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10 Days
From
From IntroductoryTo Challenging
Cycle the serene alpine valleys and hike among the peaks of the Austrian Alps on this active trip from Innsbruck to Salzburg. Enjoy a variety of experiences as you travel through lush meadows, dramatic gorges and postcard-perfect villages. Walk to the dramatic Krimml Waterfalls – one of Europe’s highest – and explore peaceful ski towns nestled in the Zillertal Valley. Ride scenic cycle paths past traditional alpine huts, take a guided visit to the Moserboden hydroelectric dam, and discover local heritage at a salt mine or brewery. Evenings are spent in handpicked hotels, where you can relax with hearty regional meals and warm Austrian hospitality.
Austria
Innsbruck
Salzburg
15kg of CO2-e PP per day
(131kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Innsbruck
On arrival in Innsbruck, walk to your hotel which is ideally located to explore the sites of this lively town such as the castle, old town section and the ski jumping station.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Cable car to high above the Inn Valley, walk the Zirbenweg Stone Pine Path, return to Innsbruck by cable car (2.5-4hrs)
This morning you take the tram from Innsbruck, followed by a cable car which takes you up to 2000m/6562ft. From the top of the cable car station you follow an easy high trail passing old stone pines high above the Inn valley. Enjoy refreshments at a mountain hut where you can purchase fresh cheese, and later descend by cable car and return to your hotel by bus. Walking distance: 7.7km/4.8mi
Meals: B
Day 3
Cycle along the Inn River past historic towns to the entrance of the Zillertal Valley (45km/28mi)
This morning you swap your hiking boots for a bike and follow the cycle trail along the Inn river out of the city. This well signed trail takes you past historic towns where you can visit the famous Swarovski crystal world in Wattens or take a rest in the old streets of the many villages you pass. On one side you will see the Alps and on the other side the Karwendel mountain range. Stay overnight at the entrance of the Zillertal valley.
Day 4
Gentle uphill cycle into the Zillertal Valley, transfer via Gerlos Pass from Zell am Ziller to Krimml (25-40km/15.5-25mi)
The route this morning gradually ascends into the Zillertal valley, famous for skiing all year round at the glacier, to the village of Zell am Ziller. The valley offers much more than skiing, with its incredible scenery, alpine pastures and little villages with good restaurants. If you're making good time and wish to do the longer cycle, you can do a loop ride from Zell am Ziller to Mayrhofen, the main village in the valley. From Zell am Ziller, transfer after lunch over the Gerlos Pass to Krimml (approx. 30 mins duration). On arrival in Krimml you will still have time to walk to the waterfalls.
Day 5
Pass the Krimml waterfall and an alpine valley in the national park (1.5-4.5hrs)
On foot today you will pass the Krimml waterfall (one of the highest in Europe) on your way into the national park, which has trails to reach viewpoints and explore the different levels of the falls. Armed with your map, you can explore deeper into the valley to the edge of the Alps. The mountain hut “Tauernhaus” is the starting point for trails which lead over the Alps eg, the trans alp trek. We recommend taking a taxi into the valley and walking back to Krimml passing by the waterfall from above! You will mainly walk along a nice gravel road with fantastic views. Overnight Krimml. Walking distance: 11.4km/7mi
Day 6
Cycle along the Salzach River Valley to Zell am See (65km/40.5mi)
Back on the bikes today as you follow the Salzach river valley almost from the source, with impressive mountain ranges on both sides of the wide valley. There are many side trips you can take into the National Park of Hohe Tauern and we highly recommend a visit of the park's information centre. Mt Kitzsteinhorn is one of 266 peaks over 3000m/9843ft located in this wild alpine park, Austria's oldest national park. The cycle continues to the old market town of Zell am See with its wonderful lakeside position and views of the highest mountain in Austria, the Grossglockner (3798m/12,461ft).
