The landscape of the Fichtelgebirge mountains in north-east Bavaria is far ahead of other low mountain ranges. Between the obligatory conifers, bizarre rock pinnacles and even entire "block seas" pile up. These large expanses of huge, jumbled granite rocks offer sweeping views of the countryside, but also require a short carrying passage or experienced step-by-step technique. This three-day tour was devised by Andreas Köppel. True to the motto "The adventure starts right on your doorstep", the man from Marktredwitz often sets off for several days. He is always on the lookout for new trails in his home region.
And this tour now contains the scenic and technical highlights of his last rides: the first stage leads from Marktredwitz up to the main ridge of the Fichtelgebirge. From here, the route winds its way along forest paths and trails to the peaks of Kösseine, Hohe Matze and Platte. Via the Fichtelsee lake and the rooty Bocksgraben trail to Fleckl. On the second day, the two highest peaks in the Fichtelgebirge are on the agenda: the Ochsenkopf (1024 m) and the Schneeberg (1051 m). However, both climbs are rewarded with many trail bends and the impressive granite rocks on the Rudolfstein. The third day starts in Kirchenlamitz with a long trail ascent to the Großer Kornberg and then leads up and down through the open Eger valley back to Marktredwitz.
You can find the free GPS data in the download area below.
The 3-day MTB tour through the Fichtel Mountains
A total of 162.2 km / 3825 m elevation gain / 3 stages
- Stage 1: Marktredwitz - Fleckl, 47.3 km / 1370 m elevation gain
The tour starts at Marktredwitz railway station and leads straight to the crest of the Fichtelgebirge. The trails there are peppered with stones up to the size of melons, but they are firmly anchored in the ground. They are easy to roll over with momentum - except when it's wet. Then the tyres slip easily. At Lake Fichtelsee, take a dip in the water before following the strenuous root path through the Bocksgraben to Fleckl.
- Stage 2: Fleckl - Kirchenlamitz, 51.7 km / 1440 m elevation gain
Anyone who has looked too deeply into their beer glass in the Bullhead House the night before will want to shorten the first 470 metres in altitude and twelve kilometres to the Ochsenkopf with the chairlift the next morning. But then there is no stopping you on the 1051 metre high Schneeberg, the highest peak in the Fichtelgebirge. At the top, you follow the trail descent to Weißenstadt and reach the Weißenstädter See lake around midday. From here, the climbs become more moderate, the trails more flowing and bizarre rock formations keep appearing in the forest. The last trail ends right on the doorstep of the Waldschmiede inn.
- Stage 3: Kirchenlamitz - Marktredwitz, 63.2 km / 1015 m elevation gain
The third stage is the longest, but leads through the more open landscape of the Eger Valley with its reservoirs. But first you have to cross the Großer Kornberg - on rooty trails. This takes a lot of effort. In Arzberg, you pass disused porcelain factories, then a final trail on the Kohlberg, before the loop closes again in Marktredwitz.
Overnight stay
Both accommodations are located directly on the route.
- The best place to stay in Fleckl is the Bullhead House with Peter Hanke. The rooms are simple, the burgers ("Triple B": Bike, Beer, Burger) are cult, and there's also a bike shop in the house. Info and opening hours: www.bullheadhouse.de
- The Zur Waldschmiede inn is ideal for the second overnight stay. The route leads directly past the historic house in Kirchenlamitz. Info: www.zurwaldschmiede.de
Bikepark Ochsenkopf
Since May 2009, the southern flank of the 1024 metre high Ochsenkopf has been a playground for local mountain bikers. The Ochsenkopf bike park consists of a 2.3 kilometre long singletrail downhill route, from which various variants branch off. There are two chairlifts to access the trail, one from Bischofsgrün and one from Fleckl. There is also a fun park and a technical course with lines of varying difficulty at the Fleckl valley station. There is also a bike shop with hire, riding technique courses and tour offers. Open from the end of March to the beginning of November. Day ticket from 18 euros. Info: www.ochsenkopf.info
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