Mountain biking in the Tyrolean Alps 2

The “BIKE EVEREST” in Tyrol is a mountain bike tour that is 8th overall.848hm. is very unusual and corresponds exactly to the dimensions of Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world. The unique route is 285km long. and is divided into seven stages. It takes mountain bikers to the most beautiful destinations between Nauders and Garmisch-Partenkirchen on the Reschen Pass. Everyone can start individually from May to October. It doesn't matter whether you do the tour from May to October in 7 days, or better tackle it stage by stage over several weekends. This route is suitable for both advanced mountain bikers and quieter e-bike fans.

In addition, you can also take part in the overall concept of the anchored accompanying tour with friends and family members who have little training. You can follow the programs both as regional leisure activities and together with athletes with support from the mountain railways.

A REAL BORDER GUIDE FROM THE ZUGSPITZE TO THE RESCHENPASS

Entire location overview on the route: Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Esterbergalm, Finzbachtal, Mittenwald, Lautersee, Ferchensee, Elmau Castle, Partnachklamm, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Grainau, Eibsee, Hochtörle Hütte , Ehrwald, Grubigstein summit house, Loisachquelle, Fernpass, Nassereith, Imst, Untermarkteralm, Schönwies, Kronburg, Rifanal, Zammer Lochputz, Landeck, Fließ, Schöngampalm, Ladis, Fiss, Serfaus, Pfundser Tschey, Pfunds, Martina, Nauders, Plamort

The “BIKE EVEREST” Tyrol Tour begins with the excellent tour from Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The path leads to a steep climb (25%-35%) in the Eastern Alps to the Esterbergalm. The route takes us through the romantic valleys at Barmsee and across the meadows to Mittenwald, then to Lautersee and Ferchensee and then Elmau Castle to the Partnachklamm. Then back to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Finally, we continue via Eibsee at the foot of the Zugspitze and via the Hochtörle hut to the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena.

The route takes us from Ehrwald to the Grubigstein before we go over the Fern Pass into the Gurgltal and then to Imst. We then drive over the Kronburg in the direction of Landeck, further over the Fließ and the Niedergallmigg to the Schöngampalm towards the Fiss and Serfaus. Then we go via Tösens to one of the most beautiful places in Tyrol, the Pfundser Tschey. On the last stage we come to Nauders, then to Plamort to the finish of the BIKE EVEREST Tour.

1-    Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Esterbergalm, Finzbachtal, Barmsee, Mittenwald, Lautersee, Ferchensee, Elmau Castle, Partnachklamm, Garmisch-Partenkirchen

The first stage of the BIKE EVEREST Tour starts at the gates of Tyrol in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, in the “Zugspitz Arena Bayern-Tirol”. The “Wittelsbacher parking lot” is located at the spa park, is free and is a good starting point. From there we drive through the traditional and cozy town with many places to stop and stroll. At the valley station of the Wankbahn one of the steepest mountain roads of the entire route awaits us (25% to 30%). By the way, we can also park at the Wankbahn car park, even with a motorhome. A partly paved and steep mountain path leads us first to the kiosk of the “Climbing Forest”, then on to the Dax Chapel with its impressive steepness and the equally impressive view of the city of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. From here we continue straight on in the direction of the Esterbergalm, although it is hard to believe that the mountain road gets a little steeper.

After we approx.5.5km. have completed the most demanding part of the route. Now we have a route ahead of us that actually mostly goes downhill all the way down to the idyllic Esterbergalm. Here we take a break to take some refreshment. Strengthened, we continue over a few short and easy climbs and reach the romantic Finzbachtal. Here the path becomes a little rougher, but is still easy to navigate. At the Finzbach bridge we drive straight ahead, on the left side of the Finzbach in the direction of Krün. The narrow path soon becomes pleasantly wide again. We should allow some time for the special beauties of this valley. There are bright green pools and waterfalls here that invite you to cool down and refresh yourself against the breathtaking mountain backdrop!

After this piece of real nature, we continue to the Finzalm to the Barmsee. If you feel like it, you can take a swim here. From here only pedestrians are allowed to walk around the lake. So we drive back to the junction to the cycle path in the direction of Barmsee, drive through the underpass under the B2 and arrive at the Maria Rast chapel. The tour then continues in the direction of Goasalm, across the beautiful “Buckelwiesen” to Mittenwald. On the southern side of Mittenwald we follow the signs in the direction of Lautersee/Ferchensee. After approx.2km. we arrive at the crystal-clear Lautersee with its numerous refreshment stops.

