Gravel Bike Tours in the Salzkammergut Lake District

What is actually a Gravel Tour?

Somehow it is like a mountain bike tour without a mountain bike in combination with a racing tour without a racing bike. Or simply said: it is the best of both worlds! For those who find it difficult to choose between a gravel path and fine tarmac side roads, one can take both. With a Gravel Bike no problem.

[Translate to Englisch:] Gravel Bike (c) H.Kantsperger

[Translate to Englisch:] Gravelbiker on Tour (c) Erwin Haiden

Get excited about gravel biking

Whether you have always been passionate about exploring the world by bike or want to pedal with new enthusiasm, a Gravel Bike Tour on one of our favourite routes is something everyone can enjoy!

[Translate to Englisch:] Strecke (c) H. Kantsperger

Gravel Bike Tours and Routes over mountains, mountain pastures and lakes

Widely-known are the racing bike tours in Austria in general and certainly in the Racing Bike Region Salzkammergut in particular. It becomes a special experience when one leaves the usual path and turns off into unknown terrain. We take you with us on our best loved Gravel Tour routes through the Fuschlseeregion and the Salzkammergut.

WOSSA - Bikepacking Route: Discover the water of the Alps

Experience the fascinating water worlds of the Alps on over 560 kilometres - from glaciers to rivers and clear lakes. On the WOSSA Bikepacking Route, you cycle through Berchtesgaden, Chiemgau and the Salzkammergut, and experience how water shapes the mountains and paves the way for the rivers down into the valley.

Enjoy nature and discover the functions of the water cycle along the route. With a brevet card, you can also master exciting water-related challenges. Your unforgettable bikepacking trip awaits you!

WOSSA TRAIL - Route sections Fuschlseeregion & neighbouring regions

2 gravel bikers on a forest road riding past a cow in the background mountain panorama and Lake Wolfgangsee

To Wolfgangsee lake

Over the highest point of the route to Hintersee

This section of the route begins at Lake Wolfgangsee and leads us steeply up to the Zwölferhorn. We cycle first on tarmac and then on gravel almost as far as the Königsbergalm. From the Zwölferhorn, we enjoy a fantastic view of the lake before taking the steep descent towards Hintersee. Once we reach Salzburg's Hintersee , we follow a beautiful gravel path that leads us along the lake and small streams.

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A blonde woman and a man in cycling gear stand in the water in the rock pool in the Fuschlsee region

From the Wolfgangsee lake to Fuschl am See

Through the Strubklamm gorge to Faistenau

We cross a wooden bridge and follow the road into the narrow valley, along the dammed Almbach stream. We soon reach the Felsenbad natural swimming pool, where a refreshing dip in the ice-cold pools beckons. After cooling off, we continue and take a short, steep climb up to Faistenau. A detour to the Strubklamm dam is worthwhile for the impressive views. Faistenau has accommodation and everything cyclists need. If you still have energy left, you can cycle on to Fuschl am See.

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People bathing in Lake Fuschl to take a break from gravel biking. Bikes in the foreground.

From Fuschl to Salzburg

"Lake hopping" in Salzburger Land - cycling to Lake Fuschlsee

From Faistenau, we take side roads to Lake Fuschl, with a steep challenge at the Perfalleck. On the lakeshore we see the Red Bull headquarters.

The Fuschlsee impresses with its azure blue water. The castle fishery is a highlight for fish lovers. The municipality protects the water quality by not allowing motorised boats. You can find out more about this and a brain teaser in the brevet card.

Enjoy an ice cream on the lakeside promenade or jump into the water. The village offers numerous accommodation options, including for cyclists.

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Gravelling over the Irrsee

From Fuschl am See, the route first climbs uphill on tarmac before a long descent to Thalgau . There we can fortify ourselves before the last steep climb - a short section with a gradient of up to 16%. At the top, we reach a forest road that leads along the Kolomansberg and offers wonderful views of the Irrsee . The lake is fed by small streams and flows into the Mondsee via the Zeller Ache.

Over the Wallersee to Salzburg

After the Irrsee, the descent to the Wallersee is almost effortless. We cycle along the cycle path through the moor, through the forest and along the fishermen's huts until we circle the lake and approach the last section of our tour.

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Vogelperspektive von der Strubklamm mit Felsenbad

Strubklamm meets Gaisberg Gravel Achter

The Strubklamm Achter takes you along unknown gravel paths and narrow tarmac sections from the picturesque Hintersee to the Salzburg city limits.

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Pleasure cycling trip from the Fuschlseeregion to the Schafbachalm

Lake Fuschl offers us some of the most beautiful panoramas. The azure blue water, the view of the Schober, excellent roads and now also a really challenging route for gravel bikes. A real adventure awaits you here!

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Scenic Gravel Tour route through the Fuschlseeregion and the Salzkammergut

Between the mountains Ellmaustein and Almkogel to St. Gilgen

Whether on your own or in the form of a guided Gravel Bike Tour, such as for example the Casa Bicicletta in Fuschl am See offers, we start a real Gravel Tour Highlight at the emerald green Lake Fuschl and cycle on the bike path between the Ellmaustein and the Almkogel to warm up.

