Easy-going riding around Gosau
Last year, I spent quite a bit of time exploring this area, especially because I ran a bike camp here for around thirty people. It was a mixed group, ranging from teenagers to seniors, so I had to find terrain that would appeal to all kinds of riders. If you’re after tight, technical singletracks, this might not be your paradise. But if you’re looking for wide, scenic trails that are accessible to everyone (with a little help from an e-motor on the steeper bits), it’s absolutely top-tier. The natural surroundings are gorgeous, and if someone doesn’t feel like climbing that day, they can just roll over to the lakeside at Gosausee for an ice cream and one of the best views in Austria. It’s also the perfect starting point for some truly stunning hikes.
Obertraun trail centre is free and open to all
At the foot of the well-known Dachstein–Krippenstein ski and snowboard freeride area, there’s a trail centre that’s constantly growing, updating and improving, designed for riders of all skill levels. The trails have a natural character, spiced up with various features: berms, rollers, rock sections, and smaller jumps. I think it’s a brilliant place to help your kids work on their technique. It’s open daily and free to use. The perfect destination for a fun half-day session.
A devilish descent for the experts
They call it the 50-degree trail, and make no mistake – it’s a proper downhill run for fans of pure, technical riding. Expect rocks, root-y sections that become extra slippery when wet, and plenty of steep, challenging terrain. It’s ideal for advanced riders looking to sharpen their skills. So, if you were starting to suspect from the earlier paragraphs that I’ve gone soft, let me invite you to join me on the “Die Dunkelschwarze”, the “dark black” trail, which stretches 5.6 km and serves up a serious dose of gravity. A cable car runs every half hour and takes you up to the 1,500 m start. A full-day lift pass costs just under fifty euros. If you’re on an e-bike, you can also climb up via a broad gravel road. But fair warning: after a day on Feuerkogel, you’ll be craving a swim.
Lake life done right
Salzkammergut is a region full of crystal-clear lakes with drinking-quality water. My top picks? Wolfgangsee, Fuschlsee, and Attersee, each with its own vibe. Wolfgangsee is a safe bet – clean, clear water and a perfect swimming temperature. Personally, I love Fuschlsee. It’s smaller, less known, and much less crowded. The water’s warm enough to swim in even late in the day. On the eastern shore, there’s a forest beach with a little wooden pier that locals frequent – super peaceful, no tourist swarms. These two lakes also boast the cleanest and most eye-catching water, shimmering in vivid shades of turquoise and blue. Attersee, on the other hand, is the biggest. There are tons of space, loads of public beaches, and plenty of options for watersports. You can also swim in Lake Hallstatt, but brace yourself – the water is much colder and the steel-grey surface gives it more of a moody, Nordic feel.
Pine ice cream for the win
Speaking of Lake Hallstatt, here’s a little trick for keeping kids (or grumpy riding buddies) motivated. When things start to drag, you hit them with, “If you behave, I’ll take you for…” and then boom – pine ice cream. Yep, that’s a thing. You can find it at the historic Welterbe-Wirtshaus Steegwirt in Bad Goisern, right by the lake. The place itself is worth the visit – a charming building that’s supposedly been around since 1571. The food is fantastic, full of local flavour. But the real treat? Latscheneis, or mountain pine ice cream. I’m not saying more, you’ll have to taste it yourself.
A challenge for the marathoners
Bad Goisern is legendary among cyclists who enjoy a proper test of endurance. Every July, it hosts the Salzkammergut Trophy, one of Europe’s toughest MTB marathons. The main course covers over 200 km and climbs 7,000 vertical metres. It’s a serious ride for serious legs. But don’t worry, you don’t need to be a machine to take part. There are shorter versions available too, the shortest being just 21.8 km this year. And for us e-bikers, there’s another gem worth mentioning: the Bosch (e)MTB Scavenger Hunt on Sunday, 13 July 2025. It’s a fun, relaxed event where riders – solo, in pairs or groups – tackle a navigation challenge on mountain or e-bikes. Routes range from 20 to 37 km and are technically easy. It’s not about speed, it’s about having a good time. Along the way, you’ll hit fun skill stations and obstacles: a perfect family-friendly day out.
The long-distance adventure
If you’re into the idea of an extended e-bike trip, check out the BergeSeen eTrail. This signed route through the Salzkammergut stretches over 624 km with 14,500 metres of climbing, divided into ten manageable stages of 40 to 80 km each. You’ll find all the info you need at Salzkammergut.at – from elevation profiles and surface types to sights, food stops, and battery charging points. Each stage also works well as a standalone trip, so even if you’re staying somewhere along the route for just a few days, you can still jump in for a leg or two.
More than just biking
Salzkammergut isn’t only about riding. A stroll through the town of Hallstatt is a treat in itself, and I really enjoyed the salt mine tour (pro tip: bring warm socks!). You can also take a boat ride on the lake or hop aboard the cog railway to the top of Schafberg mountain: the journey starts in the town of St. Wolfgang, and round-trip tickets cost €56 for adults and €17 for kids. At the end of the day, reward yourself with some local food. I’m a fan of homemade spaetzle, blueberry dumplings, schnitzels the size of hubcaps, and, of course, a cold, well-earned beer.
