Bike Tour: Reschenseerunde

St. Valentin auf der Haide - Reschensee - Graun - Arlund - Reschen - St. Valentin auf der Haide
Length: 16 km
Time: 2 hours
Physical effort: Light

A church tower rises spectacularly from the water. What has happened here? Is there a mysterious underwater kingdom here?
The answer to this question is anything but romantic: in the 1950s, an entire village had to make way for the construction of a reservoir. Families were forcibly expropriated, houses were demolished, and the entire village of Graun was eventually flooded. Only the Romanesque church tower from the 14th century was spared for reasons of monument protection and serves as a reminder that people once lived on the current bottom of the lake.

Today, there is little to feel of the dark past. The activity in and around the lake is thriving, offering an almost inexhaustible range of leisure activities: swimming, sunbathing, running, Nordic walking, and hiking tours, as well as windsurfing and kitesurfing, are just some of the options the lake offers. Anglers will find a rich variety of fish here – especially trout, perch, and pike. And of course, the lake is a must-see for divers due to its history.

Asphalt roads and field paths make up the network of paths. No through roads disturb the enjoyment of cycling, which is why the Reschensee round is particularly suitable for families with children. Numerous rest areas, places to eat, and barbecue areas allow for breaks along the way.

Starting from the western edge of St. Valentin auf der Haide, the route leads westward through the Spitalacker until you reach the shore of Lake Reschen. The route then continues through the resettled Graun on a signposted cycle path with a slight incline. Follow the cycle path through Arlund and Reschen, before returning to St. Valentin on the other side of the lake on field paths.

In St. Valentin, another lake can be discovered – Lake Haidersee. This natural body of water with adjacent biotopes provides an idyllic home for many fish, accompanied only by ducks and coots – and occasionally the odd angler, who enjoys the variety of scaly water inhabitants.

Graun exists again today – it was rebuilt in another location. In the present village, which bears the same name as its unfortunate predecessor, the Museum Vintschger Oberland provides information with exhibits and a photo documentation about the destruction and reconstruction of the villages of Graun and Reschen. Once all the information has been absorbed, the lake's landmark – the church tower – is cast in an unknown light, which leads to serious contemplation and takes away some of the fairytale-like quality of the idyll. A greeting from reality.