Naturally, we were sceptical. E-mountain bikes? None of us had ever ridden an MTB with an electric motor before, and I had developed a certain aversion over the course of numerous heated discussions. But it just so happened that the Hochkönig region is not a small e-bike Mecca for nothing. Not only is there a huge range of e-tours on offer, but the area in Salzburger Land is also the first region in the world to have a network of charging stations for e-mountainbikes that is compatible with all common systems. The ideal place to put old prejudices to the test.
Newcomers to e-mountainbikes
When we step out onto the road the next day, the morning greets us with fresh, clear country air. I take a deep breath and feel a slight tingling sensation in my stomach as we see the imposing, jagged massif of the Steinernes Meer towering behind us: Mountain anticipation! Maria Alm enchants us with its quaint wooden houses, playful facades full of carvings and winding streets. Our hotel is close to a medieval pilgrimage church, and we familiarise ourselves with the hotel's own e-MTB models in the shadow of the pointed bell tower. First impressions: heavy, yes. Hardtails - okay, unfamiliar. They ride ... as if by themselves! On the first lap in the car park, I experience the big moment of surprise that overcomes every e-bike newbie at the first turn of the cranks and inevitably makes them laugh. With a moped feeling, we cruise through the village alleyways, on towards the country road, from which the forest road soon turns off to the 1737 metre high Wastlhöhe.
Blocky climbs are a new challenge
The rise begins with it. And our rethink. The following uphill might not have been an ordeal for us speed-loving trail enthusiasts, but the price of a later descent would have been pretty high. The sun burns ever hotter from the sky, bend after bend, and with normal bikes we would probably have remembered this route mainly for its considerable gradient and numerous ramps - but not for the picture-book panorama, to which we repeatedly devote our full attention in amazement. The last few metres to the summit lead first over a single trail, then over a steep meadow, and still awaken our fighting spirit. Thanks to the electric drive, the rough climbs become a new challenge. Where there would have been a lack of propulsion without the support of the motor, another turn of the cranks is now enough to keep the bike rolling. We pedal in a race, accompanied by the quiet whirring of our motors, and manoeuvre ourselves over the many steps and ruts with a lot of weight shifting.
Vegan goulash and hay lemonade
On the way back, it's time to Recharge our batteries and those of the bikes. In keeping with the day of new experiences, the alpine pasture is also a speciality: the Zachhofalm above Dienten offers various vegan and vegetarian dishes, a little sensation! Everything is organic, much of it comes from the alpine innkeeper's own herb garden, who is trained in "traditional European medicine". Neeltje, the beautiful Dutch waitress, serves us vegan goulash, along with hay lemonade and fresh yoghurt and mint smoothies. It tastes amazingly good, the new flavours challenge the senses and make us really happy - cooling our feet in the ice-cold pond and then sunbathing in the lovingly designed garden do the rest.
You can read more here: to the complete Hochkönig story
MTB tours in the Hochkönig region
ii-Tour (140 km, 6500 hm)
The ii tour is a continuous MTB adventure tour on the Hochkönig (also possible with an E-MTB) with a total of approx. 140 kilometres and 6500 metres of altitude difference, passing the most beautiful adventure points in the region. To the tour information and GPS data: ii-Tour on the Hochkönig
Family Trail (6.5 km, 700 m elevation gain)
Toni's Family Bike Trail leads from the mountain station of the Karbachlalm gondola lift along forest roads and ski slopes to the valley station of the Karbachalm gondola lift. How practical: the bike wash facility is located directly at the valley station. In addition to a length of 6.5 kilometres and an altitude difference of just under 700 metres, the Hochkönig offers a fantastic backdrop for your first attempts at freeriding. To the tour information and GPS data: Family bike trail on the Hochkönig
You can find more information and MTB tours and e-MTB offers in the Hochkönig region here.
Mountain biking on the Hochkönig - the most important information
Info & Booking:
Hochkönig Tourismus GmbH
Am Gemeindeplatz 7
A-5761 Maria Alm
T: +43 6584 20388
region@hochkoenig.at
www.hochkoenig.at
Overnight stay:
When it comes to accommodation, guests can choose from a variety of different offers. Whether a cosy alpine hut, comfortable hotel room, modern holiday flat or affordable private room. The Hochkönig region has something for every taste and in every price category. The complete accommodation directory is available at: www.hochkoenig.at
Specialised bike accommodation:
Guided MTB tours:
BikeMax
www.bike-max.at
Porti Sport
www.porti-sport.com
Bike transport/shuttle:
- Dorfj@t Natrun, Maria Alm
- Schwarzeckalm six-seater chairlift, Maria Alm
- Karbachalm gondola lift, Mühlbach
