Alps & Lakes - CAL2503
Autumn tour with character: From Erding to Salzburg in wind and weather When the motorcycle season draws to a close, the roads show their quiet, rugged side. The route led from Erding to Salzburg – around 180 kilometers through Upper Bavaria and the Salzburg region, with temperatures just above 10 degrees Celsius and a sky that couldn't decide whether it wanted to rain or just provide a gray mood. 🌧️ Weather: Fresh, damp, but determined The air was clear, the asphalt damp, and good gloves quickly became the best investment of the day. No sunshine, but no continuous rain either – more like that typical “in-between weather” that bathes the landscape in melancholic light and makes every break a little escape from the cold. 🛑 Stops with soul Wasserburg am Inn: A short stop with a view of the old town, where the colorful facades shine despite the gray sky. Chiemsee: The large lake lay still, almost reverently under the low-hanging cloud cover. No tourist hustle and bustle, just the soft lapping of the waves and the view of Herreninsel. A moment to take a deep breath. Kaiserbuche: The classic choice for anyone who loves a view. Even though visibility was limited today, the place had something majestic about it—perhaps precisely because of the wisps of fog drifting through the trees. 🎼 A stylish finale: Mozart dinner in Salzburg Then, in the evening, the contrast: from the damp motorcycle jacket to the cozy rooms of the St. Peter Stiftskulinarium. The Mozart dinner offered not only culinary sophistication, but also a journey into the world of 18th-century music. Between courses, arias from “Don Giovanni” and “The Magic Flute” rang out – live, close by, and surprisingly intense after a day on the road.
The second day of our motorcycle journey began with the familiar hum of our BMW engines and the gentle tapping of rain on our helmets. Leaving Salzburg behind, we rode along the Fuschlsee and Mondsee, the roads shimmering with rain and the mountains cloaked in mist. The weather gave the ride a unique kind of poetry—melancholic yet beautiful. At Lake Wolfgang, we stopped in St. Wolfgang for a warming coffee, watching raindrops dance on the surface of the water. We continued on to Bad Ischl, where we enjoyed lunch at the famous Café Zauner—a place steeped in history, filled with the scent of pastries and the charm of old Austria. Afterward, the road led us through the wild Weißenbachtal toward Lake Attersee. By the time we reached Steinbach and followed the lake’s edge back toward Traunsee, the rain finally eased. A gentle beam of sunlight broke through, as if rewarding our persistence. In Gmunden, our day ended at Hotel Schwan, where our second tour guide rode up just in time to deliver the final beer of the evening. It tasted of adventure, freedom, and quiet pride. Despite the rain—or maybe because of it—it was one of those days that will stay with us forever.
🏍️ Alpine moments on two wheels – From Gmunden to Kaprun Our tour began in Gmunden and took us through some of the most impressive regions of the Austrian Alps. What followed was a perfect mix of winding roads, cultural highlights, and technical discoveries. 🏛️ Technology meets tradition – Hallstatt Vehicle Museum A special highlight was the visit to the Vehicle and Technology Museum. The collection ranged from classic motorcycles and historic vehicles to mechanical rarities. 🏞️ Hallstatt – Between world heritage and workshop Hallstatt was more than just a stopover – it was an experience. The town itself, nestled between the lake and steep rock faces, looks like something out of a picture book. We strolled through the narrow streets, admired the historic houses, and enjoyed the view of Lake Hallstatt from the ossuary. 🧺 Picnic with a view Before continuing our journey, we treated ourselves to a picnic right on the lake shore. With a view of the crystal-clear water and the reflecting mountain peaks, we enjoyed Leberkäse and cake. 🏔️ Hochkönig – Royal curves The route took us on via Bischofshofen to the Hochkönig. The pass road was a driving highlight: little traffic, perfect asphalt, and a panorama that forced us to pause. The view of the mighty Hochkönig massif, framed by autumnal forests, was simply majestic.
Alpine adventure despite Großglockner closure The planned route over the Großglockner was canceled due to weather conditions—closed because of snowfall. But instead of canceling the tour, an alternative route was spontaneously created, which proved to be a real highlight. We started in Kaprun, under cloudy skies and slightly unstable conditions. First stage: the Krimml Waterfalls. We continued along the old Gerlos Pass road, which was charmingly winding and pleasantly quiet. The Zillertal High Road presented itself as mystical: thick fog enveloped the landscape and created an almost surreal atmosphere. Visibility? Partially less than 30 meters – challenging to drive, but impressive. We returned to Kaprun via Kirchberg and Kitzbühel. 📍 Conclusion: Even without the Grossglockner, the tour was a complete success. Flexibility pays off – especially on two wheels. And the weather? It didn't spoil the route, but gave it a unique atmosphere.
The last day of our motorcycle group tour began in Kaprun and took us on a wonderfully varied route to Erding. Riding past the scenic Pillersee, the charming Walchsee, and over the winding Ursprung Pass, we once again experienced the full beauty of the Alpine landscape. Although the sky remained mostly cloudy, the cool, pleasant weather made for perfect riding conditions – no heat, no rain, just pure joy on two wheels. Around midday, we stopped at a cozy Bavarian inn for a hearty lunch. With roast pork, dumplings, and refreshing drinks, we reminisced about the highlights of our journey. It was the perfect ending to a fantastic trip filled with curves, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories – a truly fitting finale to an Alpine motorcycle adventure.