Austria 2023 – Small Historic Towns

8 days & 7 nights, approx. 375 km
55–70 km daily, slightly hilly/hilly
4- and 3-star hotels

Day 1: Travel independently to Linz
Check in to your hotel and collect your travel documents. Pick up your bicycle (if you’ve booked one of our rental bikes). Discover Linz on a leisurely stroll through the city: the baroque Old Town, the castle and Pöstlingberg hill. Or perhaps you’d prefer to see the city’s modern side? In that case, the Ars Electronica Center, Lentos Art Museum or the graffiti at Mural Harbor come highly recommended. Example of hotel: Hotel Schillerpark**** in Linz

Day 2: From Linz to Steyr, approx. 55 km
Take the Danube Cycle Path to Mauthausen, where you will cross the river via the Danube Bridge. Just a few kilometres later, you will reach Enns, the oldest town in Austria. From now on, you will follow the Enns Cycle Path to the romantic town of Steyr, another small historic town with a charming atmosphere that enchants visitors. Don’t miss: Lamberg Castle and the Gothic Bummerlhaus on Stadtplatz square. Example of hotel: Stadthotel Styria****

Day 3: From Steyr to Bad Ischl, 65 km
The cycle tour in Upper Austria heads out of Steyr via Bad Hall to the impressive Kremsmünster Benedictine Abbey (tip: allow time for a visit). The route then continues on to the small historic towns of Gmunden on Lake Traunsee and Bad Ischl, reached by train from Gmunden. What better way to bring your evening to a close than with a visit to the Kaiservilla, followed by a stop at Konditorei Zauner, former confectioners to the Imperial and Royal Court? Example of hotel: Hotel Goldenes Schiff****

Day 4: From Bad Ischl to Salzburg, 65 km
The River Ischl is your guide on this stretch of your cycle tour in the Salzkammergut to Lake Wolfgang by the famous town of St Wolfgang. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of lakes and mountains on the Lake Wolfgang and Mondsee stage of your journey. Salzburg, the city of Mozart, stands ready to welcome you in the afternoon. Photo opportunity: Get the best views of the Hohensalzburg Fortress from the Mirabell Gardens. Example of hotel: Amedia Hotel Salzburg****

Day 5: From Salzburg to Braunau, 60 km
Your day begins with a train ride to Oberndorf. From here, you’ll hop into the saddle and follow the Salzach Cycle Path to Burghausen, which boasts the longest castle complex in the world. Pick up the Inn Cycle Path and before long you’ll reach Braunau, another small historic town. Example of hotel: Altstadthotel Mayrbräu***

Day 6: From Braunau to Schärding, 50 km
Today, your cycle tour along the Inn Cycle Path leads you through the Lower Inn European Reserve. Then it’s on to Reichersberg as you pedal your way to the baroque town of Schärding. Example of hotel: Hotel Biedermeier Hof***

Day 7: From Schärding to the Schlögene Schlinge, 55 km
The River Inn will be your travel companion to Passau in Bavaria, the City on Three Rivers. From here, you will follow the Danube Cycle Path to the famous Schlögene Schlinge river bend. Don’t forget to schedule a stop here to take a short walk to the Schlögener Blick, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the meandering river. Example of hotel: Revita Hotel Kocher****

Day 8: From the Schlögene Schlinge to Linz, 55 km, and return home (independent travel) or additional night
The last stage of your Small Historic Towns cycle tour will take you to Linz on the Danube Cycle Path. Your luggage will reach your original hotel in Linz by 5.30 p.m. at the latest. Why not take the opportunity to book an extra night in this vibrant city on the Danube?