Filial Churches Tour in the Salzburg Lake District

This route combines scenic riding with cultural gems: discover historic churches scattered across the countryside while enjoying the peaceful lanes and rolling hills of the region. It’s the perfect mix of nature, culture, and a little sporting challenge — great for gravel riders, e-bikes, and touring bikes.

The tour starts in Eugendorf at the Parish Church of St. Martin, a Gothic hall church from the 15th century. An inspiring setting for the beginning of your cultural and scenic ride.

From there, the route rolls gently downhill towards Seekirchen and makes its first detour to the Filial Church of Mühlberg, dedicated to St. Leonhard. Sitting on a hill with wide views of the surrounding landscape, the church is well worth the short climb. Late Gothic architecture and its calm cemetery ensemble give it a special charm.

The next section leads you through Seekirchen am Wallersee, past the train station, and onto a narrow gravel bike path along the shores of Lake Wallersee. With fishing huts, open views, and birdlife, this is one of the most tranquil parts of the tour — just ride carefully on the natural surface.

From the lakeside, the road climbs up towards Schleedorf. You ride higher on quiet farm lanes, passing by Mattsee, before continuing into open farmland. After a short stretch on a busier road, you detour into Gebertsham. Here you’ll find the simple but charming Filial Church of Gebertsham, with Romanesque elements and rustic frescoes reflecting rural life.

The route then continues towards Lochen am See, home to the Parish Church of Lochen, a Baroque building from the 18th century famous for its crafted altars and peaceful village setting.

From Lochen, small backroads and some gravel passages bring you to Straßwalchen, where the imposing Parish Church of St. Martin awaits. With roots in the 12th century, this Gothic treasure stands out with its frescoes and commanding façade.
Next is Irrsdorf, with its Marian Pilgrimage Church, an atmospheric Baroque site and popular stop for pilgrims. The quiet location adds to its beauty.

From there, the ride continues through the calm Henndorf Forest before climbing gently past a golf course to the Pilgrimage Church „Drei Eichen“. Dedicated to St. George, the church is home to a Baroque altar by Meinrad Guggenbichler and offers sweeping views over the region from its small hilltop position.

The final leg leads over rolling country roads back to Eugendorf, where the loop ends at the Parish Church of St. Martin — an ideal finale to a scenic and cultural cycling day.

Conclusion

The Filial Churches Tour in the Salzburg Lake District combines culture, nature, and sportive riding into one inspiring loop. From lakeside paths to quiet roads and historic churches, this ride truly captures the atmosphere of the Salzburg countryside. Accessible by gravel or touring bike — and e-bike friendly — it’s a route packed with variety and plenty of highlights along the way.