Tauern Bike Trail

St. Johann im Pongau – Bischofshofen – Pfarrwerfen – Werfen – Golling

The first section of the Tauern Cycle Route along the Salzach River between St. Johann and Werfen is truly magical. You’ll pass several signs that tell well-known legends.

During the 9.5-km stretch from St. Johann to Bischofshofen, you’ll cycle past two power plants. Once you reach Bischofshofen, it’s time for your first break. Cross the Franz Moßhammer Bridge—the next bridge after the power plant in Bischofshofen—and continue to the railroad underpass, then ride straight through the town. Here, it’s worth making a quick stop at the “Paul Außerleitner Ski Jump.” This is the largest jump on the Austrian Four Hills Tournament circuit.

Afterward, head back to the Tauern Cycle Path toward Pfarrwerfen, where the majestic Tennengebirge and Hagengebirge mountain ranges are already coming into view.

The next stop worth seeing on this tour isn’t far off. In Pfarrwerfen, about 7 km away, you’ll find the “7 Mills,” where grain was ground into flour as far back as the Middle Ages. To reach the water mills, simply turn left just before the Salzach Bridge into the town center of Pfarrwerfen.

After visiting the “7 Mills,” cycle about 3 km back along the Salzach to Werfen, where you can already see the impressive Hohenwerfen Castle from a distance. The adventure castle, over 900 years old, sits atop a steep rocky outcrop high above the Salzach Valley—virtually impossible to miss. At the Salzach Bridge just outside the town, cross the river and ride on the left side straight to the hill where the castle stands. Keep to the left until you reach the footpath leading to the adventure castle. You can also take the elevator up for a more leisurely ride.

The route continues for about 16.5 km along the federal highway between impressive steep rock faces of the Tennen and Hagen Mountains on either side, heading toward Tenneck over the Lueg Pass to Golling. But don’t worry! The Lueg Pass—the most important link between the “Innergebirg” and the “Außergebirg”—is only 552 m high and therefore doesn’t present a significant climb along the bike path. However, you should expect heavy traffic on the federal highway. From the Lueg Pass onward, the Tauern Cycle Route is once again a beautiful ride.

Before heading downhill toward Golling, you’ll pass through the picturesque Salzach Gorge. In Golling, about 500 m past the Salzach Bridge, turn left at the “Moartal” sign and then immediately right again after another 500 m. Follow an unpaved meadow path to a farm, and from there, continue onto a paved road. Here, you can decide whether to make a stop in Golling or continue directly along the Tauern Cycle Path, once again alongside the Salzach, toward Salzburg. However, the magnificent and romantic “Gollinger Wasserfall”—a true natural gem—is an absolute must-see on your tour. Take a short break here and marvel at this unmistakable natural landmark.