Family Bike Tour through Kaiserwinkl

Village center Walchsee - Kössen - around the Unterberg - Erpfendorf - Kirchdorf - Gasteig - Griesenau - Schwendt - village center Walchsee
Length: 45 km; Time: 3.5 hours
Physical effort: Moderate

Rustic farmhouses sprout from the green meadow carpet, which spreads out friendly between the numerous mountain peaks. Some of them open their doors to the cyclist and entice with regional delicacies for a break. Despite some inclines, the Kaiserwinkl circuit tour with a height difference of only 110 meters is also a manageable undertaking for inexperienced bikers and families with children, which definitely pays off. Alone because of the alpine scenery - because the Wilder Kaiser and Zahmer Kaiser here illuminate the mountain romance in a truly worth seeing light that you don't want to switch off.

The route leads through mountain valleys with numerous lakes and wide plains via field paths, gravel roads, partly wooded areas, but also along the Leukental cycle path. You take a round around the Unterberg and then return to the starting point in Walchsee.

From Walchsee, first take the federal road to the Seehof Hotel. Turn left over Hallbruck and take the right path at the fork. At the next junction, turn left. Pass under the bridge, pass the Annakapelle (which was also visited by Cardinal Ratzinger, later Pope Benedict XVI), until you stand in front of the valley station of the Unterberg. Since we are already in Kössen, the chances are not bad to see colorful dots in the sky - paragliders and hang gliders who have the air superiority here. There is also the opportunity to work on your handicap here - in Europe's first golf course, which is spread across two countries. Swinging the club in Tyrol and sinking the ball in Bavaria - not something you do every day.

Now, at the foot of the Unterberg, it goes straight to Erpfendorf via field paths and wooded sections of the Leukental cycle path. You only need to expect slight inclines here. Once in Erpfendorf, cross the wooden bridge and continue left towards Kirchdorf. If you want to recharge your batteries: Erpfendorf has been blessed by Mother Nature with some wild-romantic, lush flower meadows.

Past the reservoir, head to Gasteig and then to Griesenau. Then keep right on the cycle path towards Schwendt. At the Schwendter fish ponds with crystal-clear mountain water, you can take a break and convince yourself of the quality of the fresh catch - and all with an unbeatable view of the Kaisergebirge.

You are now in the dreamlike Kohlental, where you whiz along the Kohlebach. At the chapel, leave the gravel path and cycle left past the farmhouses back to Walchsee.

After the strenuous ride, a dip in Lake Walchsee is the perfect refreshment - with a constant water temperature of 24 degrees Celsius in summer. Several beaches and campsites line the area, which is an ideal active holiday destination for surfers, fishermen, rowers, and water skiers, and also boasts a small high moor complex on the west side of the lake. And in Walchsee's Schweigs district, the natural wonder is even bigger - because with the "Schwemm," North Tyrol's largest preserved high moor landscape is found here.