On the rasant downhill to St. Gilgen many first timers will wish to stop at the Panorama curve. Here one has perhaps the loveliest view of Lake Wolfgang and the surrounding mountain panorama.

[Translate to Englisch:] Ausblick Wolfgangsee (c) H. Kantsperger

From St. Gilgen via the Krottensee towards the Schafberg mountain

Through the Mozart village of St. Gilgen, past the small Krottensee lake, to the next exit towards Scharfling on Lake Mondsee. We leave the racing bike similar part of the tour and turn off right to the first climb on the Schafberg. Here the adventure begins on the no longer fortified part of the tour. Straight away one experiences the symbiosis that is offered by a gravel bike.

Past small streams, waterfalls and rock formations, the forestry road meanders with grand views of Lake Mondsee, up to the plateau of the Eisenaueralm pasture. With a view of the impressive steep wall to the summit of the Schafberg, here the pasture huts tempt one to stop for a regional snack.

From the Eisenau via the Moosalm to the Schwarzensee and into Blinklingmoos

Via the rambling Moosalm area we finally reach the idyllic Lake Schwarzensee which we half round. Then again on a tarmac and spectacular ride downhill, you can let your legs take a rest as we make our way to the east end of Lake Wolfgangsee. In Strobl we pedal to the centre of the village and the lakeside promenade and then directly to the Blinklingmoos. This Nature Reserve counts as one of the loveliest moors in the whole of Austria!

[Translate to Englisch:] Moosalm (c) H. Kantsperger

[Translate to Englisch:] Strecke zur Eisenaueralm (c) H. Kantsperger

[Translate to Englisch:] Schwarzensee (c) H. Kantsperger

[Translate to Englisch:] Blinklingmoos (c) H. Kantsperger

From Lake Wolfgang back to Lake Fuschl

After a few flat kilometres we reach St. Gilgen again. On the lakeside promenade it pays to make a stop to enjoy a coffee or an ice cream.

So we climb strengthened on the last ascent to return to Lake Fuschl again. Here one can stretch ones legs in the lake or relax with a well-deserved supper and close the day with an unforgettable sunset over Lake Fuschl.

[Translate to Englisch:] Sonnenuntergang am Fuschlsee (c) H. Kantsperger

Gravel Bike Holidays with the Pros: We l(i)ve for Cycling

For some, it's an EldoRADo, for others, simply a paRADise. To fully experience the benefits of a gravel bike holiday, the accommodations in the Fuschlseeregion—such as Hotel DAS Hintersee in Hintersee, Hotel Jakob, Ebner's Waldhof am See Resort & Spa or Casa Bicicletta with its holiday apartments in Fuschl am See—offer tailored cycling packages and cater specifically to bike enthusiasts.

Take advantage of expert recommendations and tips on fantastic gravel bike routes, join guided gravel bike tours led by locals, and make use of the latest rental bike models. Cycling at Lake Fuschl is an unforgettable experience – in the Fuschlseeregion, passionate cyclists will find everything they need. We look forward to welcoming you!

Editor: Harry G. Kantsperger

In Fuschl am See, Harry G. Kantsberger at the Casa Bicicletta is your host, bike guide with passion and the best fan of his homeland

Text: Harry G. Kantsperger
Photos: Harry G. Kantsperger
Link: https://www.cycleaustria.com/de/

Tips for gravel bike tours in the Salzkammergut

Equipment tips

For a gravel bike tour in the Salzkammergut, we recommend a robust gravel bike with wide tyres that also offer good grip on gravel paths. Don't forget suitable clothing that is adapted to changing weather conditions and an emergency kit to be prepared for unforeseen situations.

Best time to travel

The best time for gravel bike tours in the Salzkammergut is between May and October. During this time, the temperatures are pleasant and nature is at its best. Spring and autumn offer particularly picturesque views, while summer offers the perfect conditions for longer tours.

Refreshment stops

Recommended places to stop for refreshments on your gravel tour
There are numerous restaurants and cafés along the routes that welcome cyclists. The traditional inns in the Salzkammergut are particularly worthwhile, where you can enjoy local specialities and recharge your batteries. In the Fuschlseeregion and the surrounding area, you will find some highly recommended places to stop for refreshments along the tours:

Cavino near Hintersee
An Italian restaurant with a large selection of wines and Mediterranean dishes. Ideal for refreshments during the tour.
Oberhinteregger's adventure farm in Faistenau
This adventure farm specialises in regional and organic products. Cyclists can enjoy homemade bread and cheese as well as a wide variety of cakes.
Hotel Schlick on the lakeside promenade in Fuschl am See
Regional specialities and fish dishes are served here in the guest garden under the chestnut trees with a fantastic view of the lake.
Schloss Fischerei in Hof near Salzburg
Here you can enjoy excellent freshly caught fish, smoked or marinated, directly on Lake Fuschl with a view of the historic Fuschl Castle.

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