Stage 5: Salzburg – A City Tour Full of Energy, Elegance & Mozart

Michael Poepke | 16. July 2025

Stage 5 of the igus:bike Tour Austria takes us deep into the cultural heart of the country — Salzburg. Known for its music, history, and timeless beauty, this stage is a journey through past and present, tradition and innovation, all from the saddle of a sustainable bike. True to local character, the weather shows its moody side — a touch of Salzburger Schnürlregen and shifting skies accompany the ride, adding charm to the experience.

On the bike today: Marco Ohler, Product Manager for iglidur® bearings and Bar stock, and Carola Huber, Assistant to the Management. Both set off ready to explore what makes Salzburg so unforgettable.

Power from the River: Sohlstufe Lehen

Our day begins at the Sohlstufe Lehen, a hydroelectric power station on the Salzach. It’s more than an energy plant — it’s a symbol of Salzburg’s modern commitment to clean, renewable power. A fitting place to launch a tour that celebrates forward-thinking mobility.

A Garden Worth Singing About: Schloss Mirabell & Mirabellgarten

Next stop: one of the city’s most elegant landmarks. Schloss Mirabell, built in 1606 for love, is surrounded by manicured gardens immortalized in The Sound of Music. With views of the fortress above and flowers in full bloom, it’s a scene that blends cinematic magic and baroque grandeur.

A Genius Remembered: Mozart’s Residence

Just across the way, we arrive at the Mozart Wohnhaus. Here, Wolfgang Amadeus lived and composed — and here, the silence almost plays its own music. It’s a place of creative history and humble beginnings, where genius once tuned a piano for the world to hear.

Memorials and Motion: Marko-Feingold-Steg

Crossing the Salzach, we reach the Marko-Feingold-Steg — a pedestrian bridge named after Austria’s last Holocaust survivor. It’s a place of remembrance and resilience. At its end stands Lotte Ranft’s sculpture of a cyclist, blending the city’s bike-friendly spirit with deeper symbolism: motion as freedom.

Locks of Love: Markatsteg Bridge

Along the ride, Marco and Carola pass the Markatsteg, Salzburg’s famous “Lover’s Bridge” covered in colorful padlocks. Each lock represents a promise, a memory, or a story — adding a personal, romantic touch to the city’s scenic riverside. It’s a charming symbol of connection in a city full of meaningful moments.

Salzburg’s Heartbeat: From the Mozartsteg to Mozartplatz

Crossing the elegant Mozartsteg, the tour heads into Salzburg’s cultural core. Just steps away lies Mozartplatz, home to the iconic statue of the city’s musical genius. Surrounded by history and harmony, it’s a fitting tribute to Salzburg’s enduring artistic spirit.

History in Every Corner: Kapitelplatz

From ecclesiastical center to cultural crossroads, Kapitelplatz offers layered history. Among the cobblestones and chess players are two focal points:

Salzburger Dom: Towering beside the square, Salzburg Cathedral is a masterpiece of baroque architecture. With its grand façade and twin towers, it stands as a spiritual and historical anchor of the city — where Mozart was baptized and generations have gathered for centuries.

Sphaera: A golden sphere topped by a solitary man, created by Stephan Balkenhol. This curious sculpture contrasts ancient stone with contemporary thought — playful, yet philosophical.

A Street with a Story: Getreidegasse

Salzburg’s most iconic alley, the Getreidegasse, is alive with wrought-iron guild signs, cafés, and curious footsteps. At No. 9, we pause at Mozart’s birthplace. A narrow home in a narrow street — proving that greatness often starts in the quietest corners.

Where Horses Once Bathed: Pferdeschwemme

As we pass below the cliffs of the Mönchsberg, we arrive at the Pferdeschwemme. This 17th-century fountain once washed noble steeds; now it captures baroque Salzburg in stone and water. With mythological sculptures and rich detail, it’s both monument and memory.

Above It All: Hohensalzburg Fortress

Towering over the city skyline, Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval castles — and an unmistakable symbol of Salzburg. Built in the 11th century to protect the powerful archbishops, it offers a glimpse into the military and political might of its time. Today, the fortress is a cultural landmark and popular viewpoint, offering sweeping panoramas of the Alps, the Salzach River, and the baroque rooftops below. Whether admired from the gardens of Mirabell or seen silhouetted against the sky, the fortress reminds us how deeply history is etched into Salzburg’s landscape.

Prost to the Finish: Sternbräu Salzburg

The final stop leads us to Sternbräu, one of Salzburg’s most historic and beloved brewery restaurants, nestled in the heart of the Old Town. With roots dating back to the 16th century, Sternbräu blends tradition with contemporary flair — offering guests hearty Austrian cuisine in beautifully restored dining halls and a lively courtyard atmosphere.

As Marco and Carola enjoy a final toast, the day’s impressions settle in: history, hospitality, and a shared passion for exploring Salzburg by bike. It’s the perfect ending to a ride that celebrates movement, culture, and connection.

What’s Next?

With Salzburg behind us, the igus:bike rolls on. One stage richer, one city deeper — and many more moments ahead. Stay tuned.

Our riders:

Carola Huber

I’m Carola Huber, and I’ve been with igus Austria since 2012. My career at igus started in telemarketing, where I quickly learned to appreciate the personal connection with our customers—something I still really enjoy today. Over the years, my responsibilities have grown, and now I work as Executive Assistant to the management team.

What I find most rewarding is supporting the leadership behind the scenes, helping keep everything running smoothly so that innovation and growth at igus can continue without a hitch. Being part of igus means being part of a team that moves forward together, and I’m proud to contribute to that every day.

Marco Ohler

I’m Marco Ohler from Altmünster in the Salzkammergut, and I’ve been with igus Austria for 13 years. My journey at igus started in field sales for the drytech product line. My territory stretched from eastern Upper Austria to western Lower Austria, reaching deep into the Waldviertel region. With today’s electric cars, that would definitely be a bigger challenge!

During my 8 years in field sales, I gained a lot of experience through customer successes—and a few setbacks as well. Luckily, my manager Christoph Föttinger still trusted me and gave me the opportunity to take on the role of Product Manager for “iglidur, barstock, and drygear.

Map of this stage: