On arrival in Salzburg make your way to your hotel. After check-in you’re free to explore the city of Mozart. As well as being the great composer’s birthplace, Salzburg has plenty to offer. You shouldn’t miss the imposing Hohensalzburg Castle and Mirabell Palace, but we also highly recommend simply sitting in a traditional café and enjoying a coffee and indulgent pastry whilst absorbing the atmosphere of this lovely old town.

We suggest an early start as there is much to see en route today. To start with you will follow a lovely cycle path southwards beside the Salzach river to the beautiful old salt-mining town of Hallein - too early for a cofffee break in the lovely square, you decide? In the village of Gölling we recommend investing in the short hike to admire the nearby waterfall. A little further on you may also wish to stop and visit the nearby ice caves that stretch for 40 km below the mountains. The ancient hilltop castle at Werfen is quite a sight and the pretty nearby village of Werfen is also a good place to stop for refreshments. After a few more kilometres on pleasant bike paths through stunning alpine scenery you’ll stop for the night in St. Johann im Pongau, a bustling little town with plenty of cafés, bars and restaurants.

Today you continue south along the Salzach valley and the alpine scenery is breathtaking from the first turn of the pedal to that last. Near the village of Alpendorf you may be tempted to make a short detour to visit the Liechtensteinklamm, a deep and narrow gorge through which a wooden walkway has been constructed for safe viewing. Shortly after the village of Schwarzach you follow a scenic country lane uphill for about 2.5 km, it is quite steep in places so take your time and stop for a rest if necessary. Once you reach the more level high country lane the views are sensational and you pedal past past traditional old farmhouses and peaceful little hamlets. After a while the lane returns to the valley floor and leads you along a wide fertile valley to the pretty village of Bruck which sits at the base of Austria’s highest mountain – the Großglockner (3798m). From here it is not far to the charming village of Kaprun where you will spend the next two nights

After breakfast you take the train with your bike to Krimml, 50 kms to the west. From the station at Krimml it is a short 3 km ride up to the head of the valley to the Krimml Waterfalls, the highest falls in Europe. If you wish you can the waterfall trail on foot to get incredibly close to the plunging falls (various options, payable locally). After your visit, set off on your bike back to Kaprun, following a lovely bike trail through the lush meadows and stunning high-alpine scenery of the Hohe Tauern National Park. You spend you second night in the village of Kaprun, close to the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier.

After breakfast you begin your return journey towards Salzburg. After a few kilometres you will reach the stunning resort town of Zell am See which enjoys an idyllic location on the shores of the Zeller Lake. The bike path leads you along the lake shore offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains reflected in the still lake. You then follow the Saalaach valley northwards to the charming little village of Maria Alm, a good place for a coffee break. After more pleasant kilometres cycling along the along the wide scenic valley you arrive in the picture-perfect village of Lofer surrounded by high granite peaks. If you have any remaining energy take the cable car up to the Loderbichl for some amazing views of the surrounding area. Overnight in Lofer

Your final ride continues to follow the Saalach river which is now quite boisterous with rapids and fast flowing sections that attract daring kayakers. The tranquil Saalach valley provides more idyllic and serene alpine cycling. After a while you actually cross briefly into Germany and cycle through the Deautsche Eck (German corner) where you can visit Bad Reichenhall, a spa town with a distinct Bavarian flair. A short distance further on you arrive back in Salzburg, the perfect place to toast and celebrate completing your alpine cycling adventure.

After breakfast its time to check-out and head for your home or next adventure.