The VIA SALIS Mountain Bike Tour is an extraordinary bike tour in Altaussee that combines scenic experiences with exciting industrial history. Along the route, numerous information boards tell the story of salt mining, culture, and life in one of Austria's most important mining towns. Perfectly suited for e-biking off-road, but also feasible with good physical condition on a classic bike.
The tour starts at the striking “Schlägel und Eisen” sculpture in the Bad Aussee spa gardens. From there, the route leads towards Loser, turning left at the first opportunity and right immediately after the bridge. This is followed by a steep climb on the old Steinbergstraße. Here, it is worth using the electric motor – or strong calf muscles.
After about one kilometer, you reach the Steinberghaus, where you will also find the entrance to the Altaussee Salt Mine. Continue to the striking left-hand bend at the entrance to Kriechbaumberg, whose illuminated tunnel entrance offers a glimpse into the world of miners.
On the gravel road, the Sandlingberg and Moosberg tunnel portals follow in quick succession, each with information boards. Continuing straight ahead, you reach a forest road junction, where you turn left towards the Pflindsberg ruins.
A short detour on foot to the Pflindsberg ruins offers a fantastic view of Altaussee. Shortly afterwards, the path joins an asphalt road, which follows several hairpin bends to the intersection with Lupitschstraße. Turn left there and continue to the end of the road. On the right, the trail leads past the Reischenböck nursery to the Postillions Einkehr inn, then turn left onto the main road and return to the spa gardens.
This mountain bike tour in the Ausseerland region combines history, exercise, and nature on two wheels in a special way.