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Austrian Alps self guided motorcycle holiday

Austrian Alps self-guided motorcycle-tour. From the moment you arrive you know you have arrived somewhere very special.

Our Austrian Alps self-guided motorcycle-tour is a popular holiday with all new hotels and revamped routes. This is an exciting motorcycle tour that will take you to the heart of the stunning Austrian Alps.

A famous composer once said, “It takes more than one note to write a symphony. And it also takes more than one instrument to play it”. The same applies to motorcycle holidays. It takes more than just mountain passes to have a complete as well as memorable biking experience. It also requires comfortable hotels, traditional cuisine, stunning scenery, history, culture, welcoming hospitality and above all, friendly people. And this fantastic tour has it all and hits all the notes.

Therefore, if you are an independent rider who wants a bit more than just a motorcycle riding trip, this fantastic Austrian Alps self-guided motorcycle-tour will appeal to you.

The choice of great biking roads and passes is endless. With their countless hairpin bends, some of the mountain passes will take you to dizzying heights close to 3000m. The best rides are the Arlberg and Gerlos Pass (Kriml waterfalls) as well as B99. You’ll also take a spin along the Nockalm and Maltatal Strasse, Sölk and Tauern, as well as Turrach Pass. And to finish on a high note, there are the most famous ones, the Großglockner and Timmelsjoch.

As well as being fantastic rides, both passes present an opportunity to visit two major tourist attractions. And also, as a bonus, they both have excellent restaurants on top.

The Großglockner, with its 36 hairpin bends, provides one of the most exhilarating rides in Europe. It also leads to Hohe Tauern National Park’s heart, ending up at the magnificent Pasterze Glacier. Here you may choose to stop for a well-deserved lunch. Judging by previous experiences, pancakes are always a popular choice.

Timmelsjoch pass, with its tighter hairpins and occasional summer snowfall, might require a more technical riding approach. The extra effort is worthwhile as it is usually rewarded with a tasty traditional lunch and a delicious slice of apple strudel. Also, the highest motorcycle museum in Europe is just next door. However, if you feel even more adventurous, you can also take a ride to the Julian Alps in Slovenia over the twisty cobbled Vrsic mountain pass.

All suggested rides lead directly to the heart of the Austrian Alps. They provide you with beautiful views of snow-capped mountain peaks and flowery meadows—dark green pine forests as well as ice-blue mountain lakes.

For the Sound of Music and Mozart fans, a day trip to Salzburg is a must on this fantastic self guided motorcycle holiday. Here you can spend time admiring the old town’s baroque architecture. You can visit numerous tourist attractions and also have lunch in one of the many elegant squares.

The top things to do here are visits to Mozart’s museum and his former residence. You can also visit St Peter’s monastery and cemetery as well as catacombs. While here, why not indulge in a slice or two of Sachertorte at the famous Sacher Café? Or perhaps have a cup of coffee at the trendy Café Tomaselli. Or even better, treat yourself with both.

This region is truly unique and offers a lot of possibilities both for bikers and tourists. From Salzburg, you can extend your ride to Hallstatt. The town’s situated on the crystal clear alpine lake’s shores and at the mountain’s foot. It is also one of the most photographed places in Austria.

If you wish to add a historical aspect to your self guided motorcycle holiday, take a ride along the scenic alpine roads into Germany. The picturesque town of Berchtesgaden, as well as the Eagle’s Nest, are both worthwhile visits. The mountain lodge was a gift to Adolf Hitler for his 50th birthday by the town mayor. Also, according to the locals, the fireplace was a present from Mussolini. In 1945, allied soldiers added various graffiti to the fireplace and chipped off countless souvenirs as well.

Sometimes before you start heading home, make sure you stop at a local stube. Schnitzel and Apple Strudel are always popular choices.

For more day-to-day information about the Austrian Alps self-guided motorcycle-tour / self guided motorcycle holiday, please spend some time studying the tour itinerary below.

