The Trail Route
Are you already excited?
We’re working on a brand-new route again—meaning: more SALT, more LAKES, and lots of GRAVEL!
This time, we’ll start in the Salzkammergut, explore parts of Salzburg, and even cross into Bavaria.
Just like in the 3rd edition of the SALT, the focus will be a mix of stunning landscapes, picturesque locations, and as many gravel roads as we can find—along rivers, through valleys, and past shimmering lakes.
The full route description will be updated in July 2025, and participants will receive the final GPS track by the end of August.
Until then, here’s a quick sneak preview:
You’ll again have the option to choose between two route variants:
Route A with 480 km and 8,500 m of climbing, and
Route B with 300 km and 5,000 m—decision point at km 150.
The first 150 km offer (mostly 😉) smooth riding along quiet rivers through lesser-known areas. After Bad Ischl, the terrain shifts: the mountain section begins, with long, scenic climbs and rewarding views. Once you enter Bavaria, you’ve conquered the biggest ascents—but there’s still a long way to the finish line.
The short route skips a detour and leads directly from Lake Traunsee to Bad Ischl and Hallstatt, before rejoining the long route.
After Abtenau, the course takes you the most direct way across the scenic Postalm back to Lake Wolfgangsee—and finally to the finish line in Mondsee.
Are you ready for the adventure of the SALT&LAKE Trail?
Route A Draft Version
Route B Draft Version
Start / Finish:
Mondsee (Oberösterreich)
Mondsee (Oberösterreich)
The SALT&LAKE Trail begins at the stunning Mondsee, a picturesque lake nestled beside the charming town of Mondsee.
Famous for its role in the iconic film “The Sound of Music”, the local church is a popular landmark—though locals might not be as familiar with its Hollywood fame!
The town’s center offers delightful restaurants, and the lakefront provides breathtaking views of the “Schafberg,” a mountain that is part of the trail’s journey.
For a perfect warm-up, we highly recommend a scenic tour around the lake.
the lakes of upper austria
After passing through the charming market town of Mondsee, the first ascent begins—a gentle climb that starts on asphalt and later transitions to a well-maintained forest road leading toward the Kulmspitze. Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views back over Mondsee and, soon after, the majestic Traunstein.
Following another climb, you’ll reach the turquoise waters of Lake Attersee. From there, the route follows the Ager, Traun, and Alm rivers into the scenic Alm Valley. Before arriving in the small town of Gmunden, a steep forest road leads to yet another beautiful lake. Once in Gmunden, numerous lakeside cafés invite you to take a well-deserved break.
Historically, Gmunden played a significant role in the salt trade. Salt was transported across Lake Traunsee and then loaded onto horse-drawn railways in Gmunden to be carried further inland.
Continuing along the cycling path beside the majestic Lake Traunsee, the route makes a detour past two small romantic lakes before returning to the eastern shores of Attersee and Mondsee. Near Lake Wolfgangsee, a stop at the charming “Wagerl am See” café—easy to spot and hard to resist—is highly recommended.
the lakes of upper austria
After passing through the charming market town of Mondsee, the first ascent begins—a gentle climb that starts on asphalt and later transitions to a well-maintained forest road leading toward the Kulmspitze. Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views back over Mondsee and, soon after, the majestic Traunstein.
Following another climb, you’ll reach the turquoise waters of Lake Attersee. From there, the route follows the Ager, Traun, and Alm rivers into the scenic Alm Valley. Before arriving in the small town of Gmunden, a steep forest road leads to yet another beautiful lake. Once in Gmunden, numerous lakeside cafés invite you to take a well-deserved break.
Historically, Gmunden played a significant role in the salt trade. Salt was transported across Lake Traunsee and then loaded onto horse-drawn railways in Gmunden to be carried further inland.
Continuing along the cycling path beside the majestic Lake Traunsee, the route makes a detour past two small romantic lakes before returning to the eastern shores of Attersee and Mondsee. Near Lake Wolfgangsee, a stop at the charming “Wagerl am See” café—easy to spot and hard to resist—is highly recommended.
over the mountains into Styria
From Bad Ischl and the awe-inspiring “Ewige Wand” (Eternal Wall), the route takes you into Styria, where you’ll discover the idyllic Altausseer See and the charming town of Bad Aussee. Following the scenic Koppental, you’ll arrive at Hallstätter See. Here, surrounded by throngs of international tourists—many from Asia—you can enjoy a short sightseeing stop in the picturesque village of Hallstatt.
The journey then becomes more demanding but equally rewarding. A challenging climb awaits, offering breathtaking views of the lake, cascading waterfalls, and natural pools perfect for a refreshing dip. At Rossalm, a well-deserved break with hearty refreshments is highly recommended.
Continuing past Gosausee, you’ll enter the Salzburg region. Here, well-maintained gravel roads and a picturesque bike path along the Lammer River lead you to Golling and the serene Bluntautal. A winding gravel road takes you deep into the mountains. After a long, strenuous ascent and a challenging push-bike section, you’ll reach the German border and the Stahlhaus.
You are now in Berchtesgaden National Park, where highlights include the majestic Königssee and the enchanting Hintersee—true treasures of the alpine landscape.
From Berchtesgaden to Salzburg: A Journey Through History and Nature
In Berchtesgaden and Bad Reichenhall, you’ll pass through Bavarian towns deeply rooted in the history of salt production.
This part of the route features a particularly high proportion of gravel roads, with breathtaking mountain landscapes accompanying you every step of the way. Next, you’ll reach the world-famous city of Salzburg, a true UNESCO World Heritage Site. After spending so much time immersed in nature, the contrast of arriving in this vibrant city will be especially striking. But don’t worry—we’ll guide you through the most beautiful corners of Salzburg.
Now, the final and most challenging stretch lies ahead. If the route remains open until autumn, you’ll traverse the Glasenbach Gorge, heading toward Fuschlsee. From there, it’s only a few more kilometers before you return to Mondsee, where the finish line awaits. Celebrate your achievement with a refreshing beer or lemonade as you soak in the accomplishment of completing this incredible journey.
From Berchtesgaden to Salzburg: A Journey Through History and Nature
In Berchtesgaden and Bad Reichenhall, you’ll pass through Bavarian towns deeply rooted in the history of salt production.
This part of the route features a particularly high proportion of gravel roads, with breathtaking mountain landscapes accompanying you every step of the way. Next, you’ll reach the world-famous city of Salzburg, a true UNESCO World Heritage Site. After spending so much time immersed in nature, the contrast of arriving in this vibrant city will be especially striking. But don’t worry—we’ll guide you through the most beautiful corners of Salzburg.
Now, the final and most challenging stretch lies ahead. If the route remains open until autumn, you’ll traverse the Glasenbach Gorge, heading toward Fuschlsee. From there, it’s only a few more kilometers before you return to Mondsee, where the finish line awaits. Celebrate your achievement with a refreshing beer or lemonade as you soak in the accomplishment of completing this incredible journey.