Cycling Holidays in Austria | Freewheel Holidays | Valley of the Alps

Overview

A wonderful ride through an area of outstanding natural beauty – definitely one of your favourites!

See some of Austria’s finest mountain scenery from two beautiful river valleys
Easy-paced, relaxed itinerary – ideal for families and occasional cyclists
Excellent hotels, many with swimming pools, sports and leisure facilities
Many diversions on rest days: summer skiing, tobogganing, hiking, rafting, cable car trips into high mountains
Rich fauna and flora, including ibex and eagles and wonderful wild flowers
Optional extra nights in beautiful Salzburg

You start this tour in the village of Krimml, high in the Hohe Tauern National Park, close to Europe’s highest waterfall which plunges 1,250 feet in three remarkable cascades. The cycling route follows the Salzach Valley on cycle paths through pine forests, picturesque villages and flowerstrewn meadows.

As you near Kaprun the snow-capped peaks of Austria’s highest mountain range come into view – the Grossglockner at 12,400 feet is an awesome sight. The route continues along the lakeside through stylish Zell am See to Maria Alm, an attractive village at the foot of the imposing Steinernes Meer mountain range. The 9 night tour continues through a dramatic gorge to Lofer, your last base before the return transfer to Salzburg.

This is a superb tour offering quality hotels, leisurely cycling away from traffic, and an enticing range of activities when you’re not cycling. Remarkable scenery is guaranteed and everpresent.

click to view map

Terrain

Generally flat or downhill. Itinerary is nearly all on village roads, dedicated tracks or cycle paths. On day 6 the section from Maishofen to Maria Alm has a few short ascents and descents.

Climate

May to September offer ideal cycling conditions. High summer (July and August) can have an almost Mediterranean warmth and dryness, with average daytime temperatures in the range 24-26°C (75-79°F). Rain is always a possibility, but prolonged periods of rain are unlikely.

Tour Gallery

9 nights 7 nights

DAY 1

Arrive in Krimml
Arrive in Salzburg. Transfer to your hotel in Krimml, your base for two nights. Krimml has a stunning location at the end of a beautiful valley between the Hohe Tauern and Kitzbüheler Alps – a wonderful location for the start of your holiday.

DAY 2

Krimml (Rest Day)
The Krimml Waterfall - Europe’s highest at 1,250 feet - is a “must see” today. Enjoy a walk up to the lower falls, and climb through the forest to the upper falls.

DAY 3

Mittersill (Cycling Day)
Cycle down the Salzach Valley, through alpine meadows and attractive villages to the small town of Mittersill where there is an outdoor swimming pool. Our hotel is conveniently located close to a choice of restaurants and cafes.
21m (33km)

DAY 4

Kaprun (Cycling Day)
Follow a series of quiet roads and paths to Kaprun. With breathtaking views all around you will pass through some delightful villages. Admire the church at Schwarzenbach or try the outdoor pool in Piesendorf. You stay for two nights in a stylish hotel in Kaprun.
17m (27km)

DAY 5

Kaprun (Rest Day)
Take the cable car into the mountains behind Kaprun for summer tobogganing. See glaciers and Europe’s highest reservoirs a few miles to the south. Some of Austria’s finest scenery is to be enjoyed close to Kaprun.

DAY 6

Maria Alm (Cycling Day)
Follow the course of the river on a pleasant track to the lakeside resort of Zell am See. Spend some time in the charming pedestrianised old town, and take a refreshing dip in the nearby lake. The route continues through the valley to the attractive village of Maria Alm, your base for two nights.
16m (25km)

DAY 7

Maria Alm (Rest Day)
Maria Alm is surrounded by beautiful countryside. Take a cable car ride up into the mountains or cycle up the Leogang Valley for views of glaciers and some traditional Austrian villages.

DAY 8

Lofer (Cycling Day)
Follow the Saalach Valley past Lichtenberg Castle before entering a dramatic steep-sided gorge with huge caves. Lamprechts Cave, one of Europe’s largest, is a short distance from the cycle track. Your hotel in Bad Hochmoos near Lofer is your base for two nights.
18m (29km)

DAY 9

Lofer (Rest Day)
Enjoy the scenery or take a chairlift ride up to the peaks of Loferer Alm. If you’re still feeling energetic there are some spectacular walks or rafting on the Saalach River to enjoy.

DAY 10

Return Home
Transfer to Salzburg for your return flight or some extra nights in this delightful city.

