to potential dangers and always observe traffic. Do not leave the routes featured in descriptions.
The potential use of private roads, in particular forestry roads and agricultural transport roads, can be subject to legal restrictions, which must be observed and adhered to.
The normal traffic rules apply. Each user (e.g. biker, motorbiker) is responsible for adhering to these rules and maintaining his/her bike/vehicle and its equipment (lights, brakes etc.) in good working order. Each user is also responsible for ensuring that he/she rides at a velocity that is appropriate for the conditions and his/her skill level and for maintaining sufficient distance to the rider in front. We explicitly recommend adjusting velocity to correspond to the respective field of vision, wearing a helmet, using reflective clothing (or similar) and employing bicycle lights in line with regulations.
3.Each tour requires good physical fitness as well as detailed planning. We explicitly recommend only taking the tours in the case of optimal healthiness.
We recommend that you conclude an accident and liability insurance policy. Use an onboard computer that displays the respective kilometres travelled per day and is calibrated for the front wheel.
4.Special for mountain bikers – Fair-play rules:
Mountain biking is one of the most wonderful outdoor leisure-time activities. Whilst biking or on a mountain biking tour, mountains and lakes, meadows and cabins are re-discovered in new ways. A couple of rules for fair play in the forest help to avoid conflicts whilst mountain biking.
a.Pedestrians have the right of way: We are accommodating and friendly to pedestrians and hikers. Upon encountering these fellow travellers, we alert them by using the bicycle bell and slowly overtake them. We avoid paths with heavy pedestrian traffic altogether. Take nature into account: We do not leave refuse behind.
b.The braking distance should be half of the total distance visible: We ride at a controlled pace, are ready to brake and maintain a braking distance half as long as the total distance visible, especially in curves, because we always have to count on obstacles on the path. Damage to the path, stones, branches, wood piles, grazing livestock, cattle grids, barriers, tractor-type forestry machines and authorised vehicles pose dangers that we need to be ready for.
c.Don’t drink and drive!: Do not drink alcohol when mountain biking. Take care at stop-off points (dealing with bike racks, dirty shoes or clothing).
It is obligatory to provide first aid!
d.Marked routes, closed paths and blockades: Keep to the marked routes, observe the blockades and accept that these roads are primarily for agricultural and forestry use!
Blockades can often not be avoided and are in your own interest. Biking beyond the intended path and outside of opening times is punishable and turns us into illegal bikers.
e.We are guests in the forest and behave accordingly, including vis-à-vis forestry and hunting staff. Whilst mountain biking, mobile telephones and music players are forbidden! Biking requires your full attention.
f.Avoid unnecessary noise. Out of consideration to the animals living in the wild, we only bike during full daylight. As a principle, we always wear our helmet (even when riding uphill)! Don’t forget emergency supplies: We always have a repair set and bandages along.
g.Don’t overestimate your skills: We should not overdo it when it comes to biking technique and physical fitness. Take the level of difficulty posed by the route into consideration and make a precise estimate of your experience and skills as a biker (braking, bell, lights)!
h.Close gates: We approach grazing livestock at a walking pace and close every gate behind us. We should avoid causing escape and panic reactions in the animals. Nothing stands in the way of the fun and athletic challenge in the mountains and forests!
i.Traffic rules: The general traffic rules (StVO) apply for all the mountain biking routes and we adhere to them. Our bike therefore needs to be in perfect technical condition and equipped in line with the traffic rules, including brakes, a bell and lights. We inspect and service our mountain bikes regularly anyway.
5.We assume no liability for the contents of external websites; in particular, we assume no liability for their statements and contents. Moreover, we have no influence on the design or contents of the websites to which hyperlinks on traunsee.salzkammergut.at lead or from which hyperlinks lead to traunsee.salzkammergut.at. There is no on-going review of websites to which hyperlinks on traunsee.salzkammergut.at lead or from which hyperlinks lead to traunsee.salzkammergut.at. We do not appropriate the contents of websites to which hyperlinks on traunsee.salzkammergut.at lead or from which hyperlinks lead to traunsee.salzkammergut.at.
Vis-à-vis bloggers
PLEASE OBSERVE:
1. Each of your tour recommendations for hiking, walking, biking and road biking, mountain biking, motorbiking, horseback riding, climbing, cross-country skiing, and going on skiing and snowshoe tours etc., along with other details and information, is free of charge. In particular regarding the correctness of the information, we assume no liability, nor do we assume any liability whatsoever for the consequences of the use of your tour recommendation by a third party (in particular by a user of this website). We do not review the tour recommendations you post, including other details and information, at any time.
We have no intention of concluding a contract with persons who post tour recommendations and/or other details and information on this website. Posting data (information) does not imply that a contract has been concluded.
By recommending a tour, we assume special responsibility vis-à-vis other athletes. Please take this responsibility seriously and describe your tour recommendation with utmost care and to the best of your knowledge and belief.
2.Your tour recommendations must therefore clearly and unambiguously include at least the following criteria and provide a sufficiently detailed description:
• Starting point
• Detailed route description
• Distance/Overall distance
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• Dangerous spots
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• Change in altitude
• Finishing point.
If possible, please provide the change in altitude.
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