Today we went up the cable car from Lofer, near Salzburg in Austria. We used the excellent Salzberger Saalachtahl (Salzberg Card) which gave us unlimited free rides on the cable car. We were given the card free when we checked into Camp Grubhoff. It also gives discounts and free entry to a variety of other attractions in the area.
We split up at the top and Sarah and the kids went back down. I continued on my bike up another 7.5km (900 vertical metres) to Mount Schwarzeck (1565m). This is easily the hardest cycling I have ever done but the views at the top were worth it. It was a stunning clear day and there were mountains as far as the eye could see. There were a few walkers on top of the mountain but it was very quiet given it was mid July. I then cycled down 3.5 km (300m vertical) downhill. I climbed to the top of Mount Dietrichshorn (1542m) on foot which was a very steep climb at times by via ferreta. Then a 7.5 km (1000 vertical metres) adrenaline filled decent to the pretty village of Reith.
Austria has a reputation as an expensive country however we have found that it offers excellent value for money and a lot of things that in other countries (especially Italy) you would have to pay for are free. An example of this are the free detailed mountain-biking and hiking maps. There are well maintained walking and cycling paths with good signage that corresponds to the maps. 10/10 Austria!
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| Planning the ride down |
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| Me at the top |
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| The route back to Lofer |
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| Camp Grubhoff (Our excellent campsite) |
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| Beehives on the mountain. |
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