Departure Dates 2010

May: Mon 24, Wed 26, Sat 29, Mon 31

Jun: Wed 2, Sat 5, Mon 7, Wed 9, Sat 12, Mon 14, Wed 16, Sat 19, Mon 21, Wed 23, Sat 26, Mon 28, Wed 30

Jul: Sat 3, Mon 5, Wed 7, Sat 10, Mon 12, Wed 14, Sat 17, Mon 19, Wed 21, Sat 24, Mon 26, Wed 28, Sat 31

Aug: Mon 2, Wed 4, Sat 7, Mon 9, Wed 11, Sat 14, Mon 16, Wed 18, Sat 21, Mon 23, Wed 25, Sat 28, Mon 30

Sep: Wed 1, Sat 4, Mon 6, Wed 8, Sat 11

Prices 2010

Prices are per person and exclude flights. Board basis is bed & breakfast with one evening meal in Krimml and and one in Lofer. Adult prices are based on two people sharing a room.
Single room supplement: £10 per night

This tour is subject to a £50 discount per head. This discount has NOT been taken away from the list price. Please consider this when booking your holiday.

7 Night Tour
	Adult	Child
1 May - 30 Jun	£649	£499
1 Jul - 31 Aug	£749	£499
1 Sep - 11 Sep	£649	£499

9 Night Tour
	Adult	Child
1 May - 30 Jun	£749	£519
1 Jul - 31 Aug	£799	£569
1 Sep - 11 Sep	£749	£519

Getting there

Flights to Salzburg are available from the following operators:
British Airways - (from Gatwick)
Easyjet - (from Gatwick)
Ryanair - (from Stansted)

Transfer Information:
Transfer from Salzburg to Krimml by minibus with our tour host on arrival - approx 2 1/2 hours. Return from Lofer (9 nt tour) or Maria Alm (7 nt tour) by minibus to Salzburg - approx 1 hour.

Links to Operators:

Hotels

Gasthof Heitzmann - Mittersill

This 300 year old hotel offers you tradition with contemporary comforts. You will be tempted to spend time relaxing in the “Zirbenstube”, decorated in Swiss style, or in one of the two small lounges, the beer garden or patio. Other facilities include an infra red sauna, Finnish sauna, and salt steam bath. Rooms at the Heitzmann are generously proportioned and decorated in a country house style. All have shower/wc, telephone and cable tv. The restaurant is a member of the Hohe Tauem National Park Association.

www.gasthof-heitzmann.at

Hotel Bad Hochmoos - Lofer

The Hotel Bad Hochmoos is situated near Lofer in one of the most beautiful parts of the Salzburgerland, and has been owned by the Schlecter family for over 125 years. All rooms have a shower or bath, wc, telephone, cable TV, room safe and hairdryer. There is an indoor swimming pool, open daily from 7am - 8pm. Sun loungers and towels are provided. Bath robes - a small fee will be charged. Sauna and infrared cabin, solarium. reading room, skittle alley, gardens and outdoor heated terrace.

www.hochmoos.at

Hotel Hohenstauffen - Salzburg

Since 1902 the Hotel Hohenstauffen has been owned by the Reichl Family. Situated close to the railway station but in a quiet side street, the hotel offers traditional Austrian hospitality. All 27 rooms are individual but have a fully fitted bathroom with bath or shower/wc, hairdryer, telephone, radio, and TV. The Congress Hall, Mirabell Gardens and the famous sights of the old part of the city are within a 15 minute walk.

www.hotel-hohenstauffen.at

Hotel Krimmlerfaelle - Krimml

This 4 star hotel has been run by the Schöppl family for several generations. It has a large restaurant, an indoor/outdoor swimming pool and large comfortable rooms. There is a sauna, solarium and steam room, and outside a pleasant garden area with extensive lawns

www.krimmlerfaelle.at

Hotel Niederreiter - Maria Alm

The Hotel Gasthof Niederreiter is situated in the centre of the village of Maria Alm. There are marvellous views all around and especially of the Steinernes Meer mountain range with grass meadows and woodland in the foreground. The Hotel has 45 rooms, all with bath or shower, wc, balcony, telephone, cable TV, broadband. The Niederreiter offers: steam bath, rest room, infrared cabin, whirlpool (35’C), and solarium (charges apply).

www.niederreiter.com

Hotel Steigenberger - Kaprun

The 4 star Hotel Steigenberger is the perfect choice for relaxation, set in the heart of Kaprun. All 125 rooms have private facilities, bath or shower/wc, hairdryer, cable tv, radio and mini bar. The hotel offers a cosy cafe/bar, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, steam room, sauna, solarium, relaxation and beauty rooms. Breakfast is hot and cold buffet.

www.steingenberger.com