Headwater: Austrian Lakes Cycling

Itinerary

Every stop brings new discoveries such as St Wolfgang's antique cog railway to the summit of Schafberg, Mozart's museum in St Gilgen, and Mondsee's frescoed high street - the church here was the location of the famous wedding in "The Sound of Music"!

When you fancy a change from cycling, local buses and boats shuttle between delightful lakeside villages making exploration easy. Regional highlights include Emperor Franz Josef's summer residence in Bad Ischl (he declared war on Serbia here, which lead to WW1), Gmunden's "floating" castle Seeschloss Orth, and its porcelain Town Hall bells, and an unforgettable paddle steamer on Lake Traunsee below spectacular mountain peaks. Not to mention a trip to Salzburg itself.

Our hotels throughout are extremely friendly and form pleasant contrasts en route - from unashamed four star luxury with swimming pools and steam baths in Bad Ischl, to a converted watermill in Attersee.

• Day 1: Arrive in Mondsee

  We meet you at Salzburg airport and take you to your hotel (45 mins) in Mondsee. Time to explore Mondsee then a soak in the spa whirlpool before dinner.

• Day 2: Mondsee to Attersee 25km/16mi

  Pedal past yachts and wooden boathouses this morning on Mondsee's north shore. Onwards through rolling pasture dotted with country churches, before the triangular white sails scoring the blue surface of Lake Attersee hove into view as you descend to the lake shore. Then heading inland, you pass a deer farm and roadside stalls piled high with bright orange pumpkins, before receiving a warm welcome by Ingrid and Anton at their delightful hotel - an old water mill in an apple orchard.

• Day 3: In Attersee

  You can follow in the footsteps of Gustav Mahler in Attersee - he composed prolifically here. Enjoy lunch local style - freshly smoked fish are on sale along the lakeshore - and there's a fabulous swimming pool complex. Then perhaps take a boat ride to the pretty village of Weyregg beneath craggy mountains on the Eastern shore.

• Day 4: Attersee to Gmunden 39km/24mi

  You'll enjoy views of the 1000m high peaks on the east shore of Attersee Lake as you freewheel down to Schorfling, whose castle was painted by Gustav Klimt with its reflection mirrored on the lake surface. Fields of wheat fringed with poppies and cornflowers pass by before you coast into Gmunden with its cobbled marketplace and painted buildings. Dinner on the terrace of the hotel is delightful, with Gmunden's lights shimmering above the surface of Lake Traunsee.

• Day 5: In Gmunden

  Ornamental ceramic pottery in the Traunsee area has been a tradition for more than 350 years and the Kammerhof Museum in Gmunden charts its fascinating history. Or, take a trip on the Gisela - the last coal fired paddle steamer, also used by Archduke Franz Ferdinand.The cable car to the top of Traunstein (1691m) offers wonderful views at the top, where you looking down on Gmunden's esplanade and the romantic Seeschloss Orth - floating-castle on the lake dating from the 17C.

• Day 6: Gmunden to Bad Ischl 19km/12mi

  Today you take the Traunsee boat from the pontoon below the hotel to Ebensee on the south shore. Well worth taking the cable car up to the Feuerkogel Peak for spectacular views. Then back along a beautiful riverside route, criss-crossing the sparkling River Traun, and on through scented pinewoods to Bad Ischl. Perhaps relax in the opera house gardens before returning to the hotel for a swim.

• Day 7: In Bad Ischl

  Masses of choice today in and around Bad Ischl: perhaps spend the morning visiting the Kiaser and Lehar Villas, coffee and cakes at the famous Zauner restaurant, then lunch in the Kurpark listening to the quartet. In the afternoon, vist the Imperial Spa then head over to the Ice and Mammoth Caves near the pretty village of Obertraun.

• Day 8: Bad Ischl to Strobl 16km/10mi

  Take time to explore the Emperor Franz Josef's former holiday home, the Kaiservilla, before setting off along the banks of the River Ischl. Sunlight sparkles on the water as you pass tiny shrines hidden in the pines below Leonsberg and Bleckwand peaks. Lakeside Strobl has a popular beachfront for a cooling swim or join a boat cruise on the beautiful lake.

• Day 9: In Strobl

  It's just 50 mins by bus to Salzburg. The city has been described as a Baroque jewel, and its old centre is recognised by UNESCO. Visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress, the beautiful Mirabell Gardens, drop into the Mozart Museum or go beer tasting at the medieval brewery.

• Day 10: Strobl to Mondsee 30km/21mi

  Keeping close to Wolfgangsee's southern lakeshore, a level cycling track through a tiny nature reserve brings you into lovely St Gilgen. Visit Mozart's Museum, or take the cable car up Zwolferhorn for stunning 360o views. In the afternoon coast downhill to Mondsee Lake, passing haystacks and flower filled hamlets, to complete your circuit returning to the hotel in time for an aperitif before dinner.

• Day 11: Return home

  We take you to Salzburg for your onward journey.

* All prices shown are for low season, per person, twin share. Click here to see full Terms & Conditions.