Current as of: March 29, 2024 - 06:00

Austrian Lakes Activities

Austrian Lakes Activities Trip Notes

  • Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
  • Destination: Austria
  • Programmes: Walking & Trekking
  • Activity Level:

    1 out of 7 - Leisurely

  • 8 Days: Land Only
  • Ages: 12+
  • Trip Code: M07SZ

Trip Overview

Luxury 4 star hotel and choose from a whole host of activities: walking, cycling (route notes for both provided), water sports, boat trips, ice caves.

Combine glorious Alpine panoramas with a wide range of activities, and you have the perfect ingredients for a fun-filled family holiday (from 12 years +). You stay in the picturesque Austrian village of Strobl, on the eastern shore of Lake Wolfgang, and one of the prettiest spots in the region. During your time here we provide a wide selection of fully researched self-guided walking and cycling routes, typically at 1-boot / 1-cycle level. To ensure total flexibility, we give you a complimentary Headwater bike for your exclusive use throughout your stay. There’s also excellent local bus, ferry and cable car services (payable locally) linking the local lakes and villages.

At a Glance

  • 7 Nights single centre accommodation
  • E-bike hire available on request (supplement applies)
  • Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
  • Route notes and maps provided for both walking and cycling options

Highlights

  • 4 star hotel with secluded gardens, exquisite cuisine and top-of-the-range wellness centre including indoor pool
  • Postcard-pretty villages, lovely lakeside beaches, spectacular mountain views
  • Fairytale city of Salzburg: Baroque palaces, Renaissance gardens, elegant Viennese coffee houses
  • Masses of choice for active families: ice caves, watersports, boat trips and more

Is This Trip for You?

A full range of watersports can be booked and paid for locally, with tuition available for beginners. Alternatively, perhaps take a trip on one of the many hop on, hop off lake cruisers and soak up the views from the water. There’s also a natural wide beach for sunbathing. Take time to visit Mozart’s magical city of Salzburg: stroll through the Mirabell Gardens, lunch in an atmospheric cobbled square, then take the funicular to Hohensalzburg Fortress for the most amazing city views.

Group

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local agent is on hand to assist you and route notes and maps are provided.

Adult min age: 12

Itinerary

Austrian Lakes Activities

Land Only

  • Start City: Strobl
  • End City: Strobl

Flight Inclusive

  • Start City: London
  • End City: London

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive in Strobl

Arrive at  your hotel in Strobl.  A  typical  itinerary  is  shown  below,  but  you’re  free   to  pick  and  choose  your  activities  each  day.

 

Day 2
Cycle to Strobl

Take  the  bus  to  Bad  Ischl  for  your  briefing  and  to  collect  your  bike.  Take  time  to  explore  the  spa  town –  visit  Franz  Josef’s  Kaiservilla  and  the  imperial  hot  spa  that  houses  salt  baths,  steam  room,  hammam and  Alhambra  baths  before  pedalling  along  the  River  Ischl  back  to  Strobl.

 

Distance covered: 10mi (16km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3
Cycle to St Gilgen

Keeping close to Lake Wolfgang’s southern shore, a level cycling track through a tiny nature reserve brings you into lovely St Gilgen where the busy waterfront is filled with restaurants, cafes and attractive frescoed houses. Visit Mozart’s museum (his mother was born here), or take the cable car up Zwolferhorn for stunning 360 degree views.

Alternatively, try your hand at water skiing on Lake Wolfgang followed by a cooling swim from the hotel’s bathing jetty.

 

Distance covered: 17mi (28km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4
Cycle/Walk to St Wolfgang

Today head first by the river then along the north shore of the lake to St Wolfgang. Renowned for its beautiful 15th century church, this famously pretty village boasts a maze of cobbled streets lined with attractive frescoed houses, shops and cafe terraces affording superb lake views. Culture and music are very much part of St Wolfgang’s fine tradition, so be sure to explore the boutique craft and chocolate shops! After lunch, hop on the antique cog railway as it chugs up to the summit of Schafberg (1782m) for unrivalled Alpine views.

