Mountain bike trails in Germany

As a mountain bike destination, Germany offers a wide variety of bike parks, trail centers and an almost endless number of routes. Both beginners and professionals can let off steam on the trails and explore the attractive landscape on two wheels.

Curtains made of granite columns and volcanic cones with panoramic views: the German low mountain range landscape is spectacular, fascinating and diverse. Extensive route networks in the Sauerland, the Ore Mountains, the Bavarian Forest, the Harz and the Palatinate Forest are waiting to be explored. Here is a list of ten mountain bike destinations in Germany.

1. Rodalben

Overview

Rodalben is one of the official routes of the Palatinate Forest Mountain Bike Park. The mountain bike park offers 20 well-signposted cross-country routes through the Palatinate Forest Nature Park, one of the largest contiguous forest areas in Germany.

The route consists mostly of field and gravel paths, but also contains 10-20% single trails, which is rare in Germany. There are a few good climbs with corresponding descents. The ruins of a castle can be seen in the distance, and at the highest point there is a lookout tower from which you can see most of the Palatinate Forest.

All in all, it's a quiet cross-country route through the forest, a good opportunity to get in touch with nature. It's not a technical treat, but it offers a good workout.

The route is an 8 that ends in the small village of Leimen. If 38 miles doesn't suit you, you can also hike half of the 8 route.

Worth knowing

This hike begins at Rodalben train station. In general, trains in Germany are very bike-friendly. In most regional trains (IRE, RE, RB, S-Bahn) there are special compartments or areas for bicycles; look for the bike symbol on the outside of the cart. You will need a separate bike ticket, which should cost around 5 euros. In or near large cities there may be driving bans during peak times. It is also possible to take bicycles on some ICE trains, but you will definitely need a reservation and a separate ticket.

This route crosses the rock hiking trail (F) several times. The Rock Trail (F) is a hiking trail, and I'm 95% sure it's closed to bikes (except for the short section shared with this trail, which is clearly marked for bikes). The Germans take their rules very seriously, so walk the Felsenwanderweg (F) at your own risk.

Description

The route begins at Rodalben train station. The route is well marked with official signs, so you could drive without GPX, but why would you do that?

You start with a walk through the streets of Rodalben to reach the first section, the Hubertus Rock. Note that the bridge over the Rodalb River has a different weight limit for tanks (!). Kaiserslautern, just north of there, used to be a huge US military base; now there is only one small one.

Along the Hubertusfelsen there are three climbs of around 100 m, mostly on gravel or unpaved forest paths, before Leimen is reached. There are a few sections of singletrack, including a notable one on the descent of the second climb. This part of the route has some interesting rock formations between the first and second climbs. The summit of the Hubertus Rock in particular can be worth a short detour; a signpost shows the way.

A good part of the way you can see the ruins of a castle in front of you from the road and it looks as if the path leads there. Unfortunately this is not the case. The ruins are located on the Schloßberg, 1 km west of Merzalben.

The second section, Schwarzbach, begins in Leimen. It follows the forest road along the Schwarzbach, but is otherwise inconspicuous. There is a small lake, the Weiher, where you can swim if you want. Via Schmalerkoph you reach the small town of Johanneskreuz.

In Johanneskreuz you start with another short climb and then enjoy 4 kilometers of running at the 500 meter mark. Then begins a steep climb of 100 m on a path to the summit of the Eschkopf (608 m). Halfway up the climb you cross the B48. There is a lookout tower at the summit from which you have a great view.

From Eschkopf it goes back down, mostly on dirt roads and paths to Leimen. Near the 8 km marker there are two historical markers (Kapitanshütte) and (Preußenstein). These mark the points of a Prussian captain's hut and an observation post from the time of the French Revolution.

Arrived back in Leimen, the Schmalerkopf forest path leads over another short climb back to Rodalben. After a stretch of road through the village of Clausen, the last section, the Dreiweiherbach, leads into a small valley where the forest opens up for a moment. For the short climb out of the valley, the route joins the rock hiking trail (F) and then leads back to Rodalben via another forest road.

2. Tour Bernstein

Overview

This tour begins in the picturesque village of Gernsbach in the Murgtal. On quiet forest paths you quickly immerse yourself in the dense Black Forest. This cross-country style route will really test your legs with a sustained climb that includes some steeper short climbs and a long, well-deserved descent.

Unfortunately there are no single trails as the route belongs to the state of Baden-Württemberg, which prohibits bicycles on most roads less than 2 meters wide. The route leads up to the village of Loffenau, halfway to the Bernsteinfels (694 m) and some of the highest peaks in the northern Black Forest. Shortly before the summit there is a great view of the Rhine Valley.

Worth knowing

This tour begins at Gernsbach train station. In general, trains in Germany are very bike-friendly. In most regional trains (IRE, RE, RB, S-Bahn) there are special compartments or areas for bicycles; look for the bike symbol on the outside of the cart. You will need a separate bike ticket, which should cost around 5 euros. In or near large cities there may be driving bans during peak times. Bicycles are also allowed on some Intercity Express (ICE) trains, but you must book and purchase a separate ticket.

Description

The tour begins conveniently at Gernsbach train station. After a short drive through the town, the slight climb begins on the Laufbachtal forest road. This crosses the Laufbachtal and follows the Laufbach for a good distance.

Shortly after finally crossing the stream, turn right onto a road that takes you to Loffenau. In Loffenau there are many buildings with the characteristic half-timbered architecture that many associate with the Black Forest. Half of the climb is also in Loffenau.

The climb begins from the city center via the Dreizielsteinweg. The climb to Loffenau consists of several shorter, steeper sections. The dirt path leads just below the summit of the Bernsteinfels. At this point there is a forest clearing from which you have a wonderful view of the Rhine Valley in the distance. It's only a short distance to the summit via the Iltishaldenweg -> Breite Straße -> Bernsteinfels.

After the summit of the Amber Rock, it's practically all downhill. The Loffenauerweg and some shorter forest roads lead back to Loffenau. After crossing Loffenau on some local roads, an easy drive through Igelbach takes you along the stream of the same name back to the starting point in Gernsbach.

To do this, be sure to get the MTB Project GPX and/or use the MTB Project mobile app. There are numerous unmarked junctions in the forest.

If you want more kilometers, you can take the Four Forests tour, which starts at the same point and goes up the other side of the Murg Valley.

3. Tour Four Forests

Overview

The setting for this tour is the dense forests of the Black Forest, and since the name can be translated as "Tour of the Four Forests", there is also plenty of forest on this tour.

The state of Baden-Württemberg, where the “2 meter rule” applies, i.e. H All streets that are less than 2 meters wide are not allowed to be used by bicycle. There are many forest paths in the hills around idyllic Gernsbach. Bring a cross-country bike and you can enjoy some very long and aerobically challenging forest road rides in the area.

The tour begins with a strenuous climb from the Murg valley up to the mountain ridge above the historic city of Baden-Baden. Then it goes slightly uphill on the ridge before going down to Gernsbach. Along the ridge you pass a network of mountain huts.

Worth knowing

This hike begins at the train station in Gernsbach. In general, trains in Germany are very bike-friendly. In most regional trains (IRE, RE, RB, S-Bahn) there are special compartments or areas for bicycles; look for the bike symbol on the outside of the cart. You will need a separate bike ticket, which should cost around 5 euros. In or near large cities there may be driving bans during peak times. Bicycles are also allowed on some Intercity Express (ICE) trains, but you must book and purchase a separate ticket.

Description

This route begins with a 3 km long hike along the Murg Valley through the villages of Scheuern and Obertsrot. On the hill above Scheuern, on the opposite bank of the Murg, is the obligatory castle, but you don't pass it.

In Obertsrot you cross the river and begin the climb on the Obertsrot - Lindelhutte forest road. Shortly after leaving Obertsrot, the route leads into the dense Black Forest, which you don't really leave until the end of the route, when you return to Gernsbach. You will feel like you have left civilization behind.

Towards the end of this climb (400 m gradient at 10%) you reach the Lindelhütte and a large forest road junction. Although the hut is not managed, it offers a pleasant place to take a breather, collect your thoughts, take a break and/or work on the poster.

After the climb you have gained an easier path along the mountain ridge. The Lindelhütte in Haidenell takes you to the next hut, again without service and again where many forest paths meet. From Haidenell you can get to Nachtigal via Haidenell to the Nachtigal restaurant and the beer garden, which is located on an asphalted main road (Badener Straße; L78).

After the restaurant, the bridle path leads to the last hut, the Binsenwasenhütte (also without catering). It is located in a small clearing in the forest and around 10 forest paths and paths meet at this point, so there can be a lot of activity here. The climb to the Binsenwasenhütte is easy, but not as strenuous as the first climb from Obertsrot.

From the Binsenwasenhütte a short turnoff leads to the asphalted K3766 and then the Staufenbergkamm forest road along the ridge down to Gernsbach. The forest extends north of this road, but towards the south you can see agricultural fields and vineyards. When you reach the outskirts of Gernsbach you have to return to the exit via local roads.

Be sure to get the MTB Project GPX and/or use the MTB Project Mobile App. There are numerous unmarked junctions in the forest.

If you want more kilometers, the Tour de Bernstein starts at the same point and goes up the other side of the Murg Valley.

4. Calw Monastery Tour

Overview

This tour is a combination of gravel and gravel paths that connect forest areas on the eastern edge of the Black Forest near the small town of Calw. The hike leads to the impressive ruins of an 11th century monastery. Century in the city of Hirsau. If you come in early spring, large fields of flowers bloom near Zavelstein.

In the German state of Baden-Württemberg, bicycles are not allowed on roads less than 2 meters wide, so you have to make do with gravel and millstones on forest paths. With the exception of a steep climb from Hirsau, the route is not particularly difficult. Since it's mostly gravel and gravelled forest paths, there's no technical component, but overall it's a pleasant loop.

Worth knowing

For this route you should definitely download a GPS device or have the MTB Project mobile app at hand. There are many branches and curves. This route is marked as number 5 in the area, but not all intersections are marked.

Description

This route begins at a small parking lot in the satellite village of Wimberg. The route can be accessed directly from Calw train station, but there is quite a climb to the start.

The route follows a series of paths in the forest south of Wimberg, where there is a well-developed network of forest paths and paths. After a short stretch on the Sonnenhangweg, turn left into the wild boar enclosure. It is named after a wild boar enclosure that is said to exist in the area, but I didn't see any wild boars.

Then it's about 6 km on asphalted, little-used municipal roads until you reach the next large piece of forest. You pass through a few villages (Weltenschwann, Altburg) and use a number of local roads. Follow the tips above to download the GPS or use the MTB Project mobile app.

Finally you get back into the dense forest and follow the Zeppelinforcheweg into the Upper Schweinbachtal. This leads to Hirsau, at the foot of the Nagoldtal. There is also a short stretch of asphalt road through the town. Take time to visit the ruins of Hirschau Monastery. That in the 11th until 12. The 16th century monastery was destroyed in 1692, but the ruins are still extensive and impressive.

After Hirschau we go back up into the valley. The climb via Alte Badstraße and Oberen Bruderburgweg is 1.5 km with a gradient of 10% and leads back into the dense forest. After that, the next 8 km on the Oberen Bruderburgweg and the Horißweg are much less steeply uphill. At the junction of these forest roads, a short path leads to a cave and shortly afterwards to a small hut (without toilets).

After this long stretch through the forest, further local farm roads lead through Oberkollbach. This brings you to the Kohlacherweg and the Brunnenbuschweg, both of which are in the forest. Another short stretch on tarred roads takes you to the next large piece of forest, the Heckenforstweg. This winds through a wooded area interspersed with agricultural fields. When I traveled this trail in May there were some impressive fields of flowers to pick. The saffron flower fields at the end of this section, near Zavelstein, are apparently even more impressive in March and attract many people.

From there the Zavelsteiner Bridge leads to an old bridge. This section is narrower than most of the other forest paths on this route, but not so narrow that it could be called a singletrack. The path is lined with trees on both sides, which makes it particularly scenic. After crossing the old bridge, the gypsy path initially leads steeply downhill for 3 km before a short final climb back to the starting point.

5. Lusatian Mountains

Overview

This route leads through a densely forested area on the Czech-German border in the Lužické Mountains (Lužické Hory). In Germany this region is known as the Zittau Mountains and there are several hiking trails in the Zittau Mountains Nature Park and the surrounding Czech countryside.

There are some short, fun singletrack descents on this route, but most of the route is forest roads through a green forest. As I drove the route, red mushrooms with white spots sprouted all over the forest, but I don't know if they were magical or not.

The hike leads to the highest point in the mountains, the Lausche (793 m), from where you have a wide view over the German landscape to the north. You will also climb the third highest peak, Jedlová / Tannenberg (774 m), which is crowned by a mountain hut where you can enjoy a meal with a good Czech beer.

On the way you will also come across fortifications from the 13th century that are in varying degrees of well-preserved condition. until 20. Century over. As you approach Oybin and Jonsdorf, towards the end of the path, you will pass through a cool garden with huge boulders that are perfect for climbing.

Description

You will definitely need a GPX or the MTB Project Mobile App to follow this loop. There is a whole network of paths and forest roads in this area and it is easy to get lost. While this can be fun, if you don't speak Czech, it might not be the best time to use this option.

The route begins on the outskirts of Waltersdorf, Germany, where you drive on the main road to the Czech border. Then we continue to the Lausche, which ultimately leads to the highest peak (793 m) of the Lusatian Mountains, right on the Czech-German border. Near the summit, the trail turns into a narrow, winding singletrack, and you'll likely have to hike a bit to reach the summit. From the summit you have a beautiful view over Germany, and the descent is then easier.

The next stage is an impressive descent through the forest (Lesné) that leads to the town of Lesné. Follow the path on the other side of State Route 9. The road turns into the forest road Tolštejn Castle - Jedlová Peak. Tolštejn Castle was an important fortress in the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648), but has been in ruins since 1642. At the top of Jedlová Peak (775 m, third highest peak in the mountains) a hut with excellent Czech beer awaits you. From here the Jedlová slope descends 150 m to 20%.

After that you can relatively easily turn onto the Jedlová loop, Mellow Mushroom Road and Magic Mushroom Road. These are forest paths through the dense green coniferous forest that covers this area. If you come at the right time of year, you can find mushrooms with red, white-spotted 4-inch crowns here. You will need the help of a mycologist to determine if they are grassy and/or magical.

After the Magic Mushroom Road, the route continues for three kilometers on a little-used asphalt road through the Czech countryside. It takes you back to the Czech-German border. There is a short stretch of gravel road right on the border, the Grenzstrasse. From here you have a good view of a monastery castle on the other side of the valley near Oybin.

After returning to Germany, a series of shorter paths go up and down three hills: Eschengrundweg, Talringweg, Thomasweg, Gerölleweg, Jonsdorfer Felsenstadt, Hohlsteinweg and Butterberg. These are connected to each other by short sections of road. (Did I mention that it can be useful to have a GPX or the MTB Project mobile app?)

The climbs on this half of the route in Germany are not as difficult, steep or long as on the first half in the Czech Republic. There are some unusual rock formations along this route. Some can be seen from afar, others are in the shadows.

With a bit of luck you'll finally get back to the car on the outskirts of Waltersdorf. If you don't have a car, you can also use the train station in Zittau, which is only a few kilometers away from this route.

History and background

This tour begins with a history lesson on the Czech-German border. A memorial plaque commemorates a Czech customs house that was raided in mid-1938 as part of a series of border incidents that served as a pretext for the National Socialists to annex the Sudetenland, which was then predominantly inhabited by Germans, to what was then Czechoslovakia.

This forest path also leads past the ruins of Tolštejn Castle, which was an important fortress during the Thirty Years' War. It was destroyed in a siege in 1642 and not much can be seen today. There is another castle monastery near Oybin, and there are also 20th century fortifications along the route.

6. Finzbachtal

Overview

This is a leisurely hike through a pastoral mountain valley with views of the Esterberg and the Wetterstein Mountains in Bavaria. Most of the time these are forest roads, as many of the Bavarian paths that are less than 2 meters wide are closed to bicycles. However, in the middle of the trail there is a section about a kilometer long that is significantly narrower, goes steeply downhill and has a lot of rocks to contend with.

Worth knowing

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is easily accessible with direct train connections from Munich, and bicycles can be rented from several companies in the city. Some trains allow bicycles to be transported free of charge, but regulations vary depending on train type and may not be allowed on regular commuter trains. Check with a ticket agent if you are unsure.

Description

The GPS route shown here starts at Garmisch-Partenkirchen train station, but you can also park in the Wankbahn car park. If you haven't yet had the pleasure of visiting a typical Bavarian village, you should explore the place by bike. Garmisch-Partenkirchen is actually a merger of two municipalities, so there are two different historical centers to visit.

The loop begins with an unpleasant climb of almost 550 m up into the Finztalbachtal. From the Wankbahn parking lot, Wankbahnstrasse leads up the mountain. At the second sharp bend at the climbing forest, turn left and continue up the mountain. At kilometer 2.8 there is a small chapel that is ideal for taking photos and allowing you to take a break from the climb.

Most of the climb is through dense forest, but every now and then you break through the cover and get a view of Garmisch-Partenkirchen in the valley below. After about 5 km the path turns sharply east and becomes steeper. Over the next 0.6 km you enjoy the last 200 meters of elevation gain until you reach the head of the valley, and then thankfully it's over.

Now the Finztalbachstrasse begins and with it the reward for the arduous climb. The road now changes from asphalt to gravel and opens into a valley. In the middle of this valley lies the Almsgasthof Esterberg (Esterberghütte). Here you can enjoy a well-deserved drink and a meal before moving on. If you missed the first hut, there is a second one about 0.8 kilometers further, the Hintere Esterbergalm.

Behind the two huts you can enjoy the solitude of this remote valley as you continue on an easier gravel road. From the Almgasthof Esterberg it goes 50 meters uphill through agricultural land before an approximately three kilometer long descent begins parallel to the Finzbach. On the way there you enter and leave the forest as the Finzbach winds through the valley and the Esterberg mountains line the path. At the end of this descent you cross the stream on a small bridge. From the stream you continue uphill to the intersection with the Bauergraben forest road.

After you have followed this forest road for a short distance, you will reach the short section of the Bauergräben-Weg. It is a very demanding and narrow singletrack descent. You will lose 185 m in 0.9 km on a path full of rocks and other obstacles that you have to dodge or jump over.

At the end of the single trail, turn right onto the forest road. First it goes through a dense forest, then the path opens up to a pasture. At kilometer 14.4 you pass the Gschwandtnerbauer hut, which offers the usual hut catering. From here you have a wonderful view of the Wetterstein Mountains in the south.

Behind the Gschwandtnerbauer the path is briefly paved as you pass the village of Schlattan. Afterwards, forests and pastures alternate until you approach a settlement on the outskirts of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Through Garmisch-Partenkirchen you go along several municipal roads until you reach Sankt-Anton-Straße, which leads you to the Sankt Anton monastery. Along the route are fourteen small chapels dedicated to each of the Catholic Stations of the Cross. Shortly afterwards you reach the climbing forest, from where you can get to the train or can return to your car.

7. High Black Forest lakes and mountains

Overview

The Schluchsee is a picturesque lake in the High Black Forest. This tour utilizes the Black Forest's large network of gravel and forest trails to visit 3 lakes that wind around and over the region's 1200-1500m high mountains. This is the highest area in Germany, apart from the Alps on the southern border, and the area is covered by dense, dark forest.

The highlights of the route are the Zweiseenblick, perhaps one of the most picturesque in the Black Forest, and the summit of the Herzogenhorn, the third highest point in the Black Forest, from which you also have a great view.

There are not many paths along the route because the Black Forest is in Baden-Württemberg, where the so-called 2-meter rule applies, which states that most paths that are less than 2 meters wide are for bicycles are taboo.

Worth knowing

This tour begins at the train station in the municipality of Schluchsee. In general, trains in Germany are very bike-friendly. In most regional trains (IRE, RE, RB, S-Bahn) there are special compartments or areas for bicycles; look for the bike symbol on the outside of the cart. You will need a separate bike ticket, which should cost around 5 euros. In or near large cities there may be driving bans during peak times. Bicycles are also allowed on some Intercity Express (ICE) trains, but you definitely need a reservation and a separate ticket.

You will need to download the GPX file or bring your own device with the MTB Project Mobile App unless you want to get lost on one of the many forest trails that cross the route.

Description

The tour begins in the village of Schluchsee and follows the Schluchsee cycle path in a westerly direction along the lake shore. The cycle path joins the main streets for a short distance until at the end of the lake you turn onto the lake path which follows the lake shore. Immediately after a bridge over the tributary of the Ahabach, turn right onto Kirchweg Aha, which begins a 360 m long climb.

The climb follows Lachenweg for a short distance and then continues straight ahead on Rümmelehofweg. This is a nice flat route which is very welcome after the 150m climb you have just completed. Rümmelehofweg ends at the main road - turn left a short distance and then right onto Silberfelsenweg to continue the climb. You can walk the Silberfelsenweg to the end where it meets the Zweiseenblickweg, but the Kapellenkopfweg is a nice detour that gives you a view of the lake and ends at the same point.

