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Vistas of spectacular snowcapped mountains, rampaging rivers and might water falls, deep gorges and dark forests, of rolling hills and sparkling blue lakes, and of the
peaceful Danube, that provide the most familiar images of Austria. Certainly Austria’s scenic beauty is unsurpassed by any country in Europe, but there is so much more to this complex and interesting country. The history and culture of
Europe has been deeply intertwined with that of Austria. From Roman domination to the Crusades, through the Hapsburg dynasty, to the Austro-Hungarian empire and the start of World War I, Austria has controlled and affected much of eastern
Europe. Her contribution to architecture has been great, from the many royal castles that dot the countryside, to the magnificent baroque churches and cathedrals, from little villages to the larger cities such as Vienna and Salzburg; there
is no lack of culture to absorb or sights to experience. Schubert, Hayden, Mozart, and many other musical genii have made Austria the center of classical music. Austria’s geographical position in the center of Europe has given her a rich
and varied cuisine. The first European coffee houses are to be found in Vienna. Her café’s and pastry shops produce some of Europe’s tastiest and delectable treats. With so many small roads and bike paths covering Austria, this is an
ideal country to visit by bicycle and tandem. The constant scenic splendor is the focus of our tour; yet it is not so much a tour of destinations as it is a continual exposure with each pedal stroke and each footstep, to the beauty, the
history, the people and the culture. Riding west from Vienna, our tour explores the vineyard-covered hills, sprinkled with castles and churches along the Danube; then we head south through the region of lakes nestled amongst some of the
most majestic mountain peaks in Europe, to Austria’s gem of a city, Salzburg. Finally, we ride east through the alpine hills, valleys, and gorges of the eastern Alps, returning to Vienna. ITINERARY August 11 - Baden We’ll meet you at
the Vienna airport and transfer you by van to our hotel in Baden. The old spa town of Baden lies on the edge of the rolling hills of the Vienna Woods, in the midst of vineyards and meadows. After assembling bikes, we’ll have time to
explore the town and its elegant villas and buildings, all fine examples of the Biedermeier (early 1800’s) architecture. August 12 – Tulln 39mi, 1000ft, or 56mi 2500ft altitude gain Immediately upon leaving Baden and the surrounding
vineyards, we enter the hilly wooded country of the Wienerwald (Viennese Forest). Most of the day will be spent meandering along shaded winding roads, through tiny villages nestled in the valleys. Even though we are just a few kilometers
west of Vienna, the Wienerwald retains a peaceful, uncrowded character. The small but beautiful mountains we are cycling through are the eastern terminus of the mighty Alps chain, which stretch through Switzerland, down through France and
Italy, and finally disappear into the Medeterranean Sea. In Heiligenkreuz, be sure to check out the Cistercian abbey, perhaps the best example of Romanesque-Gothic architecture in Austria. We exit the wooded hills to the north through the
flat farmland to the charming town of Tulln, sitting on the banks of the Danube River. August 13 - Ybbs 62mi, 500ft The “blue” Danube is certainly one of Europe’s most important rivers, being the major waterway for much of Eastern
Europe and is the second longest (behind the Volga). The section from Krems to Melk, called the Wachau, is considered the most beautiful stretch of the entire river. A quick 25 miles in the morning bring us to Krems and a major pastry
stop. Just up river is Durnstein, the prettiest village along the river and made famous by the legend of King Richard the Lion Hearted; it was in Durnstein where he was held captive in the castle dungeon for many years. We will have the
opportunity to see and visit many churches and castles on toda’s ride, including the fortified church of St Michael, the castle of Hinternaus in Spitz, the huge fortress at Aggstein, as well as Schloss (castle) Schjonbuhel, and the
amazing baroque abbey of Stift Melk. August 14 - Steyr 46mi, 3300ft, or 68mi, 4600ft, or 80mi 4000ft Today we leave the beautiful “blue” Danube and head into the low hills to the south. This area is not famous for its beauty, something
that is entirely unfair. We’ll see mostly farmlands and grazing cattle, with rolling green hills, little romantic villages, quiet roads - all very pastoral. There will be splendid views and sweeping downhill runs from beautiful ridges,
winding river valleys, shaded forest roads, all in all, some of the best mellow riding of the tour. The two longer routes head over the mountain ridge to the south and spend much of the remainder following the very scenic Ybbs River
valley. Steyr is an interesting town and deserves some exploring, if only to find a good bier stube or hofbrauhaus for a cold stein of beer. August 15 – Gmunden 41mi, 2800ft, or, up to 69mi, 4800ft We leave Steyr to the south with the
Enns River on our left and beautiful rolling green hills on our right. Certainly a mellow ride, like much of today, but we do cross over these hills and two other sets of foothills, with some very nice twisting descents. The long route
includes an out and back up the Almtal, a scenic valley, to the Almsee. The climb is gradual with plenty of gorgeous sights for distraction, and well worth the extra effort. We have quietly entered into the higher mountains of the
