We saw the sun today. For several hours. And the lower section of the valley, with its castles, cliffs and gorges, was absolutely stunning.

The cycling was a joy – about 35 miles down the valley – but still over 300m of climbing thrown in. This was mainly to avoid narrow sections of the spectacular gorge.

The final section was Austrian pastureland at its most idyllic. In fact I think that Golling is my latest top retirement village! We stopped for tea in a farm garden with llamas, donkeys and peacocks. Perfect!

And now we have just checked into a lovely guesthof, in the countryside just south of Salzburg. We plan to spend 2 days exploring Salzburg before the final leg back to Zurich.


Hi both of you. I have just been away with no wifi, so just catching up with your trip. And what did I find. Very familiar fotos of the Austrian gorge on the way to Salzburg where I spent a most delightful Spring holiday several years ago. It was the view of the castle that clinched it. We stayed in StJohann, a small village on the valley side with the rail line below for good transport along the gorge to Salzburg. The walking was stunning, so I can imagine how good it was to cycle.
Sorry that the weather has been against you in recent times. But the gnomes must have put a smile back on your faces.
Safe journey.
Love Pauline