Challenging pleasure route for bikers with good fitness in the varied terrain of the Ötztal Nature Park.
Sporty bike control and defensive riding behavior are necessary due to the sometimes steep ascents and difficult downhill sections, and the demands on fitness and riding technique are to be classified as moderate. The focus is on sporty, active (pleasure) cycling.
Appropriate equipment such as breathable clothing and weather-appropriate outdoor clothing, bicycle helmet, gloves, sunglasses, and a GPS device or maps. For bike rides without dining opportunities, sufficient provisions are necessary.
The starting point is located in Obergurgl at Gurgl Carat. In front of the church, follow the path towards Gurgler Ache. Follow the well-signposted trails through the idyllic meadows of Gurgl until you reach the valley station of the Hochgurglbahn. From there, an exciting ride along the toboggan run awaits before you meet a wide forest road. Now you reach a crucial point: the intersection of routes #689 Hochgurgl-Wurmkogl and #6053 Kirchenkar. Turn right and steadily follow the gravel road upwards until you follow the course to the right again. The further ascent allows no break either. The Dolomites appear within reach to the south and the Ötztal Alps to the north. The Top Mountain Star is open only in winter, so provisions are very important on this route. Technically, the descent offers plenty of high speed and flow. On the descent, choose the right path. Then follow the same way back to Obergurgl. The last section from the Hochgurglbahn valley station to Obergurgl is relaxed again and can be used for cooling down.
Travel comfortably and safely by train to the Ötztal train station. The final stop and exit point is ÖTZTAL station. Afterwards, you can conveniently and quickly travel through the entire valley to your desired destination using public transport or local taxi companies! The current bus timetable is available at: http://fahrplan.vvt.at
The following parking options are available in Gurgl:
Parking garage village center Obergurgl (down the right in front of the church), paid | € 2.00 per hour
Parking garage village entrance – valley station Festkoglbahn, paid | € 6.00 per day
Parking lot Hochgurglbahn valley station, free – no overnight parking
Parking lot Top Mountain Crosspoint, free
Parking lot Hochgurgl, free (very small parking lot)