The Trail Route
Are you getting exicted?
We will work again on a completely new route, which, in connection with Bad Ischl as the Capital of Culture 2024, will lead more through the Salzkammergut.
As with the 2st edition of the SALT, the focus will be on a mix of scenic highlights, beautiful places and sites and, of course, as many gravel roads as possible.
The route description will be updated in spring 2025
The possibility to choose between 2 different routes on the course will remain the same.
Route A with 480km and 8000hm and route B with 280km and 5000hm.
Route A to be updated for 2025 after our scouting
Route B to be updated after our scouting
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 Kulmspitze. Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views back over Mondsee and, before long, the majestic Traunstein.
After another climb, you’ll reach the turquoise waters of Attersee. From there, the route follows the Ager and Traun rivers to Traunsee. A short detour to the impressive Traunfall is highly recommended before arriving in Gmunden. Here, the many lakeside cafés invite you to take a relaxing break.
Historically, Gmunden played a significant role in the salt trade. Salt was transported across Traunsee and loaded onto horse-drawn railways in Gmunden to be carried further inland.
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 Kulmspitze. Along the way, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views back over Mondsee and, before long, the majestic Traunstein.
After another climb, you’ll reach the turquoise waters of Attersee. From there, the route follows the Ager and Traun rivers to Traunsee. A short detour to the impressive Traunfall is highly recommended before arriving in Gmunden. Here, the many lakeside cafés invite you to take a relaxing break.
Historically, Gmunden played a significant role in the salt trade. Salt was transported across Traunsee and loaded onto horse-drawn railways in Gmunden to be carried further inland.
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.