Mountain Bike Tour Marienbergjoch

Nassereith - Aschland - Marienbergalm - Marienbergjoch - Weissensee - Fernpass - Fernstein - Nassereith
Length: 30 km; Time: 5 hours
Physical exertion: difficult

A really high proportion of gravel roads makes the tour around the Marienbergjoch a challenging test for full-blooded bikers. But all the effort has a reward - and this is reflected in the form of breathtaking panoramic views of the Zugspitze massif, Ötztal Alps, and Stubai Alps.

After starting in Nassereith, the first stage still leads on the paved municipal road with a slight incline towards Dormitz, Rossbach. Follow the course of the Rossbach and you will come to a fork in the road that leads to the Marienbergjoch. The route continues on an asphalt road. The route takes us through the hamlet of Aschland to the next junction towards Marienbergjoch. Now, however, with the difference that the surface becomes a forest road that leads us to the Marienbergalm. The mountain hut opens its doors for a short rest, but here you also have the opportunity to set up your overnight camp.

At the latest on the further way, you learn to appreciate the rest, because it becomes increasingly exhausting - the forest path now tests the condition. But it is worth it alone because of the unique view of the aforementioned mountain trio. And once you have crossed the Marienbergjoch, the relief is already waiting on the other side - the bumpy road here gives way to a well-developed forest road and soon the switchbacks appear, which will be left at the junction towards Weissensee, Fernpass-Seen, Nassereither Alm. What follows is a meadow, which we cross to reach the Weissensee - a mecca for water sports enthusiasts and hikers. As is usual with a mountain lake, the water temperature is significantly different from that at home in the bathtub. But the brave own the water world - and thus the sustainable cooling before the next effort.

What follows is another ascent to the Fernpass. Then the path leads towards Fernstein, Nassereith along the historic Roman road Via Claudia Augusta. If you keep your eyes open, you may even discover the occasional Roman trace carved into the rock. The forest road, which increasingly turns into a more demanding single trail, follows the junctions to Nassereith.

Soon the mighty walls of Schloss Fernstein catch your eye, which is now run as a hotel. At its foot, a turquoise blue lake glimmers through the green of the forests - the fairytale Fernsteinsee, with its crystal-clear water, definitely a paradise for sports divers. On an island in the lake, the ruins of Sigmundsburg Castle are hidden among the trees - once a secret hiding place from enemies and a refuge in times of devastating plagues.

After the lake, the Via Claudia Augusta (always follow the signs) puts on its asphalt garment again and leads under the Fernpass main road towards Nassereith. After another forest road section, continue on the road to the town center of Nassereith and back to the point where the whole adventure began.