The Tauern bike path was our family’s first attempt at an Austria cycling holiday, and given that we’ve returned to do similar trips many times since, it was definitely a success!
We rode this route when the kids were aged 8 and 10, and we had my parents along for the ride too (fit and healthy in their early 70s). It was just the right balance of easy cycling and great scenery, with lots of interesting places to stop.
The ride follows well-marked cycle paths from the Krimml Waterfalls all the way to Salzburg (and beyond – though we stopped in Salzburg), mostly downhill or flat, making it ideal for families looking for a relaxed bike holiday in Austria.
In this post, I’ll share exactly how we did it, including
- Getting to the start and hiring bikes
- A day-by-day breakdown of the route we took
- Where we stayed
- Family-friendly stops
- Practical tips
If you’re thinking about cycling the Tauern bike path with kids, this should give you everything you need to know to plan your own trip. It was a brilliant way to see and experience the real Austria, and cycling into iconic Salzburg at the end felt like a real achievement.
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Komoot route
Logistics: Riding the Tauern bike path with kids
Getting to Salzburg
Our journey to Salzburg started with the Eurostar from London to Paris, which was smooth and straightforward. At Paris Gare du Nord, we had time for a quick and delicious Parisian dinner, and then it was a short walk to Paris Gare de l’Est, where we caught the overnight train to Salzburg. This train runs three times a week (Mon, Weds, Fri).
We love sleeper trains, as it means the adventure starts straight away. We are also able to relax and sleep while covering ground! We booked a private compartment, which meant we could stretch out comfortably and get a proper rest. Arriving in Salzburg in the morning, we were ready to pick up our bikes and start our adventure on the Tauern bike path.
This route worked really well for us, and I’d definitely recommend it as a comfortable, family-friendly way to reach Austria by train.
Dinner in Paris
On the sleeper train
I recommend booking tickets on Rail Europe. It’s a user-friendly platform that allows you to search for and book trains across multiple European countries in one place.
With Rail Europe, you can easily compare routes, find the best fares, and reserve seats in advance.
Using my affiliate link supports this blog, so thank you for considering it!
Most tickets are open for bookings 180 days in advance, though this route sometimes only opens for booking 2-4 months ahead. To secure your spot, it’s best to book your tickets as soon as the route opens, especially during peak travel months. Pricing is dynamic, so cheaper fares sell out quickly.
Bike rental
We rented bikes, panniers and bike locks from Avelo Salzburg, which, as far as I know, is still the best option for bike hire on this route. The adult bikes were absolutely fine, but the kids’ bikes were just okay – functional, but heavier than I’d hoped and with more basic gearing.
Communication in advance was a bit chaotic, and on the day, the staff weren’t particularly helpful when it came to transferring everything to the bike taxi, which added to the stress of getting started. Compared to Papin Sport, which we used on the Drau Cycle Path, Avelo didn’t feel as supportive, especially for families.
That said, it was still far easier than bringing our own bikes from the UK, and I wouldn’t let this put anyone off renting from them. If another good rental option existed, I wouldn’t be in a rush to recommend Avelo, but for now, I think it’s still the best choice for this route.
Getting to Krimml (the start of the Tauern bike path)
We started our ride in the beautiful alpine village of Krimml, but first, we had to get there with bikes and luggage sorted. We arranged for a bike taxi to collect us from the Avelo shop and take us to Krimml. The journey itself was easy, but getting everything from the bike shop into the taxi was another story.
The bike shop was small, with very little space to organise ourselves, and the taxi had nowhere to park nearby. We found ourselves in a hectic scramble, juggling bags, panniers, bikes, and kids, all while trying to avoid blocking the pavement. It was stressful! Next time, I would book the taxi for an hour after collecting the bikes to give us time to get organised.
One useful thing to note is that we were able to leave any unneeded luggage at the bike shop until we returned, which made things much easier for the rest of the trip.
However, this meant we had to pack what we needed into the panniers we’d just been given on the spot, and quickly decide what to take and what to leave.
I’d highly recommend organising this in advance, perhaps by using separate packing cubes or dry bags to make it easy to grab what you need without repacking everything. (Repacking everything’s what I did, and lost a pair of flip flops in the process, I still wonder where on earth they went 🤪).
How do you carry your luggage?