For an alternative to the below, please use this link: Austrian Tyrol self guided motorcycle holiday.

If you require a motorcycle rental for this self guided motorcycle holiday, please get in touch with our partner, RoadTrip.

Please visit our Facebook page for up-to-date information regarding the below.

Tour highlights:

Biker friendly 4**** hotel with leisure facilities
Nockalm Strasse and B99
Berchtesgaden - ‘Hitler’s Nest’
Salzburg
Sölk Pass and Turrach Pass
Maltatal Strasse and Tauern Pass
Grossglockner High Alpine road
Optonal ride - Julian Alps
Optonal ride - Vrsic Pass
Optonal ride - Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj

When to go:

May to September - during August, a high-season supplement is applicable

Countries:

Luxembourg, Germany, Austria

Motorcycle rental:

Available

Day by day tour itinerary

Day 1 – Folkestone to Luxembourg (Approx. 250 miles)

On your first day of the Austrian Alps self-guided motorcycle-tour, you will cross the channel and ride to your first overnight destination. The first part of the ride is on motorways. It is the quickest way to get to more beautiful roads and get the real flavour of your holiday.

Pending on the fuel range of your motorcycle, it usually takes one or two stops for filling up. The restaurants at the petrol stations are convenient places to have a bite to eat as well. You will also have enough time to stop in Bastogne to stretch your legs and have a look around. The town has a charming town square with several cafes and restaurants with secure parking. It is just perfect for a long lazy afternoon coffee as well as a slice of cake.

From here, it is only half an hour ride to your hotel in Luxembourg. Vianden is a small medieval town that rests on the banks of the river Our near the German border. It has an old city centre with cobbled streets and a magnificent castle. Please pay attention to a cobbled right-hand hairpin when entering the town.

"Even though the cost of living is generally high, Luxembourg's petrol is one of the cheapest in Europe. So, there is even more
reason to go there than"

Day 2 – Luxembourg to Black Forest (Germany) (Approx. 240 miles)

Breakfast in your hotel is excellent. So only after you had a good go at it, load your bike and head towards Germany. Today your route takes a bit of a zig-zag shape. You’ll start in Luxembourg, cross into Germany, briefly pop into France, then cross the river Rhine and return to Germany again.

There are many places where you can stop for lunch. But watch out for bakeries; they are the best option for a light mid-day meal. The highlight of the day is a ride along the famous B500 and the stunning lake Mummelsee.

The Black Forest is not an area to visit if you are worried about your weight. All those hefty traditional dishes and brick-sized slices of Black Forest gateau could play havoc with your waistline. So, our advice would be to put your diet on hold and join the gym after the tour.

You’ll be welcomed to your hotel with a comfortable room and a traditional evening meal.

"Mark Twain supposedly once said: "A German joke is no laughing matter." And ever since then, criticism of German humour has never ceased. However, that comment is somewhat unfair. If you have a good sense of humour about your own sense of humour, then you'll understand German sense of humour"

Day 3 – Black Forest to Tyrol (Austria) (Approx. 210 miles)

Leaving the Black Forest behind, you’ll continue your Austrian Alps self-guided motorcycle-tour towards your first alpine destination. It is a beautiful ride that will take you along some stunning country roads, next to the lake Bodensee and up a mountain pass.

The lake is nestled in the foothills of the Alps and is shared amongst three countries – Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. As the sunniest area in this region, this pristine lake is surrounded by a patchwork of perfectly cultivated apple and cherry tree orchards. The Arlberg pass is an easy introduction as well as a warm-up for the rest of the tour. It is also an excellent place to stop for a coffee and a few photos just before arriving at your hotel.

The Arlberg pass is the most likely place where you might have your first close sighting of snow. But also it is a great place to have a delicious slice of apple strudel with custard or ice cream or both. The route leading to Arlberg will take you via some well-known ski resorts. These include Lech, Zürs, Sankt Christoph and Sankt Anton.

