Tour Overview
- Total Distance: ~1,000 km
- Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
- Riding Level: Easy/Intermediate (Relaxed touring pace)
- Best Bike: BMW R1250RT / R18 / R1250GS
- Highlights: Salzburg, Hallstatt, Wachau Valley
- Season: March — November (All-weather friendly)
Why This Route?
Experience the grandeur of the Habsburg Empire on two wheels. This tour takes you through the cultural heart of Austria, connecting cities that defined European history.
You will cruise along the romantic Danube river, ride through the crystal-clear Lake District (Salzkammergut), and walk the streets of Mozart’s Salzburg. It is a journey of sophisticated pleasures: fine roads, historic architecture, and world-class scenery.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Vienna — Linz
The Blue Danube
We start by following the Danube river upstream into the UNESCO-protected Wachau Valley. The road winds through terraced vineyards and apricot orchards on the left bank.
We stop at this colossal yellow Baroque palace sitting on a rock above the river. It is one of the most famous monastic sites in the world. The library inside is breathtaking.
The Finish: Linz. Try the famous “Linzer Torte” in the main square (Hauptplatz).
Overnight: Linz.
Stats: ~220 km.
Day 2: Linz — Salzburg
The Lake District
We enter the Salzkammergut region, known for its pristine alpine lakes. We pass the fairytale Ort Castle in Gmunden (sitting in the middle of the Traunsee lake) and the Imperial Villa in Bad Ischl.
The ride along Lake Wolfgangsee is pure joy. We arrive in Salzburg, the city of Mozart. Don’t worry about parking; we use the secure Altstadt Garage carved directly into the Mönchsberg rock.
Overnight: Salzburg (Hohensalzburg Fortress view).
Stats: ~200 km.
Day 3: Salzburg — Leoben
Salt, Gold & Iron
Head south towards the Dachstein mountains. First stop: Hallstatt. It is arguably the most photographed village in the world. We know the secret spots to park the bikes (P1) and get the iconic photo.
Hidden in the mountains is the world’s largest monastic library. The white and gold Rococo hall looks like something out of a fantasy movie. A must-see.
The Finish: Leoben, the home of Gösser beer.
Overnight: Leoben.
Stats: ~230 km.
Day 4: Leoben — Eisenstadt
Castles of the East
We cross the Semmering pass and descend into the flatlands of Burgenland. The landscape changes from alpine peaks to rolling hills.
This mighty fortress was the treasury of the Esterházy princes. It sits on a ridge with a commanding view of the plains. It houses one of the largest private armories in Europe.
The Finish: Eisenstadt, home to the magnificent Esterházy Palace where Haydn composed his symphonies.
Overnight: Eisenstadt.
Stats: ~200 km.
Day 5: Eisenstadt — Vienna
Vineyards & Romans
A short, relaxed final day. We ride to Rust, the city of storks, on the shores of Lake Neusiedl (a unique steppe lake).
Before entering Vienna, we pass the ruins of Carnuntum, an ancient Roman legionary fortress, riding through history one last time.
Stats: ~150 km.
Included in This Self-Guided Tour:
- Motorcycle Rental: BMW R1250RT / R1250GS / F850GS (fully equipped).
- Navigation: Pre-programmed GPX files with parking tips for cities.
- Route Book: Digital guide with historical context and restaurant tips.
- Support: 24/7 Assistance.
- Hotels: Selected historic hotels with secure parking.
