SALT & LAKE Trail

SALT & LAKE Trail – Salzkammergut, Austria

• Date: 26 September 2026
• Location: Salzkammergut, Austria
• Distances: 480 km (8000m), 280 km (5000m)
• Event Type: Unsupported Bikepacking Adventure

The Salt & Lake Trail offers a profound unsupported bikepacking adventure through Austria’s celebrated Salzkammergut region. The event is not a race in the traditional sense, but an invitation to find your own pace somewhere between a competitive tempo and a gentle journey. With a shared start, riders set off to trace a path through the heart of the country, over gravel tracks, forest roads, and quiet farm lanes. The landscape is one of endless stories, where the rhythm of pedalling is set against a backdrop of mountains and water, a true test of self-reliance and spirit.

Two distinct routes are offered, each presenting a significant but rewarding challenge. The longer option charts a course of 480 kilometres with a formidable 8000 metres of elevation gain. A shorter, yet still demanding, 280-kilometre loop involves 5000 metres of climbing. This unsupported bikepacking adventure requires riders to carry all their own gear, organising their own food and lodging along the way. While there are no support stations, the freedom to choose your own path and schedule is central to the experience, with up to six days allowed to complete the journey.

The route’s character is defined by its passage through historic salt-producing towns and alongside countless tranquil lakes. The terrain is a mix of surfaces that reward a gravel or mountain bike, winding through some of the most memorable scenery in central Europe. The organisers have curated a journey that balances demanding physical effort with moments of quiet reflection. Small detours are built into the GPX track, leading to points of interest that invite riders to pause, look around, and absorb the atmosphere of this unique corner of the Alps.

This unsupported bikepacking adventure unfolds in the autumn, a season that lends the landscape a particular character. Riders should prepare for a wide range of conditions; warm sunshine can still grace the valleys, but cooler temperatures, rain, and even early-season snow are possible at the higher elevations. The organisers emphasise respect for the natural environment, implementing a mandatory riding pause overnight to ensure wildlife is not disturbed. This rule encourages a slower, more deliberate pace, allowing time for a lakeside beer or a night under the stars where permitted.

The spirit of the Salt & Lake Trail is one of inclusivity and personal discovery. The event welcomes a diverse field of participants, from seasoned ultra-racers to riders simply wishing to immerse themselves in the landscape. Whether you ride alone or join forces with others along the way, the goal is the same: to complete the route and take from it what is most important to you. It is a chance to step away from daily routines and find a different rhythm, surrounded by nature. Explore other other gravel events in Austria to see what the region has to offer.

The journey is the destination. While a live tracker is provided for safety and for those who wish to follow along, the true focus is on the personal experience. It is about pushing personal boundaries while appreciating the quiet beauty of the Austrian landscape. All the details and registration information for this exceptional unsupported bikepacking adventure can be found on the official event website.