Whether it’s cycling, hiking, kayaking, paragliding from a hilltop, or rafting down a river, this adventure inspires at every turn. The magical regions of Salzburg and Tyrol overflow with majestic waterfalls, fantasy caves, UNESCO world heritage sights and endless vistas of fortress-topped hills. All of Mother Nature’s bounty embraces you in this land of Mozart and The Sound of Music.
With towering mountains, thundering waterfalls, glacier-carved gorges, and charming villages, Austria is the perfect playground for all adventurers. Our expert guides can’t wait to introduce you to the wonders of the Alps and the charm of the Austrian culture and people. Join us for an intimate seven-day journey through Austria’s splendid West and enjoy the perfect blend of adventure and luxury. Don’t be surprised when you start singing, “I am sixteen, going on seventeen” at every gazebo stop along the way!
Pedal your way through Niedernsill and Zell am See to a backdrop of 14,000-year-old glacier-carved gorges, crystal-blue lakes, and the colossal Alps.
Bike from Werfen through quaint villages to the stunning city of Salzburg.
Soak up eye-popping panoramic views on a cable car ride to Schmittenhöhe.
Hike above the Salzach Valley and (for a true adrenaline rush) opt for a tandem paraglide.
Raft the enchanting Salzach River past flower-bedecked homes, roaring waterfalls, and charming villages.
Hum a tune from The Sound of Music as you feast on trout strudel and cream cheese lemon mousse at the two-star Michelin rated Obauer restaurant.
Paddle the Hallstätter See and visit the village of Hallstatt, a UNESCO World Heritage site of the Salzkammergut.
A few more reasons why you've gotta go:
01
The views: Be inspired as you hike amongst snow-capped mountains, expansive lakes and 14,000 year-old, glacier-carved gorges.
02
Take in the ancient art of falconry during an exhibition at the Hohenwerfen Castle, featured in the film "Where Eagles Dare."
03
The Salzburg Fortress: Almost a thousand years old, this medieval, iconic fortress towers over Mozart's city and is the largest fortress of its kind in Europe to have survived wholly intact.
We meet in the morning in Munich and are transferred to Niedernsill. After a briefing and setting up the bikes, cycle through wondrous villages surrounded by the towering Alps. Bike through the wide valley and past 14,000-year-old glacier-carved gorges via Kaprun to Zell am See. Decide to take an alpine sled down the mountain, jump into the brisk lake, or freshen up before indulging in a tasty meal at the hotel’s dining room.
About the Grand Hotel
Built in the 1890’s, the Grand Hotel Zell am See is nestled into the mountain landscape at the edge of Lake Zell and provides comfortable modern rooms, a restaurant featuring hearty Austrian cuisine, and a spa. Take full advantage of Grand Hotel’s location on its private lake access, relax in the beautiful indoor pool which features a panoramic view of the lake, or indulge in all the spa has to offer: saunaworld with steam bath and softsauna, modern fitness studio, solarium, and massages.
For a change of pace, ride a cable to the Schmittenhöhe, with stunning views of the lakes and mountains. Hike over the hilltops and back to the Schmittenhöhe. The option to go paragliding (not included in the trip price and weather dependent) beckons the truly adventurous! After returning to the hotel, opt to take a short spin along the lake, or choose to walk or enjoy a scenic boat ride on the “Zeller See”. After a delicious meal, retire to your room and rest up for more adventures tomorrow.
A short transfer takes us to Taxenbach, where we embark on rafts to experience the thrill of white water rafting (minimum age: 10) on the Salzach River, flowing past scenic villages, magnificent churches, and charming mills. After rafting, we’ll have lunch and then set off by bike past Bischofshofen, famous for its Four Hills Ski-Jumping event. Today’s destination is Werfen, a quaint village nestled in a gorgeous valley complete with a storybook castle. A night on your own will give you plenty of time to explore the many wonders of this town and potentially try a Michelin star restaurant.
About Hotel Obauer
Located in an authentic, postcard-perfect Austrian village, Hotel Obauer is set in a 13th-century building that has been renovated to offer contemporary accommodations. Its surrounding meadow and fortress have been featured in films including The Sound of Music and Where Eagles Dare. Enjoy superb food at the hotel’s world-class restaurant, visit the nearby ice caves, or just relax and take in the breathtaking views. Your stay at the Hotel Obauer is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
After an unforgettable breakfast, travel to the UNESCO world heritage site of Hallstatt to discover the historical salt mines while sliding down wooded slides miners once did. Kayak through the calm waters of the Hallstätter See, and take in views of the picture-perfect village. Afterward, we’ll stop at a traditional Austrian restaurant for Schnitzel and noodles.
