Chiemgau - Lake Gardasee

Own transport luggage, luggage replacement on 3 Day. On Eisjöchl long slide passage.

Overnight stay at lodge. We are heading south across the Samerberg mountain, reaching Kufstein after an exciting descent. Cycling along the green river Inn on flat embankment paths will be our warm-up phase and help us to leave the hectic rush of everyday life behind. After all, crossing the Alps is a venture which needs to be started off at a leisurely pace. This comparatively undemanding part of the tour will also allow us to get to know our companions. We have lunch before tackling the first major ascent of the tour (which is also today’s last). With renewed strength, we then leave the Inntal valley to turn to the Tuxer Alps massif, ascending to the Weidener lodge at an altitude of 1800 m. Each participant has to find his/her ideal tempo – remember that this is not meant to be a competition! Amid this majestic mountain landscape, the experience of nature is our utmost priority.

Overnight stay at pension. After a substantial breakfast we will warm up by following a comfortable road across mountain pastures, climbing 500 vm toward the Geiseljoch saddle on a narrow trail. From here we follow a raging glacial stream south toward the Hintertux glacier. After a steep ascent to the Tuxer Joch saddle we allow ourselves a break, taking in the view of the nearby glacier. The next item on our itinerary is a descent which is rather difficult at the beginning and later turns into a 20 km (!) downhill “joyride”. We spend the night at a cosy mountain inn.

Overnight stay at lodge. This is most probably the toughest stage for many participants. We cross the Brenner pass via the old Grenzkammstraße at an altitude of more than 2,200 m. In our opinion, this is the most rewarding way to cross, owing to its interesting paths and an indescribable 360 degree mountain panorama which will no doubt make us stop for photographs several times. An old military street allows for an endless ride down to Sterzing, where we are having lunch. We then cycle along the Ridnauntal valley up to the Schneeberg peak, which is more than 2,600 m high. We approach today’s culmination point after 30 minutes of pushing our bikes. Our accommodation at the Schneeberghaus is outstanding, not to mention the food, which is truly unequalled throughout the Alps!

Overnight stay at lodge. The day begins with a fantastic downhill stretch to the legendary Timmelsjoch street, followed by a veritable high-speed descent to the Passeier valley, from where we head for the Eisjöchl saddle at almost 3,000 m, in the very heart of South Tyrol. As usual, we are going to have a relaxing lunch break, then fight our way uphill toward the Eisjöchl along a cart-path built during World War I. At an altitude of 2,900 m, any strains will be forgotten, once the vast, partly snow-covered peaks of the Texel massif come into sight, close enough to reach out and touch, taking our breath away. Our descent via numerous endless trails once again brings home to us the magnitude of the Alps.

Overnight stay at lodge. We start off on a long downhill section following the river Etsch to Meran. We cycle through vineyards and orchards, soon reaching the Ultental valley. Although the landscape here becomes increasingly Italian-looking, we will have some hearty South Tyrolean specialities for lunch. On we go to Passo di Rabbi (2,467 m altitude) east of the Ortler massif, where we stay for the night at a typical Italian lodge. From here, we can already make out the mountains around Lago di Garda in the distance – a good motivation after such a long day.

Overnight stay at lodge. Again, we have a breathtaking downhill stretch across pastures and forests ahead of us. Following trails and later also asphalt roads, we will reach the Val di Sole within an hour. We are now facing the last mountain massif: the Brenta. Approaching Madonna di Campiglio and passing Ski-World Cup slopes, we reach the 2,440 m mark before heading down again between the rocks of the Brenta massif for the idyllic Lago di Tovel.

Overnight stay at mountain hotel. The final destination now seems merely a stone’s throw away. Upon arrival at the Molvenosee, we can already smell the Lago di Garda. The final stage, though covering several further ascents, is increasingly turning into a ride of triumph. Spurred on by the difference in height (almost 3,000 vm!), we fly down the remaining few km to the shores of Lago di Garda.

Please let us know in advance (on the registration sheet) if you want to prolong your stay at beautiful Lake Garda. Otherwise, you can return with us to the starting point (Samerberg).

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