In spring, we are bitten by the cycling bug. The sun shines warmly on our faces and the temperatures are pleasant, but not yet too hot. What could be better than getting a bit of exercise and exploring the region on a bike? Salzburgerland is a true paradise for cyclists of all levels.

You are visiting the city and there was no room for a bike in your luggage? No problem, here you can rent city bikes as well as bikes for longer distances. By the way, guests at The Maximilian can rent e-bikes at the hotel (subject to availability). Ready to go? We’ve put together a few routes for a bike tour.

Königsseeache

Distance: one-way approximately 13km

The great thing about the Salzach is that you can easily orientate yourself by the course of the river and the path along its banks is mostly flat. That’s why we love the bike tour to and along the Königsseeache, a beautiful mountain creek. The best place to start in Salzburg is at Volksgarten and cycle south along the river from there. Cycle in that direction for a while until you reach the hydroelectric power station in Puch/Urstein. Cross the Salzach here and then turn left. You pass under the motorway bridge and the branch of the river you reach afterwards is the Königsseeache. On the other side of the small bridge you will reach Rif, where you can continue cycling along the riverbank. A circular route is also possible. The river can be crossed after a few kilometres to return back to the city on the opposite side.

To Hallein

Distance: one-way approximately 17km

If you still feel like continuing to cycle after the excursion to the Königsseeache, we recommend the route to Hallein. First cycle back to the hydroelectric power station. Cross the river to start on the side from which you came. Now take the path south along the Salzach to Hallein. The small town with its historic old town near the water is perfect for a day trip. You can get a well-deserved ice cream on the market square before heading back towards Salzburg along the same route.

Seekirchen am Wallersee

Distance: one way approximately 14km

Lake Wallersee near Salzburg is the largest lake in the region around Salzburg and is also easy to reach by bike. The starting point is the north of Salzburg. In the district of Itzling, follow Vogelweiderstraße and, after the industrial area, keep to the right in the direction of Hallwang. Follow the Söllheimerwanderweg along fields and meadows until you reach the Ischlerbahnweg after a small section of forest. Stay on this path and, shortly after passing under the motorway bridge, turn left onto the Brunnerweg. After the field path in the direction of Eugendorf, turn left again and keep straight on past the church until you finally reach the cart road. Follow this road and turn left again at the very end. Now you are on the direct path towards Seekirchen. Once there, the path to the water is well marked and you will find many places to stop for a bite to eat.

Up to the top of Gaisberg

Distance: one-way approximately 7km 

For the more experienced cyclists among you who are fit and up for a challenge, we recommend the route up to the Gaisberg. To do this, leave Salzburg from the district of Gnigl and cycle up the serpentines in the direction of Guggenthal. Then stay on the Österreichische Romantikstraße for about 4 kilometres before turning right onto the Gaisberg Landesstraße. As the road stretches all the way up to the top, you don’t need a mountain bike for this. Alternatively, you can take bus line 151 to the foot of the mountain and start the bike tour from there. The route is very demanding and should not be underestimated. Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with a fantastic view over the city.

Fancy an ice cream after your bike ride? Here’s our guide to the best ice cream parlours in the city.