We rented panniers (and bike locks) along with the bikes. Each pannier had a 40-litre capacity, which was enough for the essentials, but we brought a few extra dry bags as well. I highly recommend these high quality Sea to Summit ones, which are lightweight, durable, and completely waterproof.
To maximise space, each adult bike had a bag strapped to the handlebars in addition to the panniers, and the kids had pannier racks too, so they carried one small pannier each, which we brought with us. This setup worked well, and we didn’t feel overloaded.
You don’t need to pack much if you’re happy to hand-wash a few clothes along the way. Another option is to rent a child’s bike trailer just for luggage. It makes the bike a bit harder to manoeuvre but gives you more flexibility with packing, especially if you also have panniers.
Accommodation along the route
I’ve linked to the hotels we used, all of which allowed one-night stays. Most were booked through Booking.com, and in some places, we split into two twin or double rooms.
I also contacted each hotel in advance to ask about bike storage. Every place we stayed was used to accommodating cyclists and had a secure area for the bikes overnight.
Is riding the Tauern bike path safe with kids?
Yes, very. Most of the route runs on completely segregated, traffic-free cycle paths. The sections that do share the road are either quiet farm roads or village streets with very little traffic. There’s usually a larger road on the other side of the valley, so any cars using the cycle route tend to be locals driving slowly and already used to cyclists.
The biggest thing for British kids to remember is to keep to the right when riding!
Daily distances on the Tauern bike path
We cycled from Krimml to Salzburg over seven days, covering about 25 km per day. This isn’t a huge distance, especially since the route is mostly downhill.
We tended to do most of our cycling in the morning, leaving the afternoon free for excursions. This gave us time to enjoy the journey without feeling rushed.
Exploring Krimml
Before setting off on the Tauern bike path, we spent two nights in Krimml, giving ourselves time to recover from the journey, get organised, and enjoy the stunning surroundings. Krimml is a gorgeous, quintessentially Austrian village, with traditional timber houses, balconies overflowing with geraniums, and a dramatic mountain backdrop.
We stayed at the Gästehaus Edelweiss which had great family rooms and a fantastic location.
We spent a full day visiting the Krimml Waterfalls, one of the highlights of the entire trip. They are the tallest waterfalls in Austria, plunging down in three enormous stages, with a total drop of 380 metres. A well-marked trail winds up alongside them, with plenty of viewing platforms where you can feel the spray.
The night before we set off on our bikes, Krimml put on a spectacular thunderstorm. The sky flashed with lightning, followed by booming thunder and then huge hailstones bouncing off the rooftops. We watched from the safety of our guesthouse (which we had hot-footed back to – after dinner out – due to the ominous looking sky)! It was a really wild and dramatic alpine experience!
By the next morning, the storm had passed, the air was fresh, and we were ready to begin our Austria cycling holiday along the Tauern bike path.
- Krimml Waterfalls
Day 1: Krimml to Bramberg
The first part of the ride from Krimml down to Vorderkrimml is unsurfaced and quite steep, winding through the forest. It’s a lovely stretch, but if you’re loaded with luggage and riding on narrow tyres, take it easy, especially on day one when you’re still getting used to the weight of the bike. The gravel can feel a bit sketchy in places, so don’t be afraid to go slow and steady. Once you’re down in the valley, though, the bike path becomes surfaced, and you can really start to enjoy the views.
The Salzach River flowed gently beside us, and the route followed a wide, flat valley, with views opening up to rolling meadows and towering peaks on either side. We settled into a rhythm, passing through small villages and pedalling on a traffic free path alongside the local train line (this was not fully operational at the time of writing due to flood damage).
Wildkogel slide trail
One of the highlights of the day was stopping in Neukirchen for the Wildkogel Slide Trail. We took the Wildkogelbahn (cable car) up to the mid-station, and came down on a series of giant metal slides that take you down the mountain in sections, cutting through the trees and making for an exhilarating break from the bikes.
The final stretch to Bramberg was an easy, scenic ride. We checked into our accommodation and tucked into a well-earned dinner!
We stayed at the Landhotel Kaserer, which was right in the centre of the village.
Do go and look at the Samplhaus, a lovingly restored 500 year old timber farmhouse with a beautiful garden, a couple of streets from the hotel.
Day 2: Bramberg to Uttendorf
We set off from Bramberg in good time, knowing that rain was threatening later in the day. The route continued downhill, but there were also a few small hills to tackle. Nothing too tough, but enough to get our legs working!
