Activities

Cycling in the Wildschönau and the Inn Valley

From quiet valley cycle paths to e-bike and mountain bike tours in the hills.

Cycling in Tyrol is a mix of quiet valley routes and tough mountain tours. In the Wildschönau there are many narrow roads past farms and pastures; the Oberau–Auffach loop, for example, is about 12.8 kilometres long, mostly on asphalt, and is described as easy. The valley also has two stages of the Tyrolean Bikeschaukel, a large cycling network, but these are demanding and call for plenty of experience.

For families with children who can already cycle a good distance, the Inn Valley is interesting. The Inn cycle path runs right across Tyrol along the river and is described as suitable for the whole family. Because of the height differences in the Wildschönau an e-bike is popular: it gets you uphill with less effort and lets family members of different fitness ride together. Bikes can generally be hired in the region, often with a helmet.

A mountain tour does require preparation. Choose a route that suits your family's fitness, check the weather and bring water and repair gear. In Tyrol mountain biking is only allowed on designated or permitted routes; see also the safety text below. The individual cycling routes and rental locations are listed further down. Ask the rental shop about child sizes, child seats and trailers, and book in good time in high season.

Tips

• Hire e-bikes if your family has different fitness levels.
• Plan a break at a mountain hut or cafe.
• Pack a rain jacket and a spare inner tube.
• Start with a short route to test the level.
• Ask the tourist office for cycling maps.