Day 7
Hike around Zell am See-Kaprun (2-4hrs)
Outside of skiing in winter, there is no better way to see Zell am See-Kaprun than on foot. The spectacular combination of glacier, mountains and lake is nothing short of unique and guarantees unforgettable insights into Austria's natural environment. Discover the two high mountain reservoirs Mooserboden and Wasserfallboden, embedded in the impressive mountains of the Hohe Tauern and enjoy the great views at 2000m altitude. A bus takes you straight up into the heart of the alpine world. There is also the option to do a guided dam tour which includes a hike to the Mooserboden dam where you have the opportunity to explore inside the dam and learn how “green” electricity is generated. Walk the herbal path (45mins, 237m/778ft ascent) from the Mooserboden reservoir to rustic Fürthermoaralm to see the unique vegetation of the Hohe Tauern mountains. Overnight Zell am See.
Day 8
Cycle around the lake then past hamlets and impressive gorges to Lofer (45-60km/28-37mi)
Cycling again, you take a route around the lake and later pass small hamlets with old farm houses. There will be some hills in the morning and a sensational view to the so-called Stony Sea Mountain range. In the afternoon you will pass some impressive gorges (open to visit) and a huge cave before arriving at Lofer, where you stay tonight.
Day 9
Cycle along the river Saalach to Salzburg (50km/31mi)
Continuing along the river Saalach the cycle takes in a small part of Bavaria. The mountains are not as high as on previous days but form a part of the National park of Berchtesgaden. Cycle through the spa city of Bad Reichenhall where you can visit the old salt mine, have a break in the old town or visit a brewery. Afterwards you are almost in Salzburg and you should visit the open air museum of Grossgmain with old farm houses. For lovers of the movie 'The Sound of Music', you pass a castle with a lake which featured in the film. Welcome to Salzburg!
Day 10
Trip concludes
The trip concludes after breakfast.
What's included
What's not included
Carefully selected combination of 3 and 4 star hotels all with ensuite facilities. Some properties will feature a wellness centre or have a swimming pool or sauna. In Austria note that a twin room is not always associated with having two beds. Quite often a twin bed has one or two mattresses on the same bedframe but with two separate duvets. Sometimes there might be two beds positioned together, but they cannot be separated because of constraints of the room.
During the trip you will be provided with a 24 speed men's or ladies rental bike. With the bike you will also receive a lock, handlebar bag, pannier and repair kit. In the case of a puncture the assumption is that you can repair. A puncture repair kit is included in the equipment provided so you can fix the issue. Your bike will be transferred on walking days. Helmet rental is included, or you can bring your own well-fitted helmet from home.
Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedalling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists. Both men's & ladies frames are available. Minimum age for e-bike rental is 12 years and a minimum height requirement is 160cm / 5ft2in.
The walking section of the tour will be a combination of walking trails and gravel paths.
Mostly you will be cycling along river bike paths with some road cycling when entering and leaving villages or towns.
GRADE 3 - This trip involves 5 cycle stages of between 25 and 65km (15.5 to 37m), and 3 walking stages of up to 4.5hrs. You mainly follow river cycle trails and there are only short ups and downs. There will be a transfer for the only mountain pass on the tour. The walking is not arduous, and is generally on gravel roads or hiking trails. To get the most out of this trip you should have a good level of fitness which you have obtained through exercising 3-4 times per week as a minimum.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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Personal Experience
We've been exploring the world on foot for over five decades, and our passion for walking runs deep. Having hiked nearly every corner of Europe, we take pride in sharing the joy, freedom and perspective that only travelling on foot can bring, all with the exceptional service and care our travellers know us for.
Great Value & Quality
Our trips offer excellent value for money, with everything you need for a seamless walking holiday. Each package includes detailed route notes, maps and navigation app, luggage transfers, and comfortable locally run accommodation. We take care of the planning, so you can simply enjoy the walk.
Self-Guided Specialists
We've been operating self-guided active holidays since 1973, taking care of every detail so you can relax and explore at your own pace. With many walking and hiking tours departing daily, you'll enjoy the freedom and flexibility to travel when it suits you.
self guided walk
hotel
8Days
Moderate to Challenging
self guided cycle
hotel, inns
Introductory to Moderate