Gravel is the road to freedom. More and more people are reaching for the gravel bike, to experience that feeling of freedom. Imagine semi-paved roads, routes through the forest, a climb to a beautiful viewpoint with an amazing panorama. In the fresh, healthy mountain air, far away from the crowds. Pff, we are already looking forward to it. This week we got some tips whispered to us about a region that is not yet on many gravelers' minds. The Tyrolean Zugspitz Arena, actually just over the border with Germany. You could say that everything can be found here and thus everything comes together. How to discover it? We have four routes for you, which you should save right away in your GPX to do-bucket list. Or whatever yours is called. Take a look.
Four Gravel Routes with Variation and Challenge
Ok, it is lame to say that gravel routes in Austria are nice and varied. If you are used to the flat Netherlands (pancake), everything is varied and challenging. We participated in Gravel Innsbruck back in 2020. It would have been better to call it: MTB Innsbruck. What a challenge that was. But really really cool! Now this is more about the region slightly north of the city of Innsbruck. So let's look for the variety there. We start right at the “Zugspitz”, also known from northern neighbour Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
ZUGSPITZ 8 - Graveltour
You can find two variants of this Zugspitz-8. One with start in Griesen, which also actually makes an ‘eight’. Additionally the one below, with start in Lermoos, which has 8km less, in store. Even so, you still pack between 1700 and 1800 altimeters and have an impressive gravel route through the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena, past crystal-clear mountain lakes and panoramic roads.
Long climbs alternate with beautiful, fast descents, keeping the route constantly varied. The gravel route runs around the imposing Wetterstein Mountains and the striking Mount Daniel. Thanks to the many possible starting points and the option to combine parts of the route with the train, the tour can be flexibly planned. A must for basically any 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 necessary.
VeloPlannerVia Claudia Augusta (Reutte - Imst)
This tour from Reutte to Imst is part of the famous, 700 km long, historic Roman route Via Claudia Augusta. The route starts in Donauwörnitz and eventually finishes at St Mark's Square in Venice. A beautiful gravel route with a moderate profile. Ideal for those who want to cover kilometres without extreme gradients. Changing landscapes, wide valleys and cultural highlights along the way. If you want to ride the whole route, you can find it below. The stretch from Reutte to Imst is 56 km and has 700 altitude metres.
VeloPlannerUm die Mieminger
A great day trip, this 72.2 km challenging round trip around the Mieminger Mountains. Via the well-known panorama roads, the cycle path of the Fernpass and the Gaistal valley, you get a lot of beautiful highlights here. In the morning, though, screw in your climbing legs. The reward for the effort? Rugged nature, real silence and different types of gravel. A trip to the Seebensee adds extra altimeters. If you don't think 1800 altimeters is enough already, of course.
VeloPlannerLoisachtalradweg
A relaxed gravel option along the Loisach. Ideal as a recovery day or entry route. Little climbing, lots of natural beauty and suitable for almost any level. For if you are out with someone who has never really gravelled before, or if you want to get out with children anyway. Distance: 14.8 km (Biberwier - Griesen), 15 altitude metres
Practical information
Rental, service and driving
Didn't bring your own gravel bike? In the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena, you can rent a bike at many locations. From high-end gravel bikes to e-mtb's with electric assistance. Ideal for those who want to make the most of the altimeters or plan a multi-day adventure without logistical worries.
Bike service addresses can be found at www.zugspitzarena.com.
Bike Events 2026 in the Tyrolean Zugspitz Arena
- Bike Opening Lermoos: from 14 to 16 May
- Zugspitz Arena Gravel Triathlon: 29 August
- Bike Program: from April to October
About Tiroler Zugspitz Arena
Those who want to experience the