 

Distance covered: 10mi (16km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5
Free Day Exploring Salzburg

Why not give yourself a break from cycling today and take the local bus (80 mins) to Mozart’s fairytale city of Salzburg? Described as a Baroque jewel, and recognised by UNESCO, its idyllic setting, surrounded by the Alps and bisected by the gentle Salzach river, cannot be bettered by any other city in Europe. Take time to explore its historic heart and you’ll find a wealth of Baroque palaces, Renaissance gardens, elegant Viennese cafes and the oldest open-air theatre in Europe.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6
Cycle to Lake Nussen

Today’s cycling route takes you along quiet country lanes and through rural farming hamlets bordered by low Alpine meadows – look out for the neat woodpiles to be used for heating over the winter months. Lunch at the popular Zur Wacht restaurant then ascend up to beautiful Lake Nussen, a hidden gem completely off the tourist trail; look out for rare orchids scattered around its shady shores. There’s lots of time to swim and relax before completing a circular loop back to Strobl.

Distance covered: 9mi (14km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7
Cycle or Walk to Lake Schwarzen

You have a choice of walking or cycling routes today across the valley and up through the forest towards Lake Schwarzen, perfectly positioned beneath the shadows of the Vormauerstein, Hoheneck and Breitenberg peaks. Have lunch in one of the restaurants basking in sunshine beneath the snow-capped mountains, then it’s a delightful valley descent back to Strobl.

Distance covered: 14mi (22km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8
Leave Strobl

The tour ends after breakfast in Strobl.

Meals included: Breakfast

Ascents, descents and distances

All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. Please note, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.

Accommodation

Hotel Bergrose, Strobl

Hotel Bergrose, Strobl

The Bergrose Hideaway is a Slow Travel Hotel ©, an idea based on a philosophy that creates more awareness for travel, and what is important – nature, tranquility, authenticity and awareness. Based a 5-minute bike ride from the eastern shore of Wolfgangsee on the outskirts of the village of Strobl. It is a traditional building with wooden balconies and Gothic script on the exterior, and is located on a river bank next to a meadow. It has a lovely secluded garden, three stories of perfect Austrian wood-panelled luxury inside and an indoor pool and spa area.

Hotel Bergrose is suitable for families with children over 12 only.

Single supplement from £ 318

Food & Drink

All continental breakfasts and evening meals included.

Austria is renowned for its wholesome, robust food and you will be thankful for this after a hard day’s skiing. Typically, you will be set up for the day by a breakfast of cold meats and cheeses, along with the traditional bread, jam and coffee. Austrians tend to eat heartily at lunchtime and less in the evenings; you will be well catered for at dinner. Local specialities include Wiener schnitzel (breaded veal cutlet) and various stews of beef and pork. Dumplings, potatoes or noodles are all regular accompaniments along with vegetables in a style similar to English cooking. Desserts are often fruit based – such as Apfelstrudel – or cream pastries. Rehrucken is a traditional chocolate and almond cream cake On average Austrians, drink twice as much coffee as beer. There are many different types to choose from, particularly in the larger towns and cities and are often drunk in specialist coffee houses, known locally as a Kaffeehaus. It is often served in large cups and finished off with a healthy dose of whipped cream.

Austrian wines tend to be sweet white varieties, similar to German Mosel wines. The three best-known areas for producing white wines are Krems, Klosterneuburg and Gumpoldskirchen. The main red wine producing area is Voslau. Of course Austria is better known for its beer and you will find a wide variety of local brews. The best known are Gösser and Augustiner Brau and come in light or dark forms.

Weather & Seasonality

The weather here is comparatively stable, particularly during mid-summer. Temperatures are similar to those experienced in the UK and rainfall although relatively low is possible throughout the year.

Weather Charts

Austrian Lakes Activities

Joining Instructions

Flight inclusive prices include our standard flights/transfers

Lufthansa Heathrow to Salzburg via Frankfurt 08:30/13:50 then transfer to hotel approx 55 mins. Transfer to airport approx 55 mins, then Lufthansa Salzburg to Heathrow via Vienna 14:30/18:40. Business/club/first class seats are available on request.

Alternative transfers
If you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge).

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Strobl
Location end: Strobl

Transfer Details

Standard transfers
For flight inclusive bookings transfers included from Salzburg airport at 13:50, and back to Salzburg airport at 13:30.  For land only bookings transfers are available for a supplement.

 

What To Take

Essential Equipment

  • Waterproofs
  • Warm jumper/fleece
  • Suncream
  • Water bottle (1 litre) you will be able to refill each day at the accommodation
  • Walking boots
  • Please note that cycling helmets are compulsory in Austria for all customers under 12 yrs. As we are unable to provide these, we strongly recommend that you bring your own.