The bike path here was beautifully surfaced, wide, and completely traffic-free. The valley felt even more open here, with mountain views in every direction and the Salzach River winding alongside us. We made good progress, keeping a steady pace, hoping to reach Uttendorf before the rain caught us.
Uttendorf’s bathing lake
By the time we arrived in Uttendorf, the sky was looking heavy, but we had made it without getting wet. There’s a lovely bathing lake here, which in warm weather would be the perfect place to cool off after a ride. Despite the grey skies and slightly chilly air, my dad and I couldn’t resist a swim.
We reached our accommodation just in time; not long after we checked in, the rain came down. Warm showers, dry clothes, and a relaxed evening indoors were very welcome after a great day’s cycling.
Uttendorf bathing lake
In Uttendorf, we stayed at the Stubacher Hof which had good family rooms and a nice garden.
Day 3: Uttendorf to Bruck an der Großglocknerstraße
This was a beautiful day of cycling, with the Tauern bike path continuing to wind through classic Austrian countryside. We rode through lush green meadows, passing wooden farmhouses, grazing cows and tiny villages that looked like something out of a postcard.
The route took us near Kaprun, a place known for outdoor adventures. If you have time and energy, there are some brilliant detours you could take from here:
- The Maisi Flitzer Alpine Coaster – take the MK Maiskogel cable car from the centre of Kaprun to reach the top, then whizz down towards the valley in a toboggan and on rails at a speed of up to 40km/h!
- Tauern Spa Kaprun – If you fancy a relaxing break, this is a fantastic thermal spa with indoor and outdoor pools. There’s even a 127-metre-long tube slide!
We didn’t have time for the detours this time, but they’d definitely be worth considering if you have an extra day in the area.
Be warned: Between Kaprun and Bruck an der Großglocknerstraße, it felt like there was a never ending supply of playground after playground, all conveniently right next to the bike path. It made it kind of hard to make progress! However, eventually we arrived in Bruck an der Großglocknerstraße, a town that’s famous for being the starting point of the Großglockner High Alpine Road; a spectacular mountain road that winds up towards Austria’s highest peak, the Großglockner. Let’s just say that we weren’t quite ready to tackle that on our bikes!
Our accommodation for the night was at the Hotel Lukashansl; one of the nicest stays of the trip, with a lovely outdoor pool in the garden.
In Bruck an der Großglocknerstraße, there’s also a great local outdoor pool with a fun slide that’s perfect for a refreshing dip after a day of cycling, with the added bonus of a great view of the nearby castle.
Day 4: Bruck an der Großglocknerstraße to Wiesing
At this point on the Tauern bike path, there are two main route options: one through the Pongau Valley and one through the Saalach Valley.
We chose the Saalach Valley because the Pongau route has stretches where the valley narrows so much that there isn’t space for a bike path next to the road. This means you end up riding on the main road for quite long sections, which didn’t feel like a safe or enjoyable option with the kids.
In contrast the Saalach Valley was perfectly safe, well-marked, and remained almost entirely traffic-free.
- The bike path is well signed throughout
We started the day by cycling along the shores of Lake Zell, a stunningly clear alpine lake surrounded by mountains. There are plenty of swimming spots along the way, and if the weather’s warm, it’s a great place to stop for a dip.
With one last look at Zell am See, we waved goodbye to the lake and headed into the Saalach Valley, a quieter, more rural stretch of the Tauern bike path.
The ride through the Saalach Valley was smooth and easy-going, with a few short hills, rolling meadows, and wide mountain views. We stopped in Saalfelden, a small town which was good for an ice cream stop. After a bit of refuelling, we pushed on towards our farm stay for the night.
Staying on a farm – a traditional alpine experience
That night, we stayed on a proper, traditional alpine farm, the Biobauernhof Grünwaldhof, with animals such as kittens, hens and sheep, a tree house and a playground with trampoline.
The accommodation was simple but cosy, and the setting was very peaceful. The farm doesn’t serve dinner though, and without a car there’s just one place to eat within an easy walk or cycle (Hotel Gasthof Schörhof); I highly recommend booking a table for dinner in advance, just in case.
Day 5: Wiesing to Lofer
Leaving our farm stay behind, we continued through the Saalach Valley. The valley floor started to narrow, meaning the bike path followed the main road more closely. While it was always completely segregated from the traffic, it did mean that this section was slightly less peaceful as there was more noise from passing cars.
