Schattwald & the Tannheim Valley
Gravel adventure in the Austrian Tyrol
This tough but beautiful ride of 54 km takes you through magnificent scenery in the Austrian Tyrol, exloring the gravel tracks in the Tannheim Valley of the Austrian mountains. The route takes you up past the Haldensee (lake) and climbs the epic Krinnenspitze for amazing mountain views.
Forests and alpine meadows mix with 14% climbs and descents on this Tyrolean gravel route, requiring good fitness and bike skills. Yet, the rewards are well worth the effort, as yu explore the beauty of the Tannheim Valley and alpine scenery.
Above image by Tobias Arwieler on Unsplash
Route Information
Stats: 54 km 1,675 metres
Refreshments & Where to Stay: The Tanheim Valley has numerous options for accommodation at all price points. Likewise, places to eat are easy to locate and the food choices are excellent.
Character: Tough and steep, with a technical descents. Some bike-hiking might be found on the steeper climbs, but take the climbs as a challenge. The trails are excellent gravel. Do not tackle if your actual fitness and skill level is not up to this. However, if you’re ready for the adventure, it is an epic ride!
Route
The route – albeit seeming reasonable in length, is a tough but rewarding day in the mountains of the Tyrol. Excellent fitness is required, as is the ability to carry out trailside repairs for yourself.
- Starting off from Schattwald, the route climbs initially, before dropping you down towards Tannheim.
- Haledensee is soon reached, as you skirt this picturesque lake in the mountains.
- Then, after 17.9km – at Nesselwangle – a steep series of switchbacks lead you upwards for 4.5 km, before more descending and riding through the trees on excellent tracks that rise and fall randomly.
- At 43km you reach the quaint village of Berg, and its wealth of tradiational chalets and farms. The climbing begins once more, as the road takes you into the hills and trees. Tracks wind there way around the valley, before dropping you back onto the valley road at Schattwald where refreshments can be taken if needed, whilst you enjoy the epic views across the valley.
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