Download: You can download the GPS data for the four bike-and-hike tours free of charge in the download area below.
Karwendel Trio
Fjord views on Lake Achensee, traditional huts, lush meadows: Three tours for every requirement.
1 Pleisenspitze: vertical metres 800 m bike + 800 m hike Time 6 h
When he came back from the war, he would build a hut on his favourite mountain - and that's exactly what happened. Toni Gaugg, the "Luis Trenker of the Karwendel", built the Pleisenhütte when he returned from being a prisoner of war in the Second World War. The associated summit is a very long hike for one day, making it perfect as a bike & hike tour. From the hikers' car park in Scharnitz (970 m), first take the road, then the forest road up to the Pleisenhütte (1757 m). From there, take the Pleisengrat ridge to the summit (2569 m). A must: Spinach dumplings at the Pleisenhütte near the Pleisen-Siggi! Easy to moderately difficult.
2 Juifen: Elevation metres 700 m bike, 460 m hike Time 5.5 h
A popular ski tour summit in winter, the Juifen (1988 m) is often quite lonely in summer due to the boring forest roads. From the car park in Achenwald (826 m) opposite the Gasthof zum Hagen, the route leads in wide hairpin bends through sparse mixed forest with fantastic views to the Rotwandlhütte (1528 m). From here on foot to the summit cross. Easy.
3 Bärenkopf: metres in altitude 400 m bike, 530 m hike Time 4 h
In addition to the economy, the view of the Norwegian-fjord-like Achensee is worthwhile here. From Pertisau, the route is moderately steep on a gravel road to the Bärenbadalm (1461 m), where you can leave your bike. From here in a south-easterly direction to the summit of the Bärenkopf (1991 m) and back the same way. Alternatives possible, also with trail descent. Easy.
4 Soiernspitze: total altitude difference 1700 m
The Soiernspitze is one of the more prominent peaks in the Karwendel, a moderately difficult mountain hike, but a long one: just under 1700 metres in altitude from Krün, so this tour is perfect for a bike-and-hike excursion, or to be more precise: for a combination of e-mountain bike and completely analogue hiking sweat. Because the Karwendel valleys are notorious for their long hikes, for non-Bavarians: for the endlessly long walking routes.
INFO Soiernspitze
The facts
A total of approx. 780 metres and 18 km by bike, 850 metres of hiking and scrambling. Moderately difficult, 8 hours in total.
The tour
The impressive Soiernkessel; the no less impressive view from the summit; and the equally impressive Kaiserschmarrn at the Soiernhaus: there are many good reasons for a tour to this classic summit in the Karwendel! From Krün (865 m), take the forest road past the Fischbachalm to the Soiernhaus material cable car (1350 m). From there on foot, preferably with sturdy shoes and poles to take the strain off your knees. We recommend returning via the Soiernhaus for refreshments, even if this means a few extra metres in altitude above the Soiernsee. The descent to the bikes is direct from there.
Best time
June to November, on the north-facing slopes of the Soiernspitze the snow lasts quite a long time.
Starting point
Hikers' car park Krün
Bike depot
Valley station of the material cable car to the Soiernhaus, possibly continue towards the Soiernhaus
Retreat
Soiernhaus, 1616 m, Alpine Club hut
Map
Alpine Club Map BY10 (Karwendel Northwest), 1:25000
TIPS
SAFETY: As we all know, the absolutely unbreakable bike lock has not yet been invented. But a sensible chain or cable lock ensures a reasonably reliable return journey. The length should be around or over one metre in order to lock the bike to that of your companion. Good locks can do this with a weight of around one kilogramme.
ALWAYS THERE: A first aid kit and mobile phone for emergency calls are a must in the mountains. A rain jacket, hat and at least one change of underwear are also essential. Arm and leg warmers are often lighter and take up less space than a complete long outfit. The more demanding the tour, the more important it is to have a rucksack that fits close to your body.
FALTSTOCK: Poles make the ascent and especially the descent easier. To ensure that they don't get in the way when cycling, three-piece folding poles are recommended - and the sturdier version is better than the three gram lighter version.
DONNERWETTER: If you combine an e-mountainbike with hiking boots, you can get up high in no time. In high alpine terrain, the conditions can be very different to those in the valley. Thunderstorms, rain or fog can make rocky paths dangerously slippery. A look at the weather forecast, for example that of the German Alpine Club (alpenverein.de) is mandatory before every tour!
THE RIGHT SHOE: The hike portion of longer bike and hike tours is often underestimated. A solid, comfortable, non-slip shoe is important in alpine terrain, even over the ankle depending on your preference. A grippy, i.e. rather soft tread sole and good grip are more important than click inserts or a few grams of weight saving.
Downloads:
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
