Cycle approximately 270 miles on this truly wonderful, and most picturesque cycling adventure from charming Salzburg to elegant Vienna. Ride along the lakes and rivers of Salzach and Inn to Passau on the German/Austrian border before joining the mighty Danube to journey south past medieval towns, ancient vineyards, abbeys and romantic castles to the Austrian capital.
Dates and Prices
Date of Event
23-28 May 2025
Duration
6 Days (4 cycling)
Difficulty Rating
2/8 (click here for details)
Registration Fee
£250
Support Fee
£1,100*
Accommodation Fee
£400**
*This amount is payable in addition to the registration and accommodation fees above.
**The accommodation fee includes hotels for 5 nights on a twin share basis, picked in proximity to our route and is provided by our partner company Travel Counsellors.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in Salzburg
On arrival in Salzburg, you can check into the hotel from 3pm and spend your free time (flight-times/travel options dependent) exploring the the city. You will meet the crew at registration together with details of the first days cycling. Your bikes or hire bikes will have arrived safely in advance and will be ready and waiting for you to start your challenge. As participants will be arriving throughout the day and evening, tonight’s evening meal is not included.
Day 2 – Salzburg to Passau
Approximate cycling distance 115km (72 miles)
Our exciting event begins after breakfast, as we head north, leaving the hustle and bustle of Salzburg behind and cycling our way along the undulating countryside and stunning views that Austria is renowned for. Pedaling our way through many typical Austrian towns we head towards Seeham and the Obertrumer See, a bathing lake with excellent water quality. Passing through the stunning, undulating terrain, we continue north for a while before crossing the border of Austria into Germany. Changing our direction slightly, we head north east and begin to hug the River Inn for a short spell to Obernberg and then finally cycle back inland to reach Passau; the city of three rivers and our stop for the evening.
Day 3 – Passau to Linz
Approximate cycling distance 103km (64 miles)
After a good night’s rest and breakfast, we set off leaving Passau behind as we cycle our way to join the Danube River for the first time. Hugging the kind undulating cycle paths of this beautiful river, it is easy to see why this well cycled route is popular with both locals and tourists of all ages! Heading southeast, continuing along the famous Danube, the longest river in Europe; it is not long before we return to the boarder and back into Austria. We remain in the vicinity of the river all the way passing the quirky towns of Kastern and Schlogen, unless of course you choose not to! Around this point, continue along the river before our route reaches our stop for the night in the provincial capital of Linz, with its charming historical centre of Renaissance houses. This city has a lot to see, from Baroque buildings to the old town main square.
Day 4 – Linz to Emmersdorf
Approximate cycling distance 101km (63 miles)
We set off after a good rest from Linz, continuing on a relatively flat terrain along the north side of the river. We then cycle east crossing the river to the south side, heading through the country’s largest wine producing province in lower Austria. Totally spoilt by the romantic mountainous scenery, we savour all those sublime views and memories…which just keep getting better! Taking in the distance sights of many amazing architectural buildings, monasteries and castles we continue along the cycle paths. We head for our stop for the evening and a well earned rest, in the delightful small town of Emmersdorf, situated very close to the river banks in the district of Melk.
Day 5 – Emmersdorf to Vienna
Approximate cycling distance 120km (75 miles)
This morning, after breakfast, we embark onto the final leg of this outstanding adventure. Continuing our journey along the north side of the Danube, we encounter the pretty sunflower and wheat fields, as we cross to the south side for the final time whilst enjoying this delightful countryside towards Tulln. Continuing through the beautiful terrain, the excitement begins to build as we cycle to Austria’s capital and our event finish in the artistic and intellectual city of Vienna. We will savour the final miles of this incredible journey together, through the city streets and onto our fitting finish, at Hofburg Palace; where we will celebrate our wonderful achievement and toast to a successful Chapeau ride!
Day 6 – Departure
After a leisurely breakfast, the event comes to an end. Your bikes and hire bikes will be safely transported back to the UK leaving you hassle free to continue with your onward arrangements or spend further days in this truly magnificent capital, the choice is yours!
Chapeau Events reserves the right to change the route or itinerary for safety reasons should local conditions dictate.
What’s Included?
• Transportation service for bikes or hire bikes from UK to Salzburg for the start of the ride and from Vienna back to the UK at the end of the event. Participants are responsible for their own travel to Salzburg for the start of the event and from Vienna at the end of the Event.
• Accommodation for 5 nights as provided by our partners.
• Transportation of luggage, for the duration of the event.
