Palace to Palace – A Cycling Expedition
The Inn Valley bicycle paths offer 200 kilometers of pure pleasure! Either sports - or cultural activities? That is definitely not the question: the Inn Valley comprises 200 km of bicycle paths which allow you to combine sports activities with a thrilling expedition to medieval palaces or other sights.
Enjoy bicycle tours that will enthuse and amaze all family members. The Old Town in the heart of Innsbruck serves as the perfect point of departure for bicycle tours to the Upper and Lower Inn Valley.
Signs of the past show you the way into the Tyrolean Lower Inn Valley, where you will explore many palaces and castles. The route from Innsbruck to Erl comprises a total of 103 km of family friendly bicycle paths. The first stage of your route will be Hall, a charming town that is rich in history. Explore Burg Hasegg Castle and the famous landmark of hall, the mint tower. In its museum you will learn everything regarding the history of money, and don’t miss the chance to mint your own Taler. If you still have enough energy, you can climb the stars of the mint tower to enjoy the beautiful view over the town center and the surrounding villages.
The journey continues and the bicycle path takes you to the town of Wattens. There he is – the water-spouting Giant that has already fascinated millions of visitors. Magic, sparkling and imaginative: Swarovski Crystal Worlds are always well worth a visit.
In the next palace, Schloss Mitterhart Palace in Schwaz, well-deserved refreshments will already await you. The charming palace with historical roots that date back to the 16th century nestles in quiet location right next to the River Inn. The scent of meadows, orchards, and culinary delights quickly help you to gain new energy for the next passage.
There are two further stages. First you stop at Schloss Tratzberg Palace in Jenbach. The Tyrolean Palace of 6,800 sq is one of the most important art and cultural monuments in the Tyrol. A unique guided tour, which takes you on a journey through 500 years of history, and a magical, thrilling tour, especially created for children, will guarantee a lot of fun for visitors of all ages.
On the last section you will ride your bike on side roads and “secret paths”, however, they are yet well sign-posted. On your route you will pass the Reintal Lakes, which invite you to take a short break and enjoy some refreshments, and off you go toward the Fortress City of Kufstein until you reach Erl – the final destination.
Another route that starts in Innsbruck, also allows you to explore many things by bike. This time you go to the West – to the Upper Inn Valley. There is no doubt that this route captivates with the beautiful landscape. It is characterized by a great variety of cultural sceneries that offer breathtaking views of the mountains. The Old Town of Innsbruck once again will be the starting point.
Once you have reached Kranebitten, the bicycle path takes you alongside the River Inn to Kematen and further to Telfs. Even though the next stage on the way to Imst is quite challenging, your effort will be rewarded as you will cycle on the most beautiful paths until you reach Landeck. Enjoy nine hours and 104 kilometers of cycling in breathtaking natural sceneries on your way to the West.
If these enjoyable yet extensive tours will cause a slight pain in your legs, you may return by train without having a bad conscience at all. Your bicycle will actually be transported free of charge.
Further information regarding this or other routes in Innsbruck and its Holiday Villages can be found in the free guide book “Bike & Fun”, which is available at Innsbruck Tourism. It contains a general map, information regarding cycling friendly accommodation, bicycle rentals and transport possibilities via public means of transport.
