Gravel is the path to freedom. More and more people are turning to the gravel bike to experience that feeling of freedom. Imagine: semi-paved roads, routes through the forest, a climb to a beautiful viewpoint with a stunning panorama. In the fresh, healthy mountain air, away from the crowds. Pff, we’re already looking forward to it. This week we got some tips whispered to us about a region that many gravel riders still haven’t really taken a close look at. The Zugspitz Arena in Tyrol, actually just across the border with Germany. You could say that everything is here and that’s what makes it all come together. How can you discover that? We have four routes for you that you should immediately add to your GPX to-do bucket list. Or whatever you call it. Would you like to join us?
Four Gravel Routes with Variety and Challenge
Okay, it’s a bit weird to say that gravel routes in Austria are really varied. If you’re used to the flat Netherlands (pannenkoek), everything is varied and challenging. We already participated in Gravel Innsbruck in 2020. It’s better to call it MTB innsbruck. What a challenge that was! But it was really really cool! Now this is more about the region a little north of the city of Innsbruck. So let’s start there and look for the variety. We start right at the “Zugspitz”, also known from our northern neighbor Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
ZUGSPITZ 8 – Gravel tour
You can find two variants of this Zugspitz-8. One starts in Griesen, which really makes it an ‘eight’. Additionally, the one below, starting in Lermoos, has a shorter distance of 8km. Furthermore, you’ll cover between 1700 and 1800 meters of elevation gain and have an impressive gravel route through the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena, past crystal-clear mountain lakes and panoramic roads.
Long ascents are interspersed with beautiful, fast descents, keeping the route constantly varied. The gravel route winds around the imposing Wetterstein mountain range and the distinctive mountain Daniel. Thanks to the many possible starting points and the option to combine parts of the route with the train, the tour is flexible to plan. A must for virtually every gravel lover who has a beautiful day in the mountains in mind. You can also split it up and do it in two days if you wish.
VeloPlannerVia Claudia Augusta (Reutte – Imst)
This journey from Reutte to Imst is part of the famous, 700 km long, historical Roman route. Through Claudia Augusta. The route starts in Donauwörnitz and ends at the San Marco Square in Venice. It is a beautiful gravel route with a moderate profile. Ideal for those who want to cover long distances without extreme elevation changes. Varied landscapes, wide valleys and cultural highlights along the way. If you want to complete the entire route, you can find the detailed route map below. The section from Reutte to Imst is 56km and has 700 meters of elevation gain.
VeloPlannerTo the Miemingers
A wonderful day trip, this 72.2-kilometer-long, challenging round around the Mieminger Mountain Range. Through the well-known panoramic roads, the Fernpass bike path, and the Gaistal, you’ll be treated to a feast of beautiful highlights. I’ll tell you right now: I’ll be there for it. Get your climbing legs in shape in the morning. The reward for the effort? Wild nature, real silence, and various types of gravel. A trip to the Seebensee adds extra elevation gain. If you haven’t already reached 1800 meters of elevation gain, that’s just fine.
VeloPlannerLoisachtal cycling path
A relaxing gravel trail along the Loisach. Ideal as a recovery day or starting point. Few climbs, lots of natural beauty and suitable for almost any level of fitness. For when you’re traveling with someone who has never really been on a gravel trail before, or if you want to go out for a walk with children anyway. Distance: 14.8 km (Biberwier – Griesen), 15 vertical meters
Practical Information
Renting, Service and Driving
Don’t have your own gravel bike? In the Zugspitz Arena in Tyrol you can rent a bike at many locations. From high-end gravel bikes to e-MTBs with electric support. Ideal for those who want to get the most out of the altitude meters or plan a multi-day adventure without logistical worries.
Bike service addresses can be found on www.zugspitzarena.com.
Bike-Events 2026 in the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena
- Bike Opening in Lermoos: from 14 to 16 May
- Zugspitz Arena Gravel Triathlon: August 29
- Bike Program: from April to October
About the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena
Anyone who wants to experience the Zugspitze can best come to Tyrol. Seven charming places in the Austrian-Bavarian border region offer the best prospects for winter and summer holidays: Ehrwald, Lermoos, Berwang, Biberwier, Bichlbach/Lähn-Wengle, Heiterwang am See and Namlos. Here you can enjoy plenty of winter sports, hiking, mountain biking or just relaxing and unwinding. In the Tyrolean Zugspitz Arena, you always have the sun on your side.
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.