After a tour of the Hohenwefen castle and a possible falconry exhibition, ride along the Salzach River, past flower-decked houses and the Gollinger Waterfall. Meander along the tree-lined trails, eventually arriving in Salzburg. A night on your own will allow you to relax and unwind or stroll the magical streets of Salzburg.
About Hotel Auersperg
A green oasis in the heart of the town, Hotel Auersperg with the adjacent Villa Auersperg has been under the same ownership for three generations. This elegant hotel has a tasteful design, quiet romantic gardens, and a rooftop sun terrace with a marvelous view over the city.
Enjoy a guided walking tour of Salzburg in the morning. You’ll have a free afternoon to visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress perched on a rocky peak or opt for an easy bike ride along the Salzach River to the Hellbrunn palace with its “trick” fountains and Gazebo from The Sound of Music. Optional bus tours to surrounding areas carry you to the lake district, Bavarian Mountains, Eagle’s Nest, or the stunning hills of The Sound of Music. End your amazing day with a delightful farewell dinner.
Bid “Auf Wiedersehen” to the magical land of Salzburg. We transfer two to three hours for drop-offs at the airport or your hotel in Munich. Alternatively, you may choose to be dropped off at the Salzburg train station, airport, or the hotel of your choice if you would like to spend more time in this fascinating city.
**Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures.
Prior to the trip, arrive at your own convenience in Munich. On Day 1, we will meet you in the lobby of Hotel Excelsior in Munich at 8:30 a.m. After a transfer to Niedernsill, lunch, a briefing and bike fitting, the activities begin. After breakfast on Day 7, we take you to the airport, train station, or the hotel of your choice in Munich (two to three-hour transfer). Alternatively, depending on your travel plans, you can also be dropped off at the Salzburg train station.
Activities
Cycling:
Day 1 bicycle mileage option: 9 / 14
Day 3 bicycle mileage options: 10 / 18
Day 4 bicycle mileage options: 35 / 29 / 13
Day 6 bicycle mileage option: 10 / 16
Walking/Hiking:
Day 2 walk mileage options: 3 / 7
Day 6 walking tour of Salzburg
Rafting
Day 3 rafting, no experience necessary
Kayaking:
Day 4 kayak 2 hours
Austin Adventures guides are experienced facilitators and regional experts. They take the time to explain the local history and daily sightseeing and route options. Each route has been carefully planned to include options to please each traveler’s interests. Austin Adventures guides are available to help you select the distance that’s right for you and to offer advice and assistance as you desire.
Cultural Discoveries
The magical regions of Salzburg and Tyrol overflow with majestic waterfalls, fantasy caves, ice sculptures, and endless vistas of hills and mountains. At Schloss Hellbrunn castle, tour the gardens, which are full of surprises, such as a mechanical theater with 113 figures set in motion by water to the music of an organ. In Salzburg, visit Mozart’s birth house and discover many of the hidden spots used as settings in The Sound of Music.
Meals
The hallmark of an Austin Adventures vacation is our exceptional dining. All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments and receptions are included as indicated by itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities are not included in the trip price.
Pre-departure Information
After receiving your reservation and deposit, we’ll send you a pre-trip planner with general information about the area you’ll be visiting, a packing list, exercise guidelines, a guest information questionnaire and a liability release agreement for you to sign and return within 10 days.
What's Included
Included in Trip Price
Double occupancy rooms with private baths.
All breakfasts. Lunches and dinners as listed by day. Snacks along the route.
Fully trained, first-aid certified professional guides and knowledgeable local partners.
Bikes and other necessary equipment – all safe and well maintained.
Vehicle support and land transportation during the trip.
Austin Adventures t-shirt, water bottle, luggage tags and luggage service.
Pre-departure and packing information.
Incidental expenses such as taxes, dining and housekeeping gratuities, local guide and expert gratuities.
Not Included in Trip Price
Gratuities to Austin Adventures guides.
Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities.
Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses.
Air and land transportation to/from host cities.
All types of personal insurance.
Personal expenses.
View the "Wow Factor" Included in Each Austin Adventure
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
1Easy (1)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
2Moderately Easy (2)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
3Moderate (3)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
4Moderate to Challenging (4)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
5Challenging (5)
Europe Expert
Adam Beecham
Want to know how to make fast friends in foreign places and how to get the most out of a destination by experiencing it like a local? Ask Adam, a longtime Austin Adventures guide who now serves as European Operations Manager in Holland. He caught the travel bug during a semester abroad in New Zealand and Australia and quickly discovered he never wanted to stop experiencing—and more importantly, sharing—the wonder of travel. He taught English in China, managed a resort in Mexico, and now lives with his wife and child in Amsterdam, ensuring guests have the best guides and experiences possible on their European adventures.
