The "Tauernschleuse"

Our next stop was the so called "Tauernschleuse", a train that would take us from Böckstein to Mallnitz and thus spare us many meters in altitude - it is actually meant for cars, but very popular for cyclists, too.
The train leaves every hour and has space for 50 bicycles, yet it was not possible to reserve a space beforehand - but we got lucky, and we not only got a ticket but also arrived just in time to catch it!
Loading the bikes was much easier than on the train to Salzburg (though the waggons on the Tauernschleuse are designed specifically for bikes, so they better be!) and after a short 15 minute ride we arrived at the other side of the mountains, leaving behind the province of Salzburg and entering Kärnten.Read more