• All meals starting from Breakfast on Day 2 to breakfast on Day 6.
• Full trip support including mechanics, first aid, drivers and full route support
• Water stops
• Crew members for the duration of the ride both cycling with participants and in vehicles. This event is rider led by Chapeau Crew.
• GPS Routes with navigational left and right turns.
.What’s Excluded?
• Flights and transfers, both inbound and outbound. Participants are responsible for their own travel to Salzburg for the start of the event and from Vienna at the end of the Event.
• A bicycle
• Evening meal on the first arrival day, as cyclists will be arriving at different times during the day.
• Personal travel insurance
• Drinks, personal items or entry to any optional tourist sites you may wish to visit.
What food is included and does it cater for all diets?
Evening meals and breakfasts will be provided via the hotels, apart from the evening of day 1 as specified in the itinerary above. Lunches will be at cafes/local restaurants. In addition, we will provide refreshments at each cycle checkpoint of which there will be 2 each day, consisting of water, juices and high-energy snacks. Chapeau can cater for all special dietary requirements provided you let us know well in advance of the trip; however, if you have unique dietary requirements its is advised that you bring some of your favourite snacks with you for riding, as choice can be limited across European countries.
What’s unique about Chapeau…why should I choose you?
Our events are tailored to you…our team have physically driven and assessed every mile of the route to ensure the safest and best possible route for your challenge, so rest assured you are in the safest hands.
How fit do I need to be?
Chapeau events attract people of all levels of experience and fitness, all ages and backgrounds. We expect all participants to train hard in advance to achieve this challenge, but we respect everyone’s limits. We have graded this ride a difficulty level 2/8. For further information regarding how we rate our challenges click here. You will be in the saddle for upward of 60 miles a day for 4 consecutive days, so you should ensure, as a minimum that you are comfortable riding upwards of 50 miles in a day and have achieved this regularly before you leave for the trip. The profile is relatively flat but will have some parts that are undulating so you should include some hilly rides in your training to get the most enjoyment. We design our challenges so that everyone can go at their own pace; this is not a race.
Who will be there to support me during the event?
Your trip will be led by experienced Chapeau Events crew. Our crew are selected for their experience in cycling events around the world, their friendliness and approachability, sense of humour and ability to safely and effectively deal with any situation that arises. Our crew leaders are also trained in expedition first-aid. You are in very safe hands with the Chapeau Events crew.
The number of crew and support vehicles looking after you will depend on the final size of your group, but the team will be looking after every aspect of your trip whether that’s transporting your luggage, ensuring your route is well-planned, sorting out any mechanical problems or giving you a lift in our back vehicle – our “Love bus”. At Chapeau Events we pride ourselves on our high crew: cyclist ratio and believe it leads to greater trip enjoyment as well as excellent trip safety.
Will I be safe?
Your safety, and that of the rest of the group, is our highest priority. Our trips are designed and planned with safety in mind. Your crew will be equipped with emergency mobile phones, first-aid kits and other safety apparatus where necessary. They always have access to our 24-hour emergency back-up in the UK. Our leaders are responsible for safety on the trip, and will make any changes to the itinerary they deem necessary should local conditions dictate. Pre-trip administration – such as compulsory medical questionnaires and travel insurance – is all done with your safety in mind.
What happens to my luggage each day?
Our support vehicles are with the group all of the time. All luggage and spares will be carried in them as we travel to each destination. On reaching our hotels, at the end of each day, you will hand over your bike for safe overnight keeping and collect your luggage. Each morning, you will hand over your luggage and collect your bike. Obviously space is limited so please opt to pack your kit in a soft sailing bag, cabin bag, rucksack or kitbag, if possible; weighing up to 15kg.
What insurance will I require?
It is a requirement of entry that you have adequate travel insurance to cover your participation on the event. Please ensure your policy lists cycling as an activity covered and also covers you for medical, cancelation and theft, to name a few. Just as you would if travelling on a normal holiday abroad. We will require a copy of valid insurance before travel.
Are flights and transfers to and from destination included?
No…we do not arrange any flights for this challenge, enabling you to take advantage of the many competitive fares between Austria and different cities. Chapeau will, however ensure your bike or hire bike is safely transported to and from the event if required, allowing you the freedom for free time in Vienna.
Chapeau events will of course provide advice on best travel options and further accommodation requirements should you require.
Will I receive further information?
Yes…a full detailed information pack will be issued following registration and before you set off for your event. In addition, pre-event support is always available, simply email us at cycle@chapeauevents.co.uk with your questions.