Salzkammergut, and the best part of the day is our destination city of Gmunden, nestled beneath towering peaks on the shores of the Traunsee. There will be plenty of photo opportunities along the lively lakeshore and in the bustling
interior of the city. Enjoy an ice cream cone, a leisurely coffee, or beer, but be sure to save time for our complimentary visit to the local spa. August 16 - Mondsee 33mi, 1650, or 49mi, 1800ft, or 67mi, 4000ft The combination of steep
mountains and blue lakes makes for great scenery and awesome views, and for today’s ride, that is exactly what we have. We start with a climb (optional) up the Gmundnerburg, directly above town, for the views of the Traunsee and the
near-vertical mountains on the other side. A long gradual climb over the Hollengebirge (and descent) brings us to the Attersee. Here the easier routes split and we can go either direction around the lake and then on to the charming town of
Mondsee, on the lake of the same name. After a short ride along the Attersee, the longer route climbs back over the Hollengebirge to the Wolfgangsee. In the picturesque village of St Wolfgang, sitting beneath the cliffs of the Schafberg,
we have the option of taking a small ferry across the lake, or cycling around (9 miles extra). The Mondsee is the warmest of the lakes in the Salzkammergut and will most certainly be beckoning us to enjoy a refreshing swim at the end of
our ride. August 17 - Mondsee Salzburg loop, 33mi, 600ft, or 44mi, 1500ft Salzburg can easily be declared one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It has often been described as a Baroque city extraordinaire, exemplified by the
architecture of the many beautiful buildings. Salzburg has a great musical heritage, and is the hometown of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, as well as the home of the Von Trapp “Sound of Music” family. There are many wonderful shops,
restaurants, and cafes; there are museums, churches, music festivals; and there is an impressive castle overlooking the city. One day is certainly not enough to fully appreciate this wonderful city. One option today is to take the bus from
Mondsee to see and do as much as possible, perhaps even commuting in the following day. The other is to ride your bicycle to Salzburg, see the city, have lunch and head back to Mondsee and relax by the lake. The longer route explores the
scenic hills and valleys east of Salzburg. August 18 - Mondsee Loop ride, 30mi, or 43mi, approx. 1000ft or less Today can be a total rest day, go nowhere but the nearest café or the beach and do nothing but relax. One option for
today is to return to Saszburg, where you will still not have enough time to see everything. If you would prefer an easy bike ride (at least by comparison), the loop route is quite exceptional. We pass by five small lakes, innumerable
farmhouses, 7 rolling hills, 16 tiny villages, three bigger villages and countless good views. This is an easy ride and everyone should be back in time to enjoy relaxing in Mondsee. August 19 - Bad Aussee 55mi, 3000ft, or 68mi, 5800ft
Today we head deeper into the Salzkammergut, and the rolling green hills give way to forests, deep valleys and large imposing mountains. This will be the most beautiful mountain and lake scenery yet, as we pass up to five of the famous
Salzkammergut lakes, including the stunningly beautiful Wolfgangsee. The villages are smaller and more rural, but still very charming. If there is one which most deserves to be on a post card, it is Hallstatt. This mostly Baroque village
clings precariously to the steep mountain slopes on the edge of the Hallstatter See. Shortly after this wonderful village, we face the most daunting obstacle of the entire tour, a 1 k climb of 14%, followed by 500 meters of 23%. Luckily it
is short and walking is permitted; and after this effort, we get to blast down hill. The longer route takes a side trip over the Osterhorngruppe with an optional visit to the Gausausee (8 miles and 300ft extra). Beneath the cliffs of the
Dachstein range, this lake is considered the most beautiful of the many lakes in this region. Bad Aussee is another quaint spa town, and relaxing here will not be difficult after the day’s ride. August 20 - Admont 46mi, 1700ft, or 54mi,
2000ft, or 66mi, 4000ft We stay in the high mountains the entirety of the day, but most of the route will be in the Enns River valley, so the ride will be somewhat mellow. It will be the tiny side roads and cute little villages with their
churches, restaurants and pastry shops that will define today’s ride. The harder route explores a couple of hidden mountain valleys and a small pass with a great descent. Once in Admont, treat yourself a visit of the Gothic cathedral,
the Stift Admont. The more recently constructed abbey library is considered one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in the world. August 21 - Ulreichsberg / Mariazell 69mi, 2000ft, or 69mi, 3300ft, or 71mi, 4300ft East of Admont
is the Steiermark region, a rugged mountainous area with deep, heavily forested valleys. The rock faces of these mountains provide some of the best climbing in Austria. Immediately upon leaving Admont we enter the Gesause gorge beneath the
steep mountains of the Eienerzer Alpen. The easier route then follows the Salza River valley all the way to Mariazell. This is a very gentle climb (37 miles.1000ft), and very scenic, following the high rocky peaks of the Hochswab range.