By mid-morning, the temperature had climbed, and we were feeling the heat (at last)! We stopped in one of the villages we passed through for a coffee and cake break, choosing a shady spot to cool off and refuel. There’s something about a proper Austrian Kaffee und Kuchen stop that hits the spot on a long ride!
A little further along, we took a left into the Vorderkaserklamm, a beautiful gorge surrounded by steep limestone cliffs. We cycled up to the natural swimming areas along the river; it’s only about 850 metres off the bike path (and slightly uphill, but it’s worth the effort!). The water was crystal clear and freezing, but after a hot morning on the bikes, it was exactly what we needed. We had packed a picnic lunch so we spent a lazy afternoon there.
Eventually, we dragged ourselves away from the water and continued on towards Lofer which was a gorgeous little town with a buzzy centre, full of cafés, bakeries, and traditional alpine buildings with colourful window boxes.
In Lofer we stayed at Haus Bergsicht, which is a self catering apartment.
- The Vorderkaserklamm
We spent two nights in Lofer (we had one of my famous “rest days” which involves more activity, just of a different nature 😅), but if you’re staying just one night, you might prefer to stay in a guesthouse like Haus Patricia, a hostel like the Salzburgerhof Jugend- und Familienhotel or a hotel like Das Bräu.
Rest day in Lofer
After five days of cycling, we were ready for a day off the bikes. We took the Almbahn cable car up from Lofer in the morning, played in the adventure playground at the top, then hiked the beautiful Waterfall Trail back down to the mid station. This trail winds through the alpine landscape, leading past cascading waterfalls and naturally formed basins filled with crystal-clear water (perfect for a quick dip!).
In the afternoon, I took the kids to Lofer’s outdoor pool, which turned out to be a bit of a mixed experience. On one hand, it was brilliant, with a large outdoor pool, a fun water slide, and access to the mountain stream that runs through the pool grounds. You can grab a rubber tube and float down the stream, though be warned – the water in that stream is absolutely freezing!
The downside was that because the weather was great and it was peak season, the pool was packed. The crowds meant it was impossible to find a shaded spot to sit and relax and there wasn’t much space in the pool itself! We still had a good time, but if I came back (which I want to – I really loved Lofer), I’d probably aim for a quieter time of day.
Day 6: Lofer to Bad Reichenhall
This was one of the most memorable days of the ride because we felt we really covered some ground, especially since we crossed the border from Austria into Germany on a tiny dirt track. It was quite cool to cycle across an international border on such a quiet, unmarked path!
The bike path felt more remote today, with stretches on unmade but well-packed dirt tracks, making for easy but slightly bumpier riding. The Saalach River was a constant companion, its beautiful blue water winding through the landscape beside us.
What made the day tougher for us was the heat; it had suddenly risen to a scorching 33°C, so we sought out lots of shade where we could! We’d planned for a slightly longer distance today, so we made sure to pace ourselves, stopping often to drink water and cool off.
We stopped in Unken mid-morning, hoping to find a café for a quick snack, but the only place we could find was a very local café, where three old men were firmly propping up the bar. They stared at us in silence as we ordered soft drinks and some snacks, making for a slightly awkward pit stop. We didn’t linger long, and as we cycled out of town, we passed a lovely-looking bakery and café (Ellmauer), which, of course, was open – sod’s law!
Midway through the day, we found a great picnic spot in the woods right by the river. We took a long lunch break in the shade, and had a little paddle in the chilly river; exactly what we needed before getting back on the bikes.
After a long, hot ride we rolled into Bad Reichenhall, which felt grand and stately after the rural landscapes of the day. Our hotel for the night was the most modern of the trip – I had been worried about it being a rather bland chain hotel, and not very characterful, but actually it was just what we needed at that point! It was right on the bike route, had great air conditioning, and a powerful shower which was exactly what we needed after a long, sweaty day in the saddle!
We stayed at the Ibis Styles in Bad Reichenhall, which had excellent value family rooms and an underground garage with bike storage.
That afternoon, we went out for ice cream, where we discovered the German phenomenon of Spaghettieis.
If you haven’t had it before, it’s a bowl of ice cream made to look like a plate of spaghetti. Ice cream is pressed through a machine to form spaghetti-like strands, then topped with various sauces and toppings. They are usually massive and delicious!
