A summer retreat on two wheels

Salzkammergut

Summer Retreat

Lake Starnberg

Curious Facts

Danube Cycle Path

Sissi Films

From Merano to Lake Garda

Summer Retreat Salzkammergut

Challenging

Few regions in Austria are as deeply connected to Habsburg history as the Salzkammergut. When Emperor Franz Joseph chose Bad Ischl as his summer residence in the mid-19th century, the area around Lake Wolfgang, Lake Traunsee, and Lake Hallstatt became the social hotspot of the monarchy. From 1854 onwards, the Emperor – together with Empress Elisabeth – spent nearly every summer here. Nobility, artists, and intellectuals followed, shaping what would become known as the "Sommerfrische" (summer retreat) – a time devoted to rest, fresh mountain air, and a way of life that still lingers today.

Even now, Bad Ischl feels distinct from other Alpine destinations: grand villas, historic cafés, and a relaxed elegance hint at a time when political decisions and summer leisure blended seamlessly.

Here, history isn’t confined to museums – it’s part of the landscape. Cycling paths weave between mountains and lakes, often leading right to the water’s edge – perfect for a scenic pause.You’ll not only experience one of Austria’s most beautiful cycling regions, but also trip through a living chapter of European history. The Salzkammergut-Tour combines relaxed cycling, cultural discovery, and breathtaking nature in one unforgettable journey.

Salzkammergut-Tour

8 Days

Ten Lakes & Sound of Music

8 Days

Cycle tours in the Salzkammergut

Two cyclists riding along the Traun river promenade in Bad Ischl with colorful historic buildings and forested mountains in the background.

Two cyclists with bikes and panniers pause in a flower garden, with the historic Congress House of Bad Ischl visible in the background.

Two cyclists riding along the sunny promenade in Bad Ischl, Salzkammergut. Tree-lined waterfront with flowers and mountains in background.

Two cyclists with helmets enjoying coffee at a lakeside terrace overlooking Mattsee lake and village, surrounded by green hills.

Two cyclists with helmets and map enjoying a sunny viewpoint overlooking Salzburg's historic fortress on the hilltop.

Childhood Days at Lake Starnberg

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Born in 1837 as Elisabeth of Bavaria, Sisi spent much of her childhood by Lake Starnberg. Far from the strict etiquette of the Viennese court, she enjoyed a carefree and spirited youth here.
Schloss Berg and Possenhofen on the western shore remain key landmarks of her early years – places where her love for nature, movement, and freedom first took root.

Our cycling tour based in one hotel around Lake Starnberg blends gentle rides with cultural charm. Routes hug the lakeshore, passing elegant estates, shaded avenues, and stunning panoramas of water and Alps. With a fixed hotel, there’s plenty of time to explore highlights like Roseninsel, Starnberg, or Bernried at your own pace – a relaxed escape and a journey into the youth of Europe’s most iconic empress.

Two cyclists during a bike stop on the shore of Lake Starnberg

Lake Starnberg – based in one hotel

7 Days

Two cyclists on a path through green meadows near Riegsee lake in Bavaria, with mountains and blue sky in the background.

Bavarian Lakes – Round Trip

8 Days

Cycle tours in Bavaria

Three cyclists on a lakeside path at Starnberger See in Bavaria. Sailboats float on calm water, trees frame the scene under blue sky.

Three cyclists riding through a green meadow with Neuschwanstein Castle visible on a forested hillside in Bavaria.

Two cyclists crossing a wooden bridge on a bike path near Garmisch, Bavaria, with dramatic mountain peaks and green meadows in the background.

Two cyclists with helmets viewing Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria. The white castle sits on a forested hillside with mountains behind.

Two cyclists on a path through green meadows near Garmisch with Bavarian Alps and traditional wooden houses in the background.

5 Curious Facts about the Empress’s World

Her Love of the Sea

Sisi adored the sea and sought out destinations like Corfu or Madeira. While others struggled with seasickness, she found freedom in the waves – even tattooing a small anchor on her shoulder, a bold statement for her time.

