In the Cycling Destination Approved section, we pick places that we think you should absolutely go to as a cyclist. Note: this is not about cycling areas or countries, because yes, there are already some. It's really about hotels, cafes, cycling shops and other establishments or accommodation places where you feel completely welcome as a cyclist. Where you are not looked away from, where the facilities are in tip-top order and where you say afterwards: 'you really should go there', to your cycling friends and girlfriends. Bike Hotel Seppl in Innsbruck is one such place. If you are going to cycle in Austria and especially in Innsbruck and its surroundings, our recommendation is to book your cycling holiday here.
At the foot of the Brenner Pass
Since 2018, Innsbruck has landed with all road cyclists as a (summer) cycling destination. Not just among road cyclists, because before that, MTB riders had long been convinced by this beautiful place in the Austrian mountains. With the rise of gravel, an event like Gravel Innsbruck totally growing. The beautiful Hotel Seppl, just outside town in the village of Mutters (+/- 10 minutes by car and 15 minutes by tram) offers a base every cyclist can dream of. Austrian quality with an extra touch for the cyclist and all at the foot of the Brenner Pass. With opportunities for cycling galore.
Right at home
Owner Bernhard is an absolute cycling enthusiast himself. Not only will you often bump into him at the reception of the hotel, he can also give you all the beautiful roads, photo spots and fords in the area. Including almost unknown routes on the border with Italy, along the old defence lines or beautiful winding roads near Praxmar, if the drive to Kühtai is just a step too far. At the time of our visit, Bernhard is totally in the mood and we get explanations about beautiful photo spots and scenic routes. The sun remains only behind the clouds, but far no complaints. The theme: you feel right at home, with a rinse-off spot for your bike at the door, a locked bike shed and the idea that you won't be looked away from here.
Rooms and more
The hotel is a real winter destination in winter, and hikers and cyclists move in here in summer. The hotel is built in typical Austrian style, with a bit of that 'stube' feel in the restaurant and rooms. Lots of wood, but high quality. Cosy, warm and with a lovely bed, a spacious room and some nice extras like a bag you can use on the trails or in town. Return it neatly, of course. On the balcony of the various rooms, you also have that view again. Really an Alpine-Austrian feeling.
Breakfast and dinner
You can perfectly start your cycling day here with a breakfast buffet you can say hello to. Plenty of attention to healthy food options, fruit, yoghurt, nuts, seeds, you name it. Grab another apple for the road (or a banana) and you're good to go. The coffee is up to standard and the rest of the drinks are also ample in supply. All animal products and where possible fruit etc are locally produced. The quality is correspondingly high.
In the evening, you can dine a la carte in the restaurant or join the menu. Again, the emphasis is on local produce and of course your diet can be taken into account. Packed lunches are also part of the options and when you return to the hotel after a long day, there is always a late afternoon snack available in the bar. Self-service is the code word then, but it's all very much in order. In the evening, though, you can be served from behind the bar. The large terrace, in the sun overlooking the Nordkette with the tower of the ski jump and the city in the foreground....Take me home now.
What else is possible
There is nothing better than relaxing in the sauna or enjoying a massage after a long day in the saddle. Or do you still want to go to the sauna? Or maybe you need some local tips from Bernhard and his wife Daniela. Nothing seems impossible. Because just take a look at what is possible at this hotel:
- Swimming in the beautiful pool
- Sauna
- A delightful massage
- Bicycle rental
- Laundry service
- Bicycle repair (by arrangement)
Cycling Destination Approved: Bike Hotel Seppl
So it is rightly a place you will love coming back to. That is apart from the helpfulness of Bernhard, Daniela and the team. A;s there any hotel in the Innsbruck region that thickly deserves our label, it is the Bike Hotel Seppl. So here goes. Cycling Destination Approved: Bike Hotel Seppl! Want some great routes from the hotel? Then read the following article:
Book now? Then click here for the hotel's site. If you're still not sure what to bring with you or still hesitating about a cycling holiday in the mountains?
Routes
Here you will find some great routes around the hotel. They are easy to drive from the hotel. In general, keep in mind that Mutters is slightly higher than Innsbruck city. So when making routes, check that you don't end up with a tough climb. But Bernhard will be happy to help you further
Practical
A word about the hotel. It is located just south of the city of Innsbruck itself. An ideal combination as far as we are concerned. A tram/train stops around the corner, which goes regularly towards the city. In 20 minutes you are next to the golden roof.
The overnight train from Amsterdam or Utrecht is a good travel option. It runs in a dash to Innsbruck Central. Check the site of the Nightjet for more info. Only downside: you'll need to rent a bike on site, but you can do that again through the hotel.
The hotel is over 900 kilometres away by car from Utrecht. As far as we are concerned, this chafes against the maximum achievable to for a long weekend. You can park your car on the premises.
Innsbruck also has an airport, but really only operates winter flights. Thereby, we ourselves are more of the motto: only fly if you have to.