- Spaghettieis
Day 7: Back to Salzburg
Our final day on the Tauern bike path began with another border crossing, this time back into Austria. As we pedalled towards Salzburg, the landscape began to change. The big mountains faded behind us, replaced by gentler hills and more houses as we neared the city. The route was still pleasant and easy to ride, but it was a bit sad to leave the quiet alpine valleys behind!
As we got closer to Salzburg, the city’s famous fortress, the Festung Hohensalzburg, came into view. It was a brilliant sight to pedal towards and made for a fitting end to our journey.
As we entered the city, we encountered real traffic for the first time on the entire ride, but Salzburg has some good cycling infrastructure, with well-marked bike paths leading right into the city. It was busy, but felt safe and fairly easy to navigate, and before long, we were back at the bike hire shop.
- Festung Hohensalzburg from afar
Handing back the bikes was a much calmer process than picking them up, and we were able to collect our stored luggage and repack with no taxi driver rushing us! From there, we made our way to our accommodation and enjoyed a proper afternoon of sightseeing.
Salzburg in summer is busy especially during the Salzburg Festival (mid July to the end of August), so it’s worth booking ahead if you’re visiting during festival season. We struggled to find great accommodation ourselves because of this.
In Salzburg we stayed at the ARCOTEL Castellani Salzburg. This was a good, if characterless hotel, but a little far from the Old Town and popular with large tour groups. Consider the Altstadt Hotel Stadtkrug for a good mid-range experience, Hotel Goldener Hirsch for a real splurge, or The Keep Eco Rooms for a nice hostel-style experience.
We did the classic tourist thing, visiting the fortress (Festung Hohensalzburg), wandering through Salzburg’s beautiful old town and stopping for a delicious slice of apple strudel. After a week of cycling through some of Austria’s most stunning landscapes, finishing in such a grand and historic city felt like the perfect way to wrap up the trip.
Practical tips for families cycling the Tauern bike path
Packing list
You don’t need to overpack, but having the right gear makes a big difference. These are some of the essentials on my packing list:
Cycling gear
✅ Panniers (we rented 40L panniers)
✅ Dry bags & extra straps for securing extra gear to handlebars
✅ Bike locks (rental shops often provide them)
✅ Multi-tool & puncture repair kit (we didn’t need ours, but it’s good to have)
Clothing
✅ Padded cycling shorts (for adults & kids – makes a huge difference)
✅ Lightweight waterproof jacket (weather can change quickly)
✅ Gloves (for comfort and grip)
✅ Comfortable trainers for cycling & walking
✅ Sun hats & sunglasses
For the kids
✅ High-energy snacks (fruit bars, nuts, biscuits)
✅ Water bottles or kids’ camelbak rucksacks
✅ A small backpack
✅ A Kindle, notebook, small games for evenings
Extras
✅ Microfibre towel & swimwear
✅ Small first aid kit (plasters, antiseptic wipes, ibuprofen)
✅ Power bank (for phones & navigation)
Where to find food & water
Food and water are easy to find along this route.
🥨 Bakeries & supermarkets: Most towns and villages have bakeries or small supermarkets where you can grab snacks and picnic supplies. Almost all villages have some options for eating out too.
💧 Water fountains: Austria has lots of free public water fountains, especially in villages and near churches. You can usually refill bottles with fresh mountain water.
Final Thoughts
The Tauern bike path was a fantastic choice for a family-friendly Austria cycling holiday. Its mostly downhill route, well-maintained cycle paths, and plenty of fun stops along the way made for a great adventure.
We took seven days, giving us plenty of time for breaks, swims, and detours, but you could easily do it in fewer days with longer distances if you prefer a faster pace.
Beyond the ride itself, this trip makes a fantastic introduction to Austria, taking us through charming villages, alpine landscapes, and past castles lakes, with plenty of chances to experience local food and culture. If you’re looking for a bike holiday in Austria that’s safe and packed with great experiences, the Tauern bike path is a fantastic option.
if you’re new to Komoot, have a read of my Komoot for beginners article.
If you want to read about alternative multi-day cycling adventures, check out the following posts:
For hut hiking adventures in Austria which you can combine with this trip:
- Austria hut hikes with kids: A family adventure in the Lienz Dolomites
- 2 night hut to hut hike in Austria: Around the Bischofsmütze (this one’s for adults, or strong, experienced big kids / teens)
We combined this trip by finishing with a wonderful stay on a working farm, an easy journey by bus or train from Salzburg:
