Cycling through the Tyrolean Oberland

A day trip full of nature, culture and enjoyment

When you travel in and around Innsbruck as much as I do, you always discover new facets of our region - sometimes right on your doorstep. One of these discoveries for me was the ride along the Inn Valley Cycle Path from the Tyrolean Oberland back to Innsbruck. A route that not only offers a lot in terms of scenery, but is also culturally really exciting - and very relaxed to ride. i say "back" because Innsbruck was the starting point for me. I recommend taking the train from Innsbruck for the outward journey. Then it's a comfortable bike ride back from Imst, along the Inn, with beautiful scenery and great impressions to remember.

Start in Imst - with an uncomplicated train journey

As is so often the case, I start my bike tour in comfort by train. I take the train from Innsbruck main station to Imst-Pitztal. The connection is fast, uncomplicated and the bike travels stress-free. The actual cycle path starts right at the station - perfect for getting straight into the saddle.

Spectacular start: The gorge between Imst and Roppen

A real highlight awaits right at the start. Between Imst and Roppen, the Inntal Cycle Path leads through a narrow, wild gorge. The rock faces come close together and the path winds its way through the middle. The Inn rushes deep below and you almost feel like you're on an adventure - but without any effort. Tyrol shows its dramatic and beautiful side here.

Over the Inn and into the diversity of the Oberland

After Roppen, you cross the Inn - one of the many beautiful bridge crossings on this route - and continue eastwards along a beautiful path through dense forest. The Inn is always in view. The route is well signposted throughout and is flat to slightly sloping, making it ideal for leisurely tourers. In total, the route measures around 60 kilometers to Innsbruck - perfect for a day trip.

Small detours, big impressions

It is always worth taking a short detour from the trail. Locherboden near Mötz, for example, towers high above the Inn Valley and offers a great view of the surrounding area. Not far away is the Stams waterfall - hidden but beautiful. Both can be reached via an adventurous suspension bridge over the Inn. I have already written a blog about this. You can enjoy a short hike along a beautiful path from the waterfall to the pilgrimage site.

The St. Petersberg Castle and the magnificent Stams Abbey are two real gems along the way. These cultural monuments alone make the tour worthwhile. A detour is definitely recommended. The two buildings are practically right next to the cycle path. I have already written articles about both. Have a look there for more information. The links are behind the names.

Break in Telfs - coffee, people and life

After about half the route, I reach Telfs - an ideal place for a short break. The pedestrian zone in Tyrol's third-largest municipality is bustling with activity and there are some nice cafés. I treat myself to an espresso in the Mile Grazie bar. A small but lovely terrace to relax on. What's special here? The bar used to be a church. Just take a look inside! For me, this is one of the most beautiful aspects of such bike tours: you are not only out in nature, but also feel the everyday life of the places you pass through.

In Telfs, the carnival is omnipresent. Squares, statues, fountains - everything has to do with the famous Telfer Schleicherlaufen. A Unesco World Heritage Site. And not to forget: the majestic Hohe Munde, Telfer's local mountain.

Natural moments between Inzing and Hatting

After Telfs, things become particularly attractive once again. At Inzing, I cycle through the Gaisau, a natural conservation area with meadows, wetlands and ancient trees. Shortly afterwards, I reach one of my favorite places of the day: a sandbank directly on the Inn near Hatting, where I take a long break. My feet in the water, a view of the opposite bank, a few birds circling above me. A real power spot.

And if you still haven't had enough further back at Völs or Kranebitten, you can stop briefly at another sandbank right by the airport - ideal for watching planes taking off and landing. A curious but fascinating contrast to the tranquil river landscape.

Arrival in Innsbruck - fulfilled, but not exhausted

After around five to six hours of pure cycling time - depending on the mood for breaks - I finally roll back into Innsbruck. The tour is pleasant to ride, has hardly any climbs and runs almost exclusively on cycle paths or quiet side roads. Just the thing for anyone who wants to combine nature, culture and exercise in one.

Conclusion:

The Inn Valley cycle path between Imst and Innsbruck is more than just a connection from A to B. It is a journey through deep gorges, past places steeped in history and through lively villages. And all of this on a route that is easily manageable even for less trained cyclists. For me, it was an all-round successful day - and certainly not the last time I cycled this route.

Finally, here's my video of the Inntal Cycle Path.

All photos © Danijel Jovanovic Photography - www.djphotography.at
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