Gravel Adventure at Lake Traunsee

Salt pirates? What are those? According to historical sources, they really existed.
In the 11th century AD, they ambushed the salt transports from Hallstatt at Lake Traunsee to capture the valuable cargo of the time: salt.
What’s it all about and is the story true?
We won’t reveal too much, as you can find out for yourself on this gravel bike tour from Bad Ischl to Lake Traunsee and back.

Start in Bad Goisern

Our tour begins in the cycling capital of the Inner Salzkammergut, Bad Goisern.
This small town is home to Austria’s toughest mountain bike marathon, the Salzkammergut Trophy. But the region doesn’t rest on its laurels. There are countless routes here for all types of cycling, as well as many alpine pastures, hotels, and restaurants that cater to our needs. You’ll also find bike stores offering service and rental bikes.
Leaving town, we ride north along the Traun River, passing by Weissenbachtal. On the old Roman road, we find a fantastic gravel path that leads us past a castle ruin. Wildenstein Castle was built in the 13th century to protect the Hallstatt salt trade. Aha! The first clue in our exploration of the salt pirates. You can find more information about the castle on an info board.
Onwards to Bad Ischl.

A short stop in the spa town of Bad Ischl?

Bad Ischl is also known as the Emperor’s City. In the 19th century, it was the summer residence of Emperor Franz Joseph I. The historic city center and its impressive architecture bear witness to Bad Ischl’s high times.
If you spend more time in the town, you should visit the Kaiservilla, the actual summer residence of Franz Joseph I, which is now a museum. At the very least, you should take a bath in the salt springs after the strenuous tour. They are said to have healing powers!

Along the Traun River to Lake Traunsee

Speaking of a strenuous tour, let’s get back on our gravel bikes and head to Lake Traunsee. The route is easy to find. We ride along the Traun River on bike paths, quiet side streets, and some fine gravel sections.
If you look at the map here, you can see that we are riding a loop up to the Offensee. On the side of the lake up to the highest point, there is a hike-a-bike section. Here you can also choose to ride the loop the other way round if you prefer to push uphill.
At Lake Traunsee, we find a skywalk over the lake. We set the stage here with our Titanic reenactment, but we can’t wait to see your best photos here. 😜
And the salt pirates? They once roamed here, hiding behind rock walls to ambush salt transports. Back then, salt was a valuable commodity. The transports were increasingly protected by armed patrols, and watchtowers were also built. The ruins are still partially visible and can be visited. So, take some time if you have it.

Along the Rindbach to Lake Offensee

Through the town of Ebensee, we now head towards the Rindbach Valley. The Rindbach winds steeply and narrowly up a valley. The gravel road is a dream and offers many unique panoramas. A short detour to the Rindbach Waterfall is also worthwhile, though it’s not directly on the route. After a tough climb of about 400 meters in elevation, we reach a grand descent. Watch out, it's not without its challenges!
For a stretch, it becomes a hike-a-bike for us. Not tragic, but we push our bike over a steep, rocky section. The section is soon over and as already mentioned: If you prefer to push your bike uphill here, you can of course cycle the Offensee loop the other way round.

Snack at Lake Offensee

Lake Offensee is an absolute highlight. Surrounded by mountains, filled with clear water. A beautiful gravel road leads around it.
Were there salt pirates here too? Unlikely. 😉
Halfway around the lake, we find the Seeau snack station at Lake Offensee. Here, you can enjoy great local dishes and even local drinks. You should try a Pedacola.
It’s incredibly idyllic here, and the place invites you to linger. With a wide view over the lake, it’s hard to move on with full stomachs. But it’s time to head back.

Back through Bad Ischl along the Traun River

We zoom down a fantastic road winding through the Offensee Creek Valley. Be careful not to miss the turn; we take a gravel shortcut back to the Traun River. Along the Traun, we know the way that leads us back to Bad Ischl.
Bad Ischl is the perfect place to enjoy an ice cream, a coffee, or a proper meal one last time.
Then, with no major obstacles but fantastic scenery, we return to Bad Goisern, where our gravel adventure ends.

P.S.: An eye patch is not mandatory for this tour. 🏴‍☠️