The days are gloriously long, the sun shines brightly overhead, and you pedal through stunning landscapes where shimmering lakes beckon you to plunge into their refreshing waters. This is a summer like no other!
Discover cycling tours in Austria and Germany that are always close to the next opportunity to cool off.
Taking a break at the lake evokes memories of childhood. The scent of sun cream on your skin, the feel of freshly mown grass under your feet, your first plunge into the water—all reminders of a summer filled with endless adventures. Can you recall that feeling? Happiness seemed so effortless back then.
And yet, the feelings of ease, freedom, and shared time can quickly be rediscovered at our favorite spots. Join us in search of the most refreshing cycling tours for the most beautiful time of the year and discover your own personal lake happiness.
Let's start our journey in Austria. Which region comes to mind first when you think of summer and lakes? Probably Carinthia, with its over 1,200 lakes. Thanks to its sheltered location on the southern side of the Alpine arc, the crystal-clear lakes enjoy an extra dose of sunshine. One of the best-known lakes is certainly Lake Wörthersee, and not just because of the famous 90s series "A Castle on Lake Wörthersee". In summer, everyone who is anyone gathers in glamorous Velden to celebrate life, resulting in a vibrant nightlife and lively social scene.
Lake Ossiach, for example, offers a more tranquil escape. This natural gem is idyllically situated at the foot of the Gerlitzen Alpe. Cyclists interested in culture, as well as families, will find much to enjoy here. Visit Ossiach Abbey, a former Benedictine monastery that now houses the Carinthian Music Academy. Or, hop on a sailing boat and explore Lake Ossiach from the water.
In the Salzkammergut, picturesquely situated at the border region of Upper Austria, Salzburg, and Styria, many have found their spiritual home. With a total of 76 lakes, roaring streams, and the distinctive limestone peaks of the Dachstein, Totes Gebirge, Sengsen, and Höllengebirge ranges, along with charming towns like Bad Ischl and Sankt Wolfgang, there's much to discover.
Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife Elisabeth, who found peace and quiet here away from the strict court protocol, were certainly among the most famous Salzkammergut lovers. Anton Bruckner played as court organist in Bad Ischl every year. Franz Lehár wrote many of his global hits in his villa in this charming town. Gustav Klimt was a welcome guest at Lake Attersee in the early 20th century. He also paid artistic tribute to this breathtaking region: the painting "Houses in Unterach am Attersee" is one of his most famous works and one of around 50 paintings he created during his summer retreats.
Today, an emerging generation of young artists finds a place in the Salzkammergut alongside the great names of the past. Embark on a cycling journey through this unique region, and you are sure to lose your heart along the way.
Lake Neusiedl inspires with its unique nature and endless expanses. Cycle along sparkling waters, over rolling hills, through endless vineyards and idyllic villages - that's cycling in Burgenland. The typical Pannonian climate with 300 days of sunshine and warm summers with little rainfall does the rest to ensure that you can enjoy your cycling vacation in Burgenland to the full.
Cycle leisurely through the "Neusiedler See – Seewinkel National Park" and observe the fascinating birdlife around the salt lakes. In summer, herons and spoonbills frolic in the reed belt, making the morning hours particularly wonderful for birdwatching. With luck, you may also encounter the extremely rare white Baroque donkeys, of which there are only around 200 specimens worldwide. Furthermore, in the steppe landscape, Przewalski's horses graze—the last surviving wild horse species in the world. Another captivating sight are the gray cattle with their distinctive horns, a popular subject for photographers.
But it's not just nature and sports enthusiasts who will find something to enjoy in the Neusiedler See region. The Seefestspiele Mörbisch and Opera in the Quarry in St. Margarethen are cultural highlights in the summer.
Our journey continues in southern Germany, specifically in the region around Munich. When the summer heat becomes too much for the residents of Munich in the city, they like to head off to the surrounding lakes where there's no shortage of options: Lake Ammersee, Lake Starnberg and Lake Chiemsee are all just a stone's throw away.
Lake Starnberg, located just 25 kilometers from Munich, is affectionately known as the "bathtub of Munich." It is Bavaria's second largest lake and one of the most water-rich in all of Germany. Highlights around the lake include Possenhofen Castle, where Empress Sisi of Austria grew up, and the votive chapel with the memorial cross to King Ludwig II, who died there under mysterious circumstances.
If you would like to find out more about the lakes in the Munich area, we recommend the blog article "Insider lake tips" with the most beautiful cycling tours in Upper Bavaria.
Lake Constance is an ideal region for cyclists who appreciate nature, adventure, culture, and culinary delights. Situated at the quadrangle of Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and the Principality of Liechtenstein, this picturesque area offers plenty to explore. From cultural landmarks like Meersburg Castle and the St. Gallen Abbey Library to the renowned Bregenz Festival, there's something for everyone. Nature enthusiasts will be captivated by the flower island of Mainau, while the majestic Rhine Falls offer a spectacular natural spectacle that is perfect for cooling off during the summer months.
The Lake Constance region combines the best culinary influences from all four countries. On the menu, you'll find Rösti, Knödel (dumplings) in various forms, and Kässpätzle, often paired with applesauce. An absolute "must-eat" in this region are "Dünnele", the Swabian tarte flambée. They come classically with cream and bacon, with smoked salmon, or even sweet with plums. Pair them with a glass of fruity white wine for a true feast for food enthusiasts!
