A few weeks ago we were finally able to start the cycling season and the first ‘Eurobikers’ are already exploring the cycle paths in Germany, Austria and South Tyrol. At the beginning of June, two guests were on the beautiful Tauern loop tour and cycled three stages from Krimml to Salzburg. They sent us a great travel report from their tour, and we would like to share it with you.
Read it for yourself:
Due to the travel restrictions over the past few weeks, we decided to move our silver anniversary holiday to our homeland. It quickly became clear to us that we wanted to explore our home country of Austria on two wheels. In the end, we chose the Tauern loop tour, which would lead us from Krimml to Salzburg along the Salzach. The river has been the lifeline for our homeland for thousands of years. Coupled with the warmth of the
inhabitants and the healing power of the Alps, we were convinced that we had found the right mix for our special holiday. We had had good experiences with Eurobike before. And so our relaxation and enjoyment was not neglected, we decided to do the tour with e-bikes. Out suitcases were packed and our travel documents ready: nothing stood in the way of a successful cycle tour.
Our cycle tour started in Krimml, where the Tauern cycle path begins. After we had spent our first night in the excellent Hotel Krimmlerfall, we fortified ourselves with an extensive breakfast, said goodbye to the family atmosphere and tackled the first stage. Our first stop was the Krimml Waterfalls, a scientifically proven healing place in this region, especially for lung disease. Then we cycled through the Hohe Tauern National Park and on through the cozy little villages of the Pinzgau, where modern and old architectural styles blend harmoniously. In the distance you could see the snow-capped peaks of the mountains of our Alps, in front of them a sea of flowers in different colours. We discovered plants that we hadn’t seen in years.
As you can see, the path to Zell am See, the end of our first stage, is very diverse. We finally reached Hotel Zum Hirschen full of good impressions.
The welcome by the locals on the terrace was extremely lively, funny and warm. To our surprise, Eurobike had told the accommodation about our silver wedding anniversary. We were assigned a family suite by the hotel and our children had arranged an excellent and fine dinner with the kitchen. The evening turned out to be perfect for us. Thanks to the Hirschen for this service.
Our next, rather short stage led us to St. Johann im Pongau. Despite the modest weather forecast, we were lucky, and managed this section relatively dry. Most of the cycle path is located directly on the Salzach, where the river makes its way through the valley with all its might.
Coming from the Gastein Valley, we continued on a small plateau and were rewarded with a wonderful view of the Schwarzach and St. Veith. After a few more kilometres along the Salzach we finally reached the Hotel Martell in St. Johann.
A small, fine accommodation in close proximity to the cycle path. We were amazed when we saw a carafe of Grander water at breakfast the next day. The boss laughed as he explained to us that they had Grander water in the whole hotel and we had actually showered with it. Another highlight was the original jukebox, where four discs are played for 50 cents. Wonderful. The hotel captivates with many little things that are definitely worth discovering.
On this Whit Monday the sun was shining over the mountains and the valley. We enjoyed the view of the Tennengebirge, in front of us the mighty Hohenwerfen Castle. The path of our third stage was again very close to the Salzach. Two short climbs to the parking lot of the castle and then on to the historic Luegg pass are no problem for less experienced cyclists. After our arrival in the foothills of the Alps, the Salzburg basin, we continued comfortably.
Due to the warm air, the small of the first hay harvest flowed towards us while cycling through the meadows and we caught the last whiff of wild garlic. This orgy of smells, created by nature, accompanied us to Hallein. Then it was only 20km home. This cycle path is very well developed and, when the weather is nice, well frequented by cyclists and pedestrians.
Our conclusion: The cycle tour to celebrate our silver wedding was a thoroughly successful journey for all of the senses. Thanks to Eurobike and to the accommodation selected by Eurobike. It was quite an event!