Katharina Schratt: The Emperor’s Confidante

Katharina Schratt wurde fortan zur engen Vertrauten des Kaisers. Bis heute ranken sich viele Geschichten um ihre besondere Beziehung. She soon became the Emperor’s trusted confidante – a connection that continues to spark fascination and stories to this day.

The Legendary Hair Secret

Sisi’s knee-length hair was her trademark. Its daily care could last hours, overseen by her trusted hairdresser Fanny Feifalik – who even acted as her lookalike on occasion.

Incognito in a Yellow Domino

Disguised in a mask and yellow domino costume, Sisi once slipped unnoticed into a Viennese ball, savouring an evening free from courtly obligations. This story once again reveals just how much Sisi cherished a carefree life – and those fleeting moments of escape from the rigid world of the imperial court.

The Empress Who Broke the Rules

Empress Sisi was considered strikingly modern and rebellious for her time. She smoked in public, embraced an active, sporty lifestyle, and repeatedly defied the strict rules of the Viennese court. Her deep love of freedom and desire for independence made her one of the most remarkable figures of the monarchy.

Cycling Through Imperial History

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The Danube Cycle Path links Vienna and Budapest – two of the most important cities of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. For centuries, the river served as a vital lifeline, connecting major cities, trade hubs, and cultural centres.

While Vienna marked the heart of imperial life and Sisi’s official role as Empress, Hungary held a special place in her heart. Her popularity there helped strengthen relations between Vienna and Budapest, leading to the formation of the Austro-Hungarian Dual Monarchy – two states united by foreign policy and a shared ruler: Emperor Franz Joseph I. In 1867, he and Sisi were crowned King and Queen of Hungary in Budapest. Landmarks such as the Castle District, the Danube promenade, and the Royal Palace still echo this era today.

Experiencing this historic connection is particularly rewarding on the Eurobike Danube Cycle Path from Vienna to Budapest. Between magnificent capitals like Bratislava, charming towns such as Győr, and sweeping river landscapes, the journey blends cultural highlights with relaxed cycling in a truly unique way.

Danube Cycle Path, Vienna – Budapest

8 Days

A cyclist takes a break next to the well-maintained cycle path in the vineyards of the Wachau and studies the further course of the tour on a map

Danube Cycle Path, Schärding/Passau – Vienna

8 Days

Danube Cycle Path

Family of four cycling on paved path beside the Danube River. Two children and two adults wear helmets, with forested hills in background.

Green copper dome with golden ornaments atop the Hofburg Palace at Michaelerplatz in Vienna, featuring white sculptures and columns against blue sky.

Two cyclists with bikes and yellow panniers viewing Spitz church and vineyards in Wachau valley, with green hills under cloudy sky.

MS Manon river cruise ship on the Danube at Aschach with forested hills and buildings in the background, yellow flowers in foreground.

White baroque facade of the Hofburg Palace in Vienna with ornate columns, sculptures, and a grand arched entrance under a clear blue sky.

I have often been happy in life. And sometimes, a shadow must fall – otherwise, we would forget how to appreciate the sun.

Empress Elisabeth of Austria

The Classic “Sissi” Films (1955–1957)

For nearly 70 years, Ernst Marischka’s “Sissi” films have been beloved classics of German-language television. Their romantic portrayal of Empress Elisabeth continues to shape how we imagine the Habsburg era – filled with imperial elegance, shimmering lakes, and historic backdrops.
Destinations like Bad Ischl, Vienna, and Lake Starnberg have only grown in allure through these films, while Romy Schneider’s iconic performance turned Sisi into a global legend.

From Merano to Lake Garda

Easy

This cycling tour from Merano to Lake Garda brings together mediterranean flair and the legacy of the Habsburg monarchy. As early as the 19th century, Merano was a favoured spa destination, known for its refined charm, elegant villas, and gentle climate.

Cycling through vineyards, historic towns, and dramatic mountain scenery, this route offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and indulgence. On two wheels, these landscapes unfold in the most immersive and enjoyable way – always accompanied by a touch of that timeless summer retreat feeling.