"From the lake to the snow" is the motto of the Zell am See-Kaprun region. You can actually break through three climate zones while biking here. While the lakeshore in Zell has bikini weather and the surrounding mountains have moderate temperatures that are very pleasant for biking, the special microclimate at the foot of the glacier can be really chilly at the very top. From the Kitzsteinhorn, you can look directly down onto the bath towels - which once again emphasises the proximity of the climate zones. There is a 25-kilometre-long valley here, in which the glacier is enthroned at the very back.
The biking paradise in Kaprun is quickly reached. In two sections, the cable car whizzes from around 900 to 2450 metres above sea level, opening up 1600 metres of challenging trail enjoyment. If you are confident enough to tackle the killer ascent from Kaprun under your own steam: no problem - with the right fitness level. Everyone else will probably feel more comfortable on the tours around Zell am See. For example on the famous Hundstein, also a 1300 metre ascent. Or on the Maiskogel. There is a lot to explore, also around the Kitzsteinhorn.
Trails on the Kitzsteinhorn - the way downhill
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Geißstein Trail
High-alpine, narrow trail against a magnificent backdrop, spiced up with a few key sections; start at an altitude of 2450 metres, at the foot of the glacier
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Bachler Trail
Flowing zigzag course with not too tight hairpin bends above the turquoise gorge lake
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Wüstlau Trail
The enduro stage with roots, rocks and everything that gets the adrenaline going
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The descent from the very top
Take the Geißstein Trail to Langwiedboden, then shorten the gravel path again and again on trail detours (signposted). Then take the Wüstlau Trail or the easier Bachler Trail (starts around 2 km and 100 metres uphill later) into the valley.
All information about the Zell am See-Kaprun bike area
The precinct
The centre for trail fans is the Kitzsteinhorn with descents from the high alpine to the valley. There are also many tour options in the valley and around Lake Zell. Information: www.zellamsee-kaprun.com
The Kitzsteinhorn
Prices, ride times, trail information: www.kitzsteinhorn.at
Tour information
www.zellamsee-kaprun.com offers a link to the interactive map with 23 tours and GPS data.
Bike shops
Intersport Bründl (Kaprun and Zell am See), www.bruendl.at and Intersport Scholz in Zell am See, www.intersport-scholz.at
Bike hotels
The tourism association will help you find biker-friendly accommodation: www.zellamsee-kaprun.com
