Bike Tour: Talrunde Ulten

St. Gertraud - St. Nikolaus - Birkenheim - Mühlau - Gasteig - Kuppelwies - Zoggler Stausee - St. Nikolaus - St. Gertraud
Length: 25 km; Time: 2.5 hours
Physical exertion: Moderate

It is said to be the highest church in the Ultental - the parish church of St. Gertraud, with its characteristic red roof peak towering into the sky through the lush green of the surrounding forests and meadows. The starting point of our journey is therefore not difficult to find and already offers a splendid opportunity to prepare for another cycling adventure with the beautiful views that await the visitor here. Lake and river, forest and natural wonders are the additional ingredients for a leisurely bike tour in the South Tyrol-Trentino region.

The parish church of St. Gertraud began in the 14th century as a small chapel, which over time was converted into a larger church and is now surrounded by the village cemetery. Don't forget to take a look at the remains of the 15th century Christophorus painting and the Pieta on the south wall of the holy house.

Then it goes via the main road to St. Nikolaus, where the Ultner Valley Museum is housed in the former school building. The traditional wooden house now houses tools, crafts items, and furnishings from long past times. Also a smoking chamber, a milk chamber, a farmer's parlor, rural art objects, and an extremely historic piece of monarchy history: the k.u.k. hiking boots of Empress Sissi, who liked to spend her summer vacations here.

It continues via Mühlau and Gasteig on the Ultner Höfeweg. This eventually merges into the Seeweg. Kuppelwies offers an opportunity to silence growling stomachs or moisten dry throats. The next stop is Ultental's largest reservoir, the Zoggler reservoir near the village of St. Walburg. The lake has three main tasks: energy production and protection against floods. Oh, and thirdly: to conjure an overwhelming satisfied smile on the faces of visitors. After all, the lake slumbers dreamily between the mountain peaks, creating an image that no postcard could capture better.

Cross the lake at the end via the dam and ride back to St. Nikolaus on the other side of the shore. Turn right to St. Nikolaus and then immediately left after the river to the bus stop. Then turn left again, take on the forest road - it merges into the Höfeweg - and if it gets too steep, it will be forgiven if you push the bike a little.

The invested effort pays off, because here root three gnarled pine trees that are among the oldest in Europe - the Ultner Urlärchen. Stories from folklore estimate their age at more than 2,000 years - even though scientific studies come to under 1,000 years. However, the 35 meter high tree giants with their up to 8 meter thick trunks are impressive. It is good to rest in their shade and if the thirst for knowledge arises, hopefully information panels about the tree seniors will satisfy the need.
Once you have rested enough, continue cycling downhill and then a bit uphill again - until you are back in St. Gertraud.