Tip: First you should use the 2nd one.Follow the entrance to Lautersee, because at the first entrance after approx.50m. There is a ban on cycling. If you take the same route back to the road, you will save yourself the “shortcut” via the path with the steep steps.

Afterwards we continue to Ferchensee, where there is plenty of space near the shore to take a break. The imposing Grünkopf and the Wetterstein Mountains are reflected on the crystal-clear Ferchensee. The route takes us to the Hotel Schloß Elmau, which has many historical sides to offer. Then we continue towards Partnachklamm and across the beautiful meadows down to the Berggasthof Hintergraseck. At the bottom, when you arrive at the mountain station of the Graseck cable car, it gets steeper again, but this time at least towards the valley. Therefore the 500m. Long asphalt path leading down into the valley for bikers, also known as the “sliding route”. Now we reach the entrance to the Partnachklamm and drive back to the starting point in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

2-    Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Eibsee, Hochthörle Hütte, Obermoos, Ehrwald

Our route starts again in Garmisch-Partenkirchen at the free “Wittelsbacher Park” car park. Initially we drive in a westerly direction and follow the Loisach cycle path upstream on the streets Loisachstrasse, Alleestrasse, Outer Maximilianstrasse, Maximilianstrasse and Breitenauerstrasse to the Herrgottsschrofen near Grainau. Then we drive over the wooden bridge and on the bike path next to the main road in the direction of Ehrwald. About 200m. Before the upcoming bridge we turn left over the forest road to Grainau. The Waxensteinstrasse then leads us through the town and then right into Törlenweg. Now, follow the cycle path to the idyllic Eibsee. Here you can take a refreshing swim in the tiny bays.

If at this point you feel like exploring the highest mountain in Germany with its 2nd.962m. To visit, you can use the Zugspitze cable car to take advantage of this opportunity. As a passenger, you will pass the highest steel construction support for aerial trams in the world at 127 meters. Then overcome the greatest height difference of 1.945m. on one section and the 3213m. high longest free span. You have the opportunity to enjoy three records with full panoramic accompaniment of the Eibsee, the Alpspitze and the Waxensteine.

This main route takes us independently from Eibsee on the wide forest path for approx.7 km. continue to the highest point of this stage. It is located at the Hochthörle Hut with a view of the Eibsee. Now we drive back down into the valley in the direction of Ehrwald and thus to the 2nd.Possibility to visit the Zugspitze again. Here you can reach the summit in just 10 minutes using the Tyrolean Zugspitzbahn Ehrwald in Obermoos. The Zugspitze is the highest mountain in Germany and also the point with a prime view of the Alps. When the weather is good, you can use the unique Alpine panorama to enjoy a panoramic view of 4 countries (D, AUT, I, CH) from 2 and 3 thousand meters up to the 4 thousand meter Piz Bernina at 4049m. Enjoy altitude in the Eastern Alps. After you have seen enough of this unforgettable view, we will ride our bike from the valley station in Obermoos approx.3km. only downhill to the end of today's stage to Ehrwald.

3-    Ehrwald, Grubigstein summit house, Biberwier, Mittersee, Fernpass, Nassereith, Imst

We start in Ehrwald and drive west over the moor from the Ehrwald basin to Lermoos. The Romans had already built the Via Claudia Augusta in the middle of the moor, during which they placed thousands of tree trunks floating in the moor floor and covered them with gravel.

In Lermoos, at the valley station of the Grubigsteinbahn, continue in the direction of Biberwier until you reach the junction with MTB Route 804. We continue towards the mountain along the forest road to the Grubigalm and continue on MTB route 861 until we finally reach the Grubigstein summit house. The unique all-round view of the Wetterstein massif, the Ammergau Alps and the Zugspitze, as well as the Mieminger Range, will reward us here.

We can return to the valley on the same route or via the existing trails, such as.b the Grubigalm Trail, the Forest Aisle, the Forest Thunder or the Blindsee Trail. After we arrive in the valley, we follow MTB route 867 to Biberwier. Drive through the village and find the turnoff to MTB Route 834 to the Loisachquelle. Here we see the water bubbling up from the deep earth. After refreshing ourselves at the springs, we drive back to MTB Route 834 and towards Mittersee.

Detour options 1 and 2: We now drive on Via Claudia to the Fernpaßhöhe with the largest Spirken and Mountain pine population or to the Natura Area 2000 Afrigal of Tyrol.

We continue down the valley past Schanzelsee through the gate of Fernsteinsee Castle. We drive on effortlessly to the Fernsteinsee campsite and then turn right at the pasture gate. Follow the signs with the logo “Fernteinsee-Gurgtalrunde” and continue to Nassereith, to the start of the Gurgltal. In the center of Nassereith we see the parish church with approx. 400 seats, which is one of the largest village churches in Tyrol.

We cross the Gurgltal and continue along the Via Claudia Augusta R8 to Knappenwelt. Finally we reach Imst, the baroque pearl in the Gurgltal. In the district capital Imst you have a lot of varied options, such as the Rosengartenschlucht, where you can see the alpine flora and fauna right down to the valley. It also brings the longest Alpine roller coaster in the world, the Alpine Coaster, to the valley.

Detour 3: Downhill variant Blindsee Trail 866 S3 difficult!

We start at the Grubigstein summit house and drive along the Grubigalm Trail to the Grubigalm. Then we enter the Blindsee Trail on the right side and drive on the opposite climb on the wide trail section to the stream crossing. Then follows a challenging section, for which we are rewarded with the magnificent view! This is followed by the sliding section at the waterfall and a short part on the forest path. Then we turn left onto a short trail and drive a short part again on the forest path and turn left again onto the challenging trail in the direction of Blindsee. Shortly afterwards there is a fork in the road in front of us and we take a sharp right along the beautiful bank trail around the Blindsee to the parking lot. From the parking lot you take MTB Route 838 to Mittersee and then continue as we have already described above.

4-    Imst, Latschenhütte, Untermarkter Alm, Schönwies, Kronburg, Zams, Landeck

We start at the parish church in Imst and follow the signs for “BIKE EVEREST”. Right at the end of the church we turn left into Vogelhawkerweg and then immediately right again into Gafialgasse in the direction of Majötz, continuing up to Weiderost. Here we turn left on MTB Route 619 and continue uphill to the Obermarkter Alm to the Almzoo, where in summer we see the typical alpine animals and pets in their homes. Above the alpine pasture at 1640m. The Latschenhütte invites us to stop for a break.

If you want, you can also fortify yourself at the Untermarkter Alm. Now we follow MTB Route 615 downhill for a few minutes and then continue to the reservoir, where the path turns right into MTB Route 618. After we have overcome the many curves, the hairpin bend and the longer crossing, we turn right and follow MTB Route 617 to Gunglgrün. This route takes us to the industrial center of Imst. At the green sign “Radweg” we turn right and come to a low underpass that leads us under the motorway to the Inn cycle path. On this we drive upriver to Schönwies. The ruins of the Kronburg can be seen from afar on the steep rocks between the Zams and the Schönwies. Now we follow the signs to “Kronburg” until we arrive at this ensemble consisting of castle ruins, monasteries, inn and pilgrimage church.

We continue above the Inn Valley on a forest road to the quiet town of Rifenal in Zammer. From here the country road accompanies us down to Zams. We drive to the church in the center of the town, turn right onto the main street and follow left after the Inn bridge. Here we follow the signs “Zammer Lochputz”.

From Tyrol's oldest hydroelectric power station we continue along the paths and tunnels through the gorge to the Lötzer waterfall. Here the water of the Lötzbach roars from approx.30m. down We then drive a short distance to Landeck on the Via Claudia R8.

5-    Landeck, Zoll, Niedergallmig, Schöngampalm, Fiss, Serfaus

Stage 5 starts in the middle of the cultural city of Landeck and initially takes us to the city's landmark, the Museum Galerie Schloss Landeck.Then we continue on the Via Claudia Augusta, from Landeck Castle over the Fließer Platte. You can see the wheel tracks left by the ancient Romans here. This village lies on the sunny slope and is a heart of the Kaunergrat Nature Park.

The Archaeological Museum in Fließ is also worth mentioning. After the eventual “A detour into history” awaits us on the short descent, which takes us on the state road to the town of Zoll. We cross the Inn in the direction of Niedergallmigg and approx.1000m. Just drive uphill to Schöngampalm. To do this, we follow the signs “SFL Extremtour 7100” until we arrive at the Alm. After we reach the top, the rustic and cozy alpine pasture with the large sun terrace awaits us. Then we take MTB Route 730, the Fisser Almweg, towards the valley to Fiss.

Following the signs “SFL Extremtour 7100” we continue to Serfaus. Serfaus is a special place that, above all, wants to meet all the needs of its guests. Traffic was banned from the village as early as the 1970s and an underground village railway was opened in 1985. This is the second shortest subway in the world. The place offers everything your heart desires in terms of gastronomy. Cozy inns with traditional Tyrolean delicacies, restaurants with modern interpretations of dishes and accommodation options in the desired category, up to 5 star hotels.

6-    Serfaus, Tösens, Pfundser Tschey, Pfunds

We drive from Serfaus down into the valley, following the signs “SFL Extremtour 7100” to the town of Tösens. The cozy town of Tösens, located at the narrow point on the uppermost part of the Inn Valley, is a very small village in the Upper Tyrol. The authenticity, proximity to nature and hospitality make it an ideal place for the whole family.

We then drive on the opposite side of the Inn, on MTB Route 754, to the magnificent natural jewel “Pfundser Tschey”. After we approx.9km. After driving, we reach the impressive high valley, which is at an altitude of approx.1600-1700m. runs. The unique panorama must be seen. Due to its scenic beauty, the high valley is considered one of the great treasures of the Tyrolean Oberland. Here nature awakens in spring and the grassy green meadows are overflowing with thousands of purple and white crocuses. From mid-June to the end of July, this diversity of Alpine flora reaches its peak, which is particularly well-known to flower lovers for the species-rich orchids. From the beginning of September to the end of October the golden autumn appears in the Tschey. In the middle of Pfundser Tschey is the Maria Schnee chapel, the gem.

At the end of the Tschey meadows we drive on the municipal road to the Hotel Restaurant Berghof in Greit. Then we head down the valley to Pfunds.

7-    Pounds, Finstermünz, Martina, Nauders, Plamort

We start in Pfunds and drive on the Via Claudia R8 in the direction of Martina/Switzerland. In the first ideal 17 kilometers we warm up without any gradients. After already 8km. We come to the Finstermünz hermitage in the Finstermünz gorge at the foot of the pass of the same name. This fortress has always had strategic importance. Firstly as a border and customs point and secondly as a connection between the Inn Valley, the Vinschgau and the Engadine. The Romans already built a wooden bridge at this point to cross the Inn. Until the 19th centurycentury All goods and passenger traffic took place here, on the Reschen Pass. The hermitage finally lost its importance when the new path over the Reschen Pass was built. So Finstermünz was renamed “Altfinstermünz”.

We continue on the federal road towards Martina, approx.5km. The village of Unterengadiner is located on the “still small” Inn and is the border town for the crossing into Austria. This enchanting little town has less than 100 inhabitants, but still has 2 churches and almost all of the houses are still decorated in the traditional Engadine architectural style.

Another 2.2km. we stay on the Inn cycle path to Sclamischot. Now we cross the bridge and follow the signs for MTB Route 7042. Immediately after Sclamischot we come to an unlit tunnel, where at least a flashlight is recommended. Without road traffic, we continue to Norbertshöhe and down to Nauders.

Nauders is a place hidden in a mysterious corner of Tyrol. If you have enough time to explore the high valley, you can drive through the lovely meadow terraces, the rugged rock formations, the magic of the landscape and the history of the place. Especially the Naudersberg Castle, the medieval castle located on a hill above Nauders, which has a castle museum and a terrace with a wonderful view of the mountains.

We cycle in Nauders past the church to St. Valentin and follow MTB route 7038 to MTB route 7034 to the Jochelius mountain resort. Now we drive steeply uphill to the Bergkastel mountain station and only have approx.3km. to the actual final destination, the beautiful viewing rocks of Plamort. From the Bergkastel mountain station we first follow Almtrail 7086 to the Stieralm. We then cycle on the Plamorttrail 7071 over the raised moor and past the tank barriers to the final destination. A magnificent view of Lake Reschen and Cevedale, Königsspitze & Ortler will reward us there.

The impressive performance and perseverance you have achieved and your will to keep moving towards the goal have brought you here. You now stand above "EVERYTHING" and in proportion to the total height of Mt. EVEREST We congratulate!

Back to Nauders, we can either take the MTB route 7036 or the MTB route 7038.

8-    Lermoos – Castles Tour

We start in Lermoos and drive on the Panoramaweg in the direction of Bichlbach/Heiterwang via the Lähn, the Wengle and the Bichlbach further to Heiterwang and then turn right there in the direction of Heiterwanger See. On the right side of the lake, along the forest road to the canal bridge, we continue and cross it. We then turn right, follow the banks of the Plansee on its left side to the pedestrian bridge and continue along the small Plansee. At the end of the lake we turn onto the state road and drive after approx.1.5km. right to the MBR in the direction of Reutte and the Urisee. We then drive past Urisee and just above the Kniepass to Oberpinswang and continue towards Pinswang. There we turn right to the Gasthof Schluxen and on the Fürstenweg over the serpentines up to the border.

Now from there down to the Alpsee and past it to Hohenschwangau. Here in the direction of Bleckenau to Plansee, then at the Hotel Forelle in the direction of Neidernachtal and then to Griesen. From Griesen we drive over the ski jump to Ehrwald and at the viaduct we cross the road and cycle through the Moos back to the starting point in Lermoos.

9-    The Zugspitz-8 Tour

This bike tour lasts several days and starts in Griesen. The path leads over the Niedernachtal to Plansee and at the Hotel Forelle we cross the road and the panoramic path. Then we cycle to the canal bridge and along Lake Plansee until we reach the next bridge. We also cross this and continue along the path towards Heiterwang. Here we have the opportunity to relax perfectly with a swimming break and to enjoy the leisure activities on this lake.

After Heiterwanger See we continue to the first stream bridge, turn left and continue along the Grundbach to the underpass. Here we cross under the main road and continue cycling straight on the L21 road and on the way through Wengle, Bichlbach and Lähn in the direction of Lermoos. After we arrive in the town of Untergarten, we turn left towards Gries and follow the B187 road to the train station junction. We cross the railway track and continue in the direction of Ehrwald. At the first railway crossing we turn right into "Scheibenweg", cross the bridge at the end of the street and follow the path along the Lussbach into the Moos. We cross the Lussbach again and continue in the direction of Ehrwald, along the federal road at Martinsplatz and Kirchplatz to the Ehrwalder Alm valley station.

The cycle path now takes us to the Ehrwalder Alm and continues towards Igelsee. We drive through the Gaistal to the Leutasch, over the gorge, the Platzl, the Ober- and Unterweidach, the moat to the Gasthof Mühle and the asphalt road in the direction of Mittenwald. At Mittenwald we turn left in the sharp right-hand bend in the direction of Lautersee and Ferchensee and continue to Ellmau. In the direction of Wamberg we cross the town and drive along St. You cycle past Anna Chapel and the cemetery on the way to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. After we get there, we turn left onto Auenstraße, drive past the Olympia ski stadium and on the way past the railway track in the direction of Kreuzeck and Grainau. Finally we turn right into “Kreuzeckbachnstraße” and turn left here into “Degenauerweg”. We follow this until it flows into “Zugspitzstraße” and “Waxensteinstraße” in Grainau. At the end of “Waxensteinstrasse” we turn left towards Eibsee and turn right again onto Höhenrainweg. It leads us past the warrior memorial chapel with its great views of Grainau.

We drive down to Griesen, cross the railway tracks again and continue cycling to Ehrwald Schanz. After Schanze, cross the railway tracks again and drive along the Häselgehr waterfall to Ehrwald.

10- Ehrwald – around the Zugspitze

We start at the Ehrwalder Almbahn valley station, drive along the forest path to the Ehrwalder Alm and then to the yoke, the highest point of our route, at almost 1.600m. Here we continue in the direction of the Igelsee through the Gaistal to the Leutasch, over the gorge, the Platzl, the Oberweidach and the Unterweidach, the moat to the Gasthof Mühle.

Now continue along the asphalt road in the direction of Mittenwald. In Mittenwald we take the sharp right-hand bend to the left in the direction of Lautersee and Ferchensee towards Elmau. We take the very steep path over the Eckbauer Graseck to the Partnachklamm, past the Olympic ski stadium in Garmisch-Patenkirchen to the Kreuzeckbahn and in the direction of Grainau. Here we follow the road to Eibsee and arrive at the Höhenrain Panorama Trail via the Hotel Waxenstein. We then ride over the Krieger Memorial chapel on the cycle path to Griesen and then back to Ehrwald, follow the cycle path to the Ehrwalder Viaduct and arrive through the town at the Ehrwalder Almbahn valley station.

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