The news of the closure of the Blindsee Trail sent shockwaves through the MTB community at the start of the summer. After all, the trail on the south-facing slope of the Grubigstein, high above the Fern Pass road, is regarded as an icon of the region. It was announced that cyclists would only be allowed to ride the trail until the end of 2026, after which it would be closed to cyclists.
The reasons: it was reported that walkers and bathers had been complaining more and more. For instance, there had been instances where mountain bikers on the lower section of the trail around the lake had cut in front of pedestrians and ridden straight over bathers’ towels. On the upper section of the trail, by contrast, you hardly ever come across walkers. On foot, the path is too steep, too slippery and too rocky to be particularly appealing to walkers.
Changes to the route in future
Keen mountain bikers from the region therefore wanted to campaign to ensure that at least the upper section remained open to mountain bikers. They suggested that, around the lake, it might be possible to take a detour on the other side, where there are fewer pedestrians. Or even head towards the Fern Pass road. However, these suggestions have also been ruled out.
Following consultation with the Tyrolean Zugspitz Arena Tourism Board, the existing route is to be retained for the most part. Only in the section between the Zugspitzblick rest house and Blindsee is there a plan to separate the footpath from the trail, in order to accommodate the different usage requirements. This solution is now set to remain in place until the end of 2027.
The agreement that has now been reached is an important step towards safeguarding the Blindsee Trail in the long term. Our aim is to work with all stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions that promote harmonious coexistence and the responsible use of the infrastructure. – Björn Scherer, Managing Director of the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena Tourism Association.
For all Blindsee Trail fans, this means: please be considerate of pedestrians and swimmers. Of course, this applies always and everywhere, but here, during this sensitive period, you can really make a small difference. It would be a real shame if we were no longer allowed to ride this trail in all its scenic splendour in future!
Gitta Beimfohr
Editor
