Mountain roads are always particularly exciting when they lead up close to the rocks. When the mightiness of the mountains becomes tangible in the truest sense of the word - as in the Kaiserbach Valley.
The Kaiser Mountains are getting closer
Just a few kilometres ago, the Kaiser Mountains were nothing more than a distant ridge drawing a jagged line in the blue sky. A backdrop behind the gently undulating alpine meadows at Walchsee. Now the rock faces rise up right next to us. So vertical that not even my wide-angle lens can capture their dimensions. Our necks ache as we try to catch a glimpse of the peaks. A toll road leads from Griesenau into the heart of the Kaiser - for once! This is because the entire mountain range has been a nature reserve since 1963. No cable car desecrates the lofty peaks, no road crosses its ridge. Only hikers, ski tourers and climbers are allowed to touch the rock. The lady at the barrier waves us through. In the beginning, there is almost no ascent into this other world. From now on, the temperature drops by ten degrees, because from the end of October at the latest, the valley floor is almost constantly in the shade. It is not until spring that the sun once again peeks over the bizarre peaks of the Lärcheggspitze, Predigtstuhl and Totenkirchl. No wonder that ski tourers can carve their turns in the snow in the famous Griesner Kar until well into May. From the Fischbachalm, we are glad that the e-bike motors support us on the last few metres to the finish. The reward for our efforts: the Griesner Alm gets just a little sun at lunchtime. Marvellous.
Picture gallery of the e-bike tour around the Wilder Kaiser
Side trip to Walchsee
Review: In the morning, we started in the busy border town of Kufstein. Here, the motorway, main road and railway squeeze through a narrow section of the Inn Valley. A strategically ideal location for a fortress, even though there was only a trade route along the river in the Middle Ages. It is hard to believe that all the traffic pulsed through the narrow Römerhofgasse back then. But as noticeable as the hustle and bustle of Kufstein is, we quickly leave it behind us on the cycle route. First a few metres along the Inn, then on a secluded forest path towards Niederndorf. Easy rolling is the motto, as the first metres of ascent up to Walchsee lake await us soon. A marvellous side route leads past pretty farms and the idyllic Schwemm high moor. And with every kilometre, the Kaiser Mountains, or more precisely its northern ridge, come more into view. If you look at the topography on the map, the mountain range is divided in two by the Kaisertal valley from the west and the Kaiserbachtal valley from the east. During our rest at Walchsee, it is therefore the somewhat less rugged Zahme Kaiser that casts its spell over us. Although the small mountain lake is considered one of the warmest lakes in Tyrol, it is now too fresh for a swim. Away from the main road towards Kössen, the cycle route soon takes us through a beautiful high valley, accompanied only by the tinkling of cow bells. To reach the Kaiserbachtal valley, the undoubted highlight of the tour, we leave the signposted Kaiserradrunde to the south at Niederbichl - and discover a no less beautiful alternative with the Bichlachweg. The narrow farm track swings past picture-book farms through hilly alpine pastures.
Visiting the mountain doctor
After the intense rocky spectacle in the Kaiserbach valley, the second stage distances itself somewhat from the mountains. However, there are still a few climbs in the profile. For example, right after the start in Sankt Johann, where the Römerweg soon opens up marvellous views. Fortunately out of sight and earshot of the notorious B 178, where the excursion traffic rushes towards Kitzbühel. On our side route, an even more cheesy Bergdoktor panorama opens up around every bend. Anyone familiar with early evening programmes will know that the doctor series is produced in this very valley. We roll through the well-known villages of Going and Ellmau, which seem to be enjoying the calm before the storm of skiers. In Scheffau we come close to the imperial cliffs once again. The steep ramps to Hintersteiner See are hard work. Thanks to our e-bikes, we treat ourselves to the detour, careful not to use up too much battery power. Because there are still a few waves to go before we reach Kufstein....
The panoramic cycle tour in two stages
Our bike tour in the Wilder Kaiser follows parts of the signposted Kaiserradrunde (blue signet). The total distance is 83 kilometres and the elevation gain 700 metres. However, our variants give the tour a more sporty flavour, spiced up with numerous extra scenic highlights. An e-bike is highly recommended for the detours to Kaiserbachtal and Hintersteiner See. Most of the paths are tarmac.
Wilder Kaiser Tour Day 1: Into the heart of the Kaiser
- Length of the tour: 56 kilometres
- Increase: 700 metres altitude
- Maximum gradient: 10 %
After an almost flat roll-in phase in the Inntal valley, the long ascent into the Walchsee high valley awaits (130 metres in altitude). Away from the main road, you cycle around the so-called Schwemm (moor) and the Walchsee (swimming opportunity). While the original route now leads via Kössen through the flat valley of the Großache to Sankt Johann, the Bichlachweg has more climbs in its profile, but offers much more for the eye. In Griesenau, you are faced with a decision: either skip the detour into the Kaiserbach valley and continue straight on to Sankt Johann. Or tackle the 240 metres in altitude to the Griesner Alm and enjoy the most impressive Kaiser backdrop of the entire tour. The toll road to the Alm is free for bikes. Tip for cyclists without e-assistance: even the route to the Fischbachalm, which is halfway along the route, is worthwhile!
Wilder Kaiser Tour Day 2: A place in the sun
- Length of the tour: 42 kilometres
- Increase: 600 metres altitude
- Maximum gradient: 10 or 16 % (Hintersteiner See)
It should not be forgotten that Sankt Johann is also an important transport hub. However, the cycle route quickly leaves the hustle and bustle of the city behind. The route winds its way along a scenic route, far above the B178 federal road, with the Kaiser Mountains in their postcard-perfect view from the south. After a descent past a popular bathing lake, you pass the well-known winter sports resorts of Going and Ellmau. In Scheffau, the cul-de-sac branches off to the idyllic Hintersteiner See (230 metres in altitude). Another scenic highlight, but the ascent is a real challenge with its up to 16% steep ramps without an electric drive (refreshments and swimming at the Seestüberl). The climb is followed by the finale to Kufstein on a partly newly opened cycle route.
GPS data of the cycle tour
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Travel information: Stage tour around the Wilder Kaiser
Tour character
Our tour follows parts of the signposted Kaiserradrunde (blue signet). The total distance is 83 kilometres and the elevation gain 700 metres. However, our variants give the tour a more sporty flavour, spiced up with numerous extra scenic highlights. An e-bike is highly recommended for the detours to Kaiserbachtal and Hintersteiner See. All paths are tarmac.
Arrival
The Brenner line, one of the busiest railway lines in the Alps, runs through the Inn Valley. Kufstein railway station can be reached at almost any time of day or night. Bicycle transport requires a reservation and is easily possible in the usual train classes. www.bahn.de
Best time to travel
With a maximum altitude of around 1,000 metres, the tour does not lead into high alpine regions. However, the Kaiser Mountains region is considered a snow hole, which means that there may well be snow in places until well into April. Especially on the shady detour into the Kaiserbach valley! Autumn, on the other hand, can bring sunshine and mild temperatures well into October. If possible, avoid the holiday months of July and August.
Accommodation
For overnight stays at the start and finish locations, you can find information on www.kufstein.com.
Destination stage 1: The market town of Sankt Johann is roughly halfway along the route. The lively holiday resort offers accommodation in all categories, from campsites to wellness hotels. Overview on www.kitzbueheler-alpen.com
Bike service
Inn-Bike Kufstein, Tel. 0043/5372/63547, www.e-bikes4you.com
Bikezeit St. Johann i. T., Tel. 0043/5352/64288, www.bikezeit.at