"The founder of the German sports car company 'Porsche' was an Austrian, Ferdinand Porsche. He also designed the Volkswagen"

Day 4 – Tyrol to Salzburg region (Approx. 150 miles)

From Tyrol, you will continue straight to the heart of the Austrian Alps. It is easy to imagine what inspired the Von Trapp family to love the mountains in the Sound of Music movie.

Today’s day of the Austrian Alps self-guided motorcycle-tour has everything – incredible roads, stunning mountain views, and plenty to explore. You’ll ride over the enjoyable yet not demanding Gerlos pass and stop to see the highest waterfalls in Europe at Krimml. The person who designed the Gerlos pass must have been a biker. He certainly knew how to integrate the road into the landscape so harmoniously. It is a truly exceptional ride.

At the waterfalls, there are several cafes and restaurants. We usually stop at the one with a Fiat 500 painted in Italian flag colours parked on its roof. The restaurant offers secure motorcycle parking as well as a traditional menu.

You will also pass through some more famous ski resorts such as Mittersill, Kaprun and Sankt Johan im Pongau.

"According to scientists, Austria only appears to be a small country on the map because so much of it is vertical. If it was a flat country, it would have been about 62% bigger"

Day 5 – Free day (Approx. 120 -200 miles)

The next two days of the Austrian Alps self-guided motorcycle-tour can be shared between riding the local mountain passes and visiting nearby tourist attractions. However, today most people usually opt to go for a longer ride.

In one direction you can ride a route that includes the B99, Nockalm and Maltatal Strasse, Sölk, Tauern or Turrach Pass. You can even extend your ride and hop into Slovenia. This is one of the most popular trips in this area. It is an attractive proposition for those who wish to add one more country to their ‘thick the box’ list.

Another famous ride is to head towards the Großglockner and Timmelsjoch and loop it back to the hotel. A slight deviation from the Großglockner will take you to the edge of the Glockner glacier Pasterze. At the Timmelsjoch Pass, you can stop for lunch and also visit the highest motorcycle museum in Europe.

What you can include into your route on the Austrian Alps self-guided motorcycle-tour will depend on how long you wish to ride. Please study a map before you set off because both rides will take the whole day. But they are both definitely worth an effort.

"Famous classical music composers Joseph Haydn, Franz Liszt, Johann Strauss, Franz Schubert, and Wolfgang Mozart were all from Austria. It is not surprising that the Austrians are
such a musical nation"

Day 6 – Free day (Approx. 120 -150 miles)

Today you have an option of taking a short ride to visit Salzburg, Hitler’s Nest or/and Hallstatt. Or you can just park your bike and relax for a day. The choice is yours. It will work either way, and you’ll enjoy it. The ride is not that long, but it will take most of the day if you wish to visit all three destinations.

The most favourite destination amongst our clients is definitely Hallstatt. The small town of Hallstatt is often referred to as one of the most beautiful lakeside cities in the whole world. It is due to its medieval charm, tranquil lake and surrounding snow-capped mountain peaks. The main attraction here is the picturesque town itself. So take your time to wander around and keep snapping with your camera. To get the best photos, you can take the ferry across the lake.

The other popular attraction for visitors other than the town itself is the 250-year-old salt mines. Also, if you have a head for heights, you can take the Salzbergbahn funicular. From the free-floating viewing platform at the top, you can test your courage and attempt the Hallstatt Skywalk.

"Austria was formed when Emperor Francis II dissolved the Holy Roman Empire. At that point, Austria became the Austrian Empire. That really annoyed the Prussians, and they kept going on and on about it for a long time"

Day 7 – Salzburg to Bavaria (Germany) (Approx. 150 miles)

Compared with the previous two days of the Austrian Alps self guided motorcycle holiday, this ride does not include any of the big passes or famous tourist attractions. But what it does include is excellent biking roads and a whole day of 360-degree magnificent mountain vistas.