Mariazell is worth the short, extra climb; do a little exploring and enjoy an ice cream or pastry before heading off to our secluded hotel. The more difficult route loops to the north, away from the big mountains, on less traveled roads,
but nonetheless still beautiful. August 22 - Semmering Pass 38mi, 1700ft, or 53mi, 4000ft, or 73mi, 4800ft Today’s ride is much like yesterday’s, high mountains, forested hills, cute villages, gradual climbs and descents on small roads
following winding river valleys. One of these river valleys, the Schwarza passes between two large mountains, the Schneeberg and the Raxalp. Here it has cut a deep gorge called the Hollental (Hell’s Valley). The long route includes
following another beautiful valley over a ridge of the Raxalp, and down the other side. Everyone should do this route either today or tomorrow. Our “grand” hotel at the Semmering Pass has a wonderful setting and will be a great place
to relax, (two days here) take a hike, or ride one of many possible loops. August 23 - Semmering pass various loop rides, 20mi, 1600ft, up to 64mi, 5600ft Constructed in 1854, the Semmering railway was an immense project, employing 20,000
workers for six years. In climbing the steep mountainside the train goes through 15 tunnels, crosses 16 viaducts and more than 100 smaller bridges. In 1999, UNESCO declared the railway and the surrounding countryside a world heritage site.
One of the many possible loops for today descends the winding road that follows this railway down the mountainside to the valley 1600 feet below, and climbs back up another winding road. To the south of the Semmering there are a number of
small roads, and small passes, and some big ones too, all in all, plenty of countryside to explore. August 24 - Baden 60mi, 2000ft Again a wonderful day of riding, with great views and sweeping descents, cute villages and tall churches,
pastries and coffee, and of course easy climbs. Soak in the beauty, for this is the last day. Take another look at the vineyards, the mountains, the lovely creeks, and the forests. Breath it in once more and when we arrive in Baden in the
afternoon, take another stroll through town, order a “café mélange” and enjoy the essence of Austria, for you will want to return. August 25 - Departure Van transport is provided to the Vienna airport
COST $2650 per person based on Double Occupancy $500 Single Supplement INCLUDES · 2-3 star hotel accommodations · Breakfast daily (except arrival day) · All dinners (except departure day and 1 evening)
· Airport/train station transfers to and from gateway hotel · Bike mechanic and van support with cellular phone · Ground transportation for all luggage, bikes and participants · Regional map plus detailed daily route maps & cue
sheets NOT INCLUDED · International airfare · Tips, gratuities, laundry, telephone, & items of a personal nature. · Lunches and alcoholic beverages (a supplemental fee will be charged for those who want wine with dinner, and can be
prepaid before departure) PRE-TRIP PLANNING A complete trip packet will be sent upon receipt of your final payment, including tour t-shirt, hotel lists, maps, and luggage tags. Our guidebook containing information on what to bring, how to
pack your bike for flying, equipment list, and changing currencies, will be sent upon receipt of your secondary deposit (due by March 1). All participants must possess a current passport. TRAVEL INSURANCE Erickson Cycle Tours strongly
recommends purchasing insurance for trip cancellation, injury, illness, and loss of effects. A traveler's insurance brochure will be included in your confirmation letter. AIRFARE We offer the services of our travel agent, Claus Claussen of
Des Peres Travel in obtaining economical, expedient air reservations, and we can assist with lodging for pre- and post-tour plans. For flight information, contact Des Peres Travel at 1.800.264.7717, or dptravel@primary.net. If you prefer,
you may use the services of your own travel agent. |