If you prefer the familiarity of your own bike, you may, of course, bring it along. Please advise us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount on the price of the holiday, as specified above. You will be responsible for any extra baggage charges, please speak to your sales representative for individual airline fees. Please note, this does not apply to trips within the UK, for which local bike hire is not included.

You will also be responsible for assembling and disassembling your bike as well as bringing along spare parts and any tools specific to it. It is also your responsibility to ensure your bike is roadworthy and suitable for the type of cycling undertaken. If in doubt, the model of local bike hire available should act as a guide and details of terrain, ascent and descent are available both in the itinerary and in the ‘Is this trip for you?’ sections. Our cycling team only carry the relevant spares for the hire fleet. Any clients bringing their own bike should ensure they have adequate cover for loss, damage or theft under their travel, home contents or a specialist insurance policy. If Exodus is confident we have taken all reasonable care to ensure the safety of your bike, in the rare event of loss, damage or theft, you will need to claim under your own insurance policy.

Extra bike accessories

You may like to bring your own pedals and saddle (excluding the seat post) or gel saddle cover to fit to the hire bikes. We encourage this, if it is your preference. However, please note that you are responsible for your own equipment, and removing your saddle/pedals at the end of the trip. We cannot guarantee the return of any bike parts left behind.

Recommended Cycling Clothing

Padded cycling shorts (with loose ‘over-shorts’ where recommended), breathable clothing, and a lightweight waterproof/windproof top. Shoes with relatively stiff soles are better for biking, but are not essential unless you are cycling long distances. Most people want to carry certain items with them during the day while cycling, for this we recommend a large bum bag (fanny pack) or small close-fitting daysack.

Exodus Policy on Cycling Helmets

Wearing a helmet is mandatory for anyone taking part in any guided Exodus cycling holiday. Group members must bring their own helmets, as they are not available for hire, even if they are hiring a bike from Exodus.

For self-guided cycling holidays wearing a helmet is highly recommended. Customers who choose to ignore our advice do so entirely at their own risk and on the understanding that it may affect the validity of their travel insurance. It should also be noted that in some countries, wearing a helmet is a legal requirement.

Cycling of all kinds has its dangers and accidents can happen from time to time. Please ensure that you are properly prepared for the riding you are going to undertake.

Local Bike Details

A quality local hire bike is included in the overall price of our cycling holidays. At the time of booking we will take your height in order to reserve equipment. There may on occasions be insufficient bikes available in the correct size; we will endeavour to find suitable alternative equipment but this cannot be guaranteed. We will tell you before you book whether suitably sized bikes are available.

Conditions 

1. The equipment remains the property of the supplier and you may not sell, hire out or part possession with the equipment.
2. You must not misuse the equipment and must return it in the same condition as when received (ordinary wear and tear excepted). The supplier is entitled to charge for any damage caused to the equipment during the period of hire.
3. You must ensure that the equipment is adequately secured when not in use. In the event of the equipment being lost or stolen, you may be liable for the replacement value of the equipment
4. You must not use the equipment whilst under the influence of drink or drugs and should immediately notify the Supplier in the event of breakdown or loss.

E-Bikes Available

Electric bikes offer all the thrills and healthy exercise of a regular bike, but with one crucial difference – power! A tiny electric motor (capped at 20-25mph/32-40kph) assists your pedalling, allowing you to make molehills out of mountains. Cycle further, see more, have more fun. They are perfect if you want a trip with companions of differing fitness level – or a trip at a slightly harder grade – and want to know there’s a bit of motor power available if you need it.

Reading List

  • Lonely Planet: Austria
  • DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Austria

Practical Information

Visa

Austria

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Austria. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through. Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

 

Vaccinations and Health

Austria

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Local Time

Austria's time zone: Europe/Vienna (UTC +01:00)

Electricity

Austria's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Money

Austria's currency: Euros (EUR)

ATM Availability

ATMs are widely available, but we recommend taking some Euros cash with you in case you can’t get to a bank at the start of the trip. 

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

You will need spending money for meals not included in the itinerary and all drinks. We suggest €25 per day to cover a few drinks if not then €10 per day. On the days where lunch is not included expect to spend €10-€15.

Responsible Travel

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here… 

Important Information

Your safe participation 

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary. 

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. 

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred. 

How to Book

  1. Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
  2. Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
  3. Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.