You’ll meander your way through the green valleys framed by thick pine forests and dotted with traditional alpine villages. The mileage is short, giving you plenty of time for breaks, drinks and lunch. If everything goes well with navigation, it should be a motorway free ride.

A convenient place to stop is the lakeside town of Gstadt am Chiemsee. Time permitting, you can take a short ferry ride to Fraueninsel. The small car-free island has only about 250 inhabitants and just over 50 houses. A leisurely walk along the shoreline leads to the Frauenwörth Abbey. Here you can pick up some of the famous Kloster liqueur produced by the monastery’s nuns. Bad Tölz on the banks of the River Inn is another town you can stop for a break. There are many lovely bakeries, cafes and restaurants to choose from. It is also easy to park.

"According to some history books, Captain Cook is credited with solving the problem of scurvy on his ships by issuing vitamin C in the form of sauerkraut"

Day 8 – Bavaria to Black Forest (Approx. 170 miles)

This is perhaps the most rural part of the entire Austrian Alps self guided motorcycle holiday. You will spend most of the day riding on the perfect tarmac through the perfectly cultivated countryside.

The Steinhauser bakery in Diepoldshofen is a convenient place to stop for lunch. It has an indoor and outdoor seating area and offers a great selection of freshly made salads, snacks, sandwiches and cakes. Also, it is right next to a petrol station, so it ticks all the boxes.

Some of the roads included in today’s route are only single lane ones. However, in a typical German fashion, they all still have a smooth pothole free surface. They will allow you to relax, enjoy riding your bike and wind your way to your next destination in the Black Forest.

If you wish, extra days can be arranged to extend your stay in the Black Forest.

"The sauerkraut is one of the most popular salad type foods in Germany. However, despite the claims, it does not come from Germany. It originally comes from China"

Day 9 – Black Forest to Luxembourg (Approx. 240 miles)

Once again, country-hopping is the order of the day. You’ll leave Germany by riding towards the Roman spa town of Baden-Baden. Then you’ll cross the border and briefly enter France.

The last few days of your Austrian Alps self-guided motorcycle tour might feel like a Grand Tour of European bakeries. But the bakery La Minzbrueck in Scheibenhardt is one of our regular lunch stops. It serves the best fitness chicken salad ever (please note the opening times are subject to the owner’s discretion). Also, one portion would easily feed a small army. This is where it gets interesting; if the bakery car park is busy, you can park your bike in France, cross the river and have your lunch in Germany. How international is that?

From here, you’ll spend the rest of the day crossing Germany. Just before the end of the ride, you’ll cross yet another border and arrive at your hotel in Luxembourg.

"Luxembourg is one of the safest countries in the world. It has only two prisons and 1300 policemen in the whole country. It might sound unreal, but they say it's true"

Day 10 – Luxembourg to Folkestone (Approx. 250 miles)

Even good things must come to an end. Enjoy your final day’s ride back to the UK, and we hope that you’ll RideWithUs again next year.

Thank you joining this fabulous self guided motorcycle holiday, and safe journey home.

"A motorcycle journey is best measured in nice memories and people we meet along the way, rather than miles"

What's included?

Price

Includes

9 nights b&b accommodation
8 evening meals
Return Eurotunnel crossing
GPX routes
Trip check list
Daily itinerary
Suggested tourist attractions
Emergency services numbers

Excludes

What our customers say

“The wildflowers in the meadows and the poppies in the fields and along every roadside made this tour extra special. It is something we do not see very often in our desert where we live. Thank you very much.”

Mrs & Mr Lewis

Arizona, USA, 2017

Let's go touring…

Austrian Alps self guided motorcycle holiday

Tour highlights:

When to go:

Countries:

Motorcycle rental:

Day by day tour itinerary

What's included?

Price

Includes

Excludes

What our customers say

Austrian Alps self guided motorcycle holiday

Contact Information

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