Summertime means cycling time and what could be better than combining it with a cycling tour to the most beautiful lakes in the Salzkammergut or Bavaria? There your cycling vacation will be a dream come true.
Three of our colleagues cycled various routes through the Salzkammergut and southern Germany on the most beautiful days of the year and are now sharing their favorite places with us.
The Salzkammergut, a picturesque region nestled between Salzburg, Upper Austria, and Styria, has long been a favored retreat for nobles, artists, and affluent summer vacationers. The Habsburg family frequently spent their summers in the Kaiservilla at Bad Ischl, with Emperor Franz Joseph indulging in hunting while his wife, Elisabeth, pursued her love for travel and poetry. Artist Gustav Klimt also sought refuge from Vienna's summer heat, spending his summers at Lake Attersee with his muse Emilie Flöge. It was during these idyllic summers in the Salzkammergut that Klimt created some of his most renowned works.
The Salzkammergut continues to captivate visitors with its timeless charm. Today, it boasts a diverse array of leisure activities and an exceptionally well-developed network of cycle paths. You can immerse yourself in the region’s natural beauty, enjoying over 67 lakes and exploring the stunning mountain landscapes on foot or by bike. The unique way of life in the Salzkammergut also adds to its appeal. Though the locals are often seen as reclusive and traditional, they are warm and welcoming once you get to know them.
As a team member on tour, Ursula has explored numerous destinations and developed a special affection for lakes. This time, she opted for a cycle tour through the scenic Salzkammergut. Captivated by the region's beauty, Ursula found several highlights worth mentioning: the delightful park next to the hotel, the charming inn by Lake Gosau with its spectacular views on the second day, and the stunning eastern shore of Lake Hallstatt during the final stretch of her journey.
My favorite place is the park right next to the Hotel Goiserer Mühle. There you can take your time to leaf through the Eurobike documents and look forward to the next day and the next tour, or you can just sit and relax and watch the surroundings, the colors of the sky reflected in the stream flowing by, or the soothing sound of rippling water.
The guesthouse by Lake Gosau offers a fantastic view of the lake, inviting you to relax and savor the scenery. Equally memorable is the eastern shore of Lake Hallstatt, which captivated me with its enchanting beauty.
Bavaria is the region in Germany that feels the least typically German. The people are down-to-earth, yet also open-minded and innovative. They love their traditions and customs, but these are relaxed and reinterpreted.
As diverse as the people are, so too is the landscape. The largest state in Germany boasts 200 lakes perfect for swimming, approximately 2,245,000 hectares of national parks, and over 600 breweries. Bavaria can be broadly divided into four regions: Eastern Bavaria, with its expansive forests and cultural landscapes; Upper Bavaria, centered around Munich, featuring alpine scenery and picturesque lakes; the Allgäu, known for its fairytale castle, stunning mountain panoramas, and a massive meteorite crater; and Franconia, rich in vineyards, exuding half-timbered charm, and boasting the highest brewery density.
And of course, very important in Bavaria: the "Kini." What would the region be without the fairytale castles of King Ludwig II? Numerous legends surround the ruler who mysteriously died in 1886. Even during his lifetime, his extravagant lifestyle puzzled many of his contemporaries. He was considered a sensitive dreamer who nearly drove the country to financial ruin with the construction of his fairytale castles, but today, he has left us with impressive architectural works. In short, Bavaria is a way of life.
Marianne and her husband were enchanted by the Munich Lakes Tour. It’s no wonder, given that Munich embodies the essence of Bavarian hospitality, Weissbier, and traditional home-cooked meals. Just close your eyes and think of Munich, and you can almost picture yourself at the Hofbräuhaus. Marianne’s favorite place is located at the third exit on the route from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Wallgau.
There are many memorable places on this cycling tour, but the route shortly after Scharnitz to the Isar source really stands out. The climb can be quite strenuous, but it’s rewarded with breathtaking scenery. Even deep in the valley, the panoramas shift continuously. Whether gazing into a deep gorge, riding gently alongside the Isar, or stopping in the dense forest near the springs, we take time to capture these stunning views.
Johanna was accompanied on her journey by her husband and a good friend. Since all three were captivated by the stunning beauty of the Bavarian Alps, a cycling tour through the picturesque Chiemgau seemed like the perfect choice. After a short hour-long drive, they arrived at their destination, Prien am Chiemsee. It was at the very first exit towards Aschau that Johanna discovered her personal favorite place.
The Schoßrinn waterfall has an especially captivating charm. The rushing water and fine spray create an almost magical atmosphere. I sit on a rock in front of it, savoring this extraordinary spectacle.
