Our team rider Gaspi isn’t just that wild horse bombing down insane trails and active volcanoes. He’s also a family guy. For many years now, he’s been returning to the Austrian region of Salzkammergut – a place where he can fully relax and still get in some epic riding. Even his wife and daughter can keep up with him on e-bikes without a problem. “You know how it is,” he says. “When I feel like it, I can still find my kind of adventure here too.” In this article, you’ll find his personal tips and reasons why Salzkammergut is the perfect summer getaway just across the border. Check out the photos and video Gaspi shot during his visit to the area in late May 2025.
1. Five hours from Prague, three from Budějovice
I’ve never had a problem with long drives. I’ve got my trusty van, Helga — I just jump in and cruise for two days straight if needed, even all the way to Spain.
But the great thing about Salzkammergut is that it’s just under five hours from Radotín, Czech republic. Perfect for a family trip, because I don’t have to keep hearing “Are we there yet?” from the back seat. It’s that ideal distance you can even manage after work if you clock out a bit earlier. That’s what I love about it. I really like Salzkammergut. For me, it’s the perfect holiday spot where I can enjoy more than just cycling — there’s hiking, scenic views, swimming in crystal-clear lakes, paddleboarding, and of course, good food. It’s just a beautiful place.
2. Scenic rides
Sure, I love flying down singletrails, but here I just enjoy cruising wide mountain roads with chill stops at alpine huts — where I treat myself to an Almdudler and some fruit dumplings. Last year, I rode a bunch around the Gosau area, since I was running a bike camp here for about thirty people. These wide gravel roads are doable for pretty much anyone, and steeper climbs are easily handled with a little help from the e-motor. The nature around here is stunning. And if climbing isn’t your thing, just roll down for some ice cream and one of the best views in Austria — right on the shores of Gosausee. By the way, this is also where some amazing hiking trails kick off. This year, my bike guide Karl Posch took me on a relaxed, tour-style ride from Bad Goisern to one of the most beautiful mountain passes I’ve ever seen. From the terrace of the Alpengasthof Hütteneckalm, there’s an absolutely breathtaking view of the Dachstein glacier. Honestly, that view alone is worth the trip.
3. The Obertraun trail center – free and open to everyone
At the foot of the Dachstein-Krippenstein area — a spot well known to skiers and snowboard freeriders — a trail center is steadily growing, welcoming riders of all skill levels. They’re constantly improving and expanding it. The trails here are mostly natural, spiced up with technical features like berms, rollers, rock sections, and small jumps. I see this place as the perfect spot to work on your technique — whether it's your own or your kids’. It’s open daily, and best of all: totally free to ride. It’s a great pick for a half-day mission. You can spend the rest of the day checking out the “5Fingers” viewpoint — just hop on the cable car from the base station right above the trail park.
4. A devilish descent for the pros
They call it the 50-degree trail, and it’s a proper downhill beast — pure, raw and made for those who live for steep, technical descents. The trail starts from the top of Feuerkogel and was built by a crew led by Elke Rabeder, a two-time Austrian DH champ, and her partner Christopher. I had the honor of riding it with them — and according to their own words, I was probably the first person ever to hit it on an e-bike. Get ready for rocks, rooty sections that get slippery as hell when wet, and lots of steep, sketchy goodness. The solid gradient and technical segments make this trail a killer training ground for advanced riders. So yeah — to everyone who thought I went soft after the last few paragraphs, I challenge you to come ride “Die Dunkelschwarze” — the Dark Black. It’s 5.6 km of intense trail that’ll make your brakes cry. If you’re into technical riding and steep lines, you’ll be stoked. The cable car runs every 30 minutes and takes you up to 1,500 meters above sea level. A full-day lift pass costs just under 50 euros. The trail starts with a twisty ride through alpine bushes, then drops into full-on mountain DH terrain. And yep — if you’re on an e-bike, you can grind your way up via the wide gravel climb. One thing’s for sure: after a day on Feuerkogel, you’ll be craving a dip in a lake. Guaranteed.
5. Swimming in the lakes
Salzkammergut is packed with crystal-clear lakes — we’re talking drinking-water quality here. My top picks? Wolfgangsee, Fuschlsee, and Attersee. Each one has its own vibe. Wolfgangsee is always a safe bet — super clean water and a nice, comfy temperature. Personally, I’m a big fan of Fuschlsee. It’s smaller, less known, and way less crowded. The water’s warm enough for an evening swim, and on the east side there’s a hidden forest beach with a little dock, mostly used by locals — so it’s blissfully crowd-free. Both lakes have incredibly clear, visually stunning water in those beautiful blue-green tones you can’t stop staring at. Attersee is the biggest one — lots of open-access spots, public swimming areas, and plenty of options for water sports. And yeah, you can also take a dip in Lake Hallstatt, but just so you know — the water is noticeably colder, and the steel-gray surface gives it a bit of a Nordic, moody vibe.
6. Pine ice cream as a reward
Speaking of Lake Hallstatt — it reminds me that kids (and riding buddies) always appreciate a secret ace up your sleeve. Something like: “If you don’t complain, I’ll take you somewhere cool after the ride…” And for me, that little hidden gem is pine ice cream — served at the old-school restaurant Welterbe-Wirtshaus Steegwirt in Bad Goisern, right on the shore of Lake Hallstatt. The place itself is worth a visit — a beautiful building with a history dating back to 1571 (or so they claim). Second — the local traditional food is spot on. And third — they serve the legendary “Latscheneis”, aka ice cream made from mountain pine. That’s all I’m gonna say. You’ll have to taste it for yourself.
7. A challenge for the marathon crowd
Bad Goisern is a well-known town among bikers who love to grind those pedals — so I have to mention this: every July, the legendary Salzkammergut Trophy MTB marathon kicks off right here. The main course? Over 200 kilometers and 7,000 vertical meters — a true beast, even for the most hardcore riders. But the good news is, you don’t have to go all in. There are several shorter route options too, so you can still soak up the race atmosphere even if you’re not in peak shape. This year, the shortest one is just 21.8 km — perfect if you want a taste of the action without going full sufferfest.
8. An e-bike adventure
E-bike riders have a real treat waiting in the Salzkammergut region: the marked BergeSeen eTrail route. This epic journey spans 624 kilometers and climbs 14,500 meters, broken down into 10 stages, each ranging from 40 to 80 km. On the official site Salzkammergut.at, you’ll find everything you need — from what you’ll see on each stage, the terrain and trail profile, to where you can eat or recharge your battery. Each stage also works great as a standalone e-bike trip. So if you’re staying somewhere near the route, you can just jump in for a day and enjoy the ride.
9. Not just about the saddle
Salzkammergut isn’t only about cycling, of course. A stroll through Hallstatt is always a great idea — and I really enjoyed the salt mine tour (just a tip: bring warm socks!). You can also book a boat ride across the lake, or hop on the cog railway up to Schafberg mountain (departing from the town of St. Wolfgang — round trip tickets are €56 for adults and €17 for kids). And to wrap up the day? Treat yourself to some local food. I’m all about homemade spätzle, blueberry dumplings, schnitzels the size of a manhole cover, and of course, a good cold beer.
10. Everything in Czech
Sure, everyone speaks English these days — but it’s still a nice surprise to find that a lot of visitor info, both printed and online, is available in Czech. Just knowing that they’ve thought of Czech travelers here feels good. It adds to the whole vibe — a relaxed holiday that feels a bit like home, just with more mountains and lakes.
Check out the full gallery
Credit: Bagelproductions.com
