The precinct
The Villgratental valley in Austria's East Tyrol is only around ten kilometres long and runs parallel to the Hochpustertal valley in South Tyrol. The valley is so remote to the west of Lienz that it has only been accessible all year round since 1956. To this day, the Villgratental valley has managed to retain much of its original character. The only notable villages in the valley are Außervillgraten (747 inhabitants) and Innervillgraten (906 inhabitants).
Tour tips
The Villgratner mountains form the natural border with South Tyrol. The ten-kilometre-long border ridge is easily accessible by bike and is a (still) secret, very rewarding destination. At the top of the list: Bunker and summit cross on Marchkinkele (2545 m). The currently most rewarding touring area in the Villgratental is around the Thurntaler ski area at the entrance to the valley. In future, several nature trails are to be opened up for bikers from the border ridge northwards into the Villgratental valley.
The entire travel report from BIKE 2/2020 and the download links to the GPS data for these tours can be found below in the download area.
The link leads to the Delius Klasing online shop. After registering once, you can add the district guide to your shopping basket for 1.49 euros and then download it or receive it by e-mail.
Other MTB spots next to the Villgratental in East Tyrol:
- Lienz
- Defreggen Valley
- Sillian
- Virgen Valley
- Matrei
- Kals am Großglockner
Arrival
From Germany via the Salzburg and Inntal motorways to Kufstein, through the Felbertauern tunnel to East Tyrol and via Lienz into the Villgratental valley to Innervillgraten (260 km/3:15 h from Munich)
Overnight stay
The Gannerhof in Innervillgraten is the best hotel in Villgratental - you have to experience the cuisine of hotel manager and top chef Josef Mühlmann. Tel. 0043/4843/5240, info www.gannerhof.at
Guiding
Bike guide Christof Schett from Innervillgraten knows his homeland like no other. He offers personalised tours, tel. 0043/664/1324033, www.yellowtravel.net