The Zweiseenblickweg leads to a rocky viewing point from which you can see two lakes: Schluchsee and Titisee. This is probably one of the best viewpoints in the Black Forest. The only technical piece of singletrack on the entire route is just before the viewpoint. The viewpoint is also the end of the first major climb, so take your time to enjoy it.

After the viewpoint, the Lachenhütteweg goes slightly but steeply downhill. Here the forest canopy breaks open and you have a wide view of the Herzogenhorn, which is the subject of the next climb. The Lachenhütteweg takes you to the outskirts of Feldberg and after a few paths through the town the Dr. Freddy Stober Street and the summit of the Herzogenhorn 150 meters further to the summit. The Herzogenhorn (1.415 m) is one of the highest peaks in the Black Forest, the two highest peaks are in the north. The Herzogenhorn is the highest peak in Germany outside the Alps, so on a clear day you can expect good views of the Black Forest.

It goes back over the summit of the Herzogenhorn, but instead of the Dr. Freddy Stober Straße, take Graffenmatt to the valley station of the lift. The Graffenmatt is quite steep, so choose a more direct descent and take in some singletrack sections on the way back to the village of Feldberg.

In Feldberg, further village streets lead through the ski area to Ernst Maurer Weg. The long descent to Feldsee begins here, which continues via the Seesträßle. The Seesträßle takes you to the beautiful Feldsee. On the other side of the lake there are rocky cliffs and small waterfalls. Just behind the Feldsee rises the Feldberg, which is 1.493 m is the highest point in the Black Forest.

The descent continues through dense forest on the Mühlkanalweg. A stretch of asphalted municipal road leads through Bärental to another lake, the Windgfällweiher. The Windgfällweiher is approximately at the same height as the Schluchsee, so the ascent and descent are over and only a pleasant route leads back to the village of Schluchsee via the Oberer Bildsteinweg and the Schluchsee cycle path.

The village of Schluchsee is attuned to the many tourists who visit the area to enjoy the lakeside activities and natural areas of the Black Forest. The lake is a popular swimming lake in summer, or you can end the day with a lake tour.

8. Wetterstein circuit

Overview

This hike starts in Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Germany) and circles the Zugspitze, which is 2.At 962 m it is the highest point in Germany.

On the way there she crosses Austria. Unfortunately, the "2 meter rule" applies in Bavaria, which states that bicycles are not allowed to ride on any path that is less than 2 meters wide, so the route is mostly on forest roads.

The route is not very technically demanding, with the exception of the Wamberg section, which is very steep but can mean a lot of climbs and kilometers in a day. However, it runs through a very scenic area, especially on the southern half of the loop, which runs through a remote (by European standards) valley between two mountain ranges.

Worth knowing

The route is well signposted in both Germany and Austria, but the signage is different in each country.

You can rent mountain bikes in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and if you speak English (or German of course) you shouldn't have any problems. Garmisch-Partenkirchen is about an hour by train from Munich if you are in Bavaria.

Description

The route begins in picturesque Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the venue for the 1936 Winter Olympics and home to a small US military base. The first eight kilometers lead on an easy cycle path at the foot of the Zugspitze to Grainau.

From there the first major climb of around 750 meters over seven kilometers begins. At kilometer 7.5 you can take a break in the middle of the climb at Eibsee. There are many facilities here such as a restaurant, a hotel, a train station (from Garmisch-Partenkirchen) and a cable car to the summit of the Zugspitze.

As you climb over Lake Eibsee, you have an excellent view of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the surrounding Bavarian countryside to the north. Just before the top of the climb you enter Austria and at the top of the climb you will find the Hochtörlehütte. This is a great place for a meal with a decent drink.

From the Hochtörlehütte it goes six kilometers down to the equally picturesque village of Ehrwald in Austria. When you arrive in the center of Ehrwald, turn left at the church square and follow the road to the Ehrwalder Alm. From here you can take the Ehrwalder Alm asphalt road or the Ehrwalder Almbahn up the mountain.

The climb from Ehrwald to the saddle is approx. 600 m and with the Almbahn you save 2/3 of the climb. Just before you reach the highest point of the saddle, there are several small restaurants in case you missed the previous opportunity at the Hochtörlehütte or don't dare stop in because you're afraid someone will expect you to say the name of the hut.

Immediately after beginning the descent into the Gaistalbachtal, you pass a small lake, the Igelsee. Now you can expect an uninterrupted descent of 17 kilometers on the Gaistalbach forest road and the Leutascher Ache cycle path.

