For an adventurous gravel weekend, you might not immediately think of the Salzburgerland region. Yet here you will find everything you are looking for as a gravel biker. In just an hour and a half flight from Schiphol Airport to Salzburg, you are in the land of Mozart, RedBull and fairytale lakes. Or choose a more sustainable option and grab a car or train. The NightJet takes you from the Netherlands to Wels station in one trip. From there, you'll be in Salzburg in no time.
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The salt city of Salzburg
Salzburg is also known as 'the city of salt'. Near the city are the mines of white gold. The Salzach river, which runs right through Salsburg, used to serve as an export route. In addition, the city embraces classical music. Not surprisingly, as Salzburg is the birthplace of Mozart. You'll also find the Salzburg Music Festival, one of the largest classical music festivals in the world, in July and August. And
Of course, there are also a lot of beer breweries. A perfect refuge for a rainy day or to enjoy a cold beer after a brisk bike ride. Hotel & Villa Auersperg we can recommend. In fact, here they have a bike shed that locks. Last but not least, a delicious breakfast with fresh rolls and good coffee. Don't have your own bike with you? Then you can hire one at Avelo
Day 2: Emerald Hintersee
We start with a gravel ride from the hotel towards Hintersee. Soon we enter the forests of the Hengstberg (778m). Under the trees, we climb up. Then we descend along the Klausbach river towards the Hintersee. The emerald green waters of the lake are beautiful. It is so clear that we can see right to the bottom. The fields full of flowers make it a pretty picture. A little later, we arrive in the village of Hintersee. There, a hearty lunch awaits us in Hotel Hintersee with asparagus, schnitzels and, of course, the famous Apfelstrudel.
With renewed energy, we get back on our bikes, heading for Fuschl am See. This is where our next hotel is: Triathlon Hotel Jakob. The name actually says that this is a popular spot for triathletes. But it also makes us very happy as cycling enthusiasts, because this is where we dare to leave our bikes. The garage houses the finest TT bikes. We can also hose down our bike here and check the tyre pressure. And what do we prefer to do after a day of cycling? Delicious food at Hotel Ebner's Waldhof
am See. The huge salmon that appears on the table is delicious!
Day 3: Wolfgangsee and Postalm
Nobody looks surprised when we enter the breakfast room at Hotel Jakob in sportswear. Almost everyone lays a good foundation here and then goes for a workout. We do the same. Today we cycle along a quiet route to the Wolfgangsee and then to the Postalm. Again, a very beautiful route along a river, the Weissenbach. We cycle over ski slopes, past rock faces and waterfalls. So the 650 altitude metres over 13 kilometres are definitely worth it! Afterwards, we have lunch in a cosy ski hut. We then descend along the Aubach river to Golling, a charming village where
We spend the night at Hotel Golingen. In nearby Kuchl, we dine at Jadorferwirt. The staff and local guests here walk around in traditional Austrian costumes and the menu features local dishes. So an authentic Austrian experience!
Day 4: Grossglockner
The last day of our trip is dominated by the imposing Grossglockner. We start at Bruck-Fusch station. Indeed, from July 2025, you can travel for free on public transport, including bikes, throughout Salzburgerland. You only have to show your hotel reservation for it. And that makes this climb extra accessible.
Climbing the Grossglockner is a challenge: 1753 altimeters over 21 km with an average gradient of 8.3%. So we have to put in some effort, but the views over the Rotmooskäfer valley and the Grosses Wiesbachhorn are phenomenal! When we think we are almost at the top, it turns out that you can climb even further to the Edelweissspitze at 2550 metres. Here the landscape changes: over a cobblestone strip between walls of snow we ride up, where we
is treated to breathtaking views. The name Edelweissspitze lives up to its name; even in late spring we stand here in snow. An extra layer of clothing is therefore very welcome here.
Lovely drop
The descent is also hugely enjoyable. In about 25 minutes, we race downhill. The walls of snow make this ride complete and unforgettable. Salzburg certainly did not disappoint us. As an adventurous cyclist, you can really indulge yourself here. And for lovers of good food and drink and culture, this is also a great place to be.
Want more information on cycling in Salzburgerland? Then check the info from the tourism office
You can also find the gravel routes here: Gravel routes Salzburgerland