At kilometer 28.5 you will reach a small parking lot (Salzbach parking lot). Shortly before the parking lot, turn right onto the path that crosses the Leutascher Ache. Follow the cycle path through several small towns to the outskirts of Mittenwald.

From Mittenwald there are two short, steep climbs, each approx. 50 m to reach two lakes. First you reach Lautersee before the second climb to Ferchensee. This area is also popular with hikers and there is another restaurant at Lake Lautersee.

From Ferchensee we go back down to the small village of Elmau. In Elmau you will see the Schlosshotel Elmau, where you can stay if you have a lot of money or if you are attending summits with world leaders. From Elmau you go uphill one last time (300 m) before you reach the Wambergweg.

The first part of the Wambergweg, in the town of Wamberg, is quite steep (approx. 13% average gradient), but very easy to walk on. Wamberg is the highest city in Germany, and shortly before the finish you have another beautiful view of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. This is followed by an even steeper descent (average 15%), but it is still easy to drive to the finish in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Congratulations on completing a great loop, and let's hope the weather gods didn't rain (or snow) while you were out!

9. Completing the Sleenderzand Loop

Overview

The route is approximately 33 kilometers long. As a shortcut, there is also a shorter route with a length of around 18 kilometers on the Black Trail. This route marked yellow on the map shows the complete route.

The route is marked by plastic posts with the red international MTB symbols (triangle on two circles). The Black Trail is marked with a black triangle above two circles.

Description

Access to this route is at Recreatieplas, The Kibbelkoele, Middelseweg (N376), Nord-Sleen.

As soon as you start, your skills will be put to the test on a winding single track with small tandem hills. The elevation differences are caused by the shifting of sand that dates back to when the area was still a moorland.

With a lot of hard work, the local mountain bike club, the Bush Bikers, have built these routes to make the most of the terrain. Several new singletrack trails have been built in this area.

The route mostly runs along the edge of the forest. After a few kilometers you come to a mogul slope. On the next part of the trail there will be a little more elevation gain. Several drainage channels are used to overcome further height differences along the route.

The route consists of a variety of breathtaking trails and fun, technical single trails. You have the opportunity to see the vast Drenthe landscape next to you.

At the end of the route you will pass the Kibbelkoele swimming pool. Again, this is a technical singletrack route with lots of curves and small, steep climbs and descents for you to enjoy.

The route is supported (and mainly used) by the local mountain bike club "De Bushbikers".

10. Waldfischbach castle albums

Overview

Waldfischbach-Burgalben is one of the official routes of the Palatinate Forest Mountain Bike Park. The mountain bike park offers 20 well-signposted cross-country routes through the Palatinate Forest Nature Park, one of the largest contiguous forest areas in Germany.

Description

Mountain bike tour in untouched nature with long individual trails and an idyllic road along the Palatinate Forest.

At the Waldfischbach-Burgalben train station, after a short walk through the town, you go uphill, then to the Galgenfelsen, where there are a few points, and then to the terrain. Here you take a forest road and then a steep path outside. The reward of the climb is a beautiful path in and around the forest. Then we drive along the forest roads near the hut of the "Jäger aus Kurpfalz" before we go back on a long trail, first downhill, past the Hergottsbrünnchen and then peppered with short climbs again and again to Heltersberg. Here it is possible to continue the route and return to Waldfischbach-Burgalben: The single trail route makes up more than 50% of the return journey.

The entire route runs directly from the airport on a downhill track. We head out on the challenging trail and then back onto a more challenging trail. We cross the state road and drive along the cycle path and the forest on a wide path through the Schwarzbachtal to Johanniskreuz. Here we can take a break and return to the restaurant.

After a short stretch of road, we continue again on a flat but quiet road. We cycle through the forest again, and later the forest road takes us onto an easy and quiet path that leads us directly to the Sägemühle campsite. The path is very easy to navigate and has some high curves, which can be overcome with our driving technique thanks to the dense sand. We return on a sandy road to the state road before we reach Schmalenberg. After passing through the town, a steeper descent awaits us, followed by another climb on a not very well-developed path. We drive towards Heltersberg. The next kilometer-long path is a stroke of genius: a strenuous climb and descent leads to a short path and shortly afterwards to an even shorter one. This path leads us to the three rocks. We reach a viewing point with a view of the town of Waldfischbach-Burgalben. Then we drive downhill, first on the trail, then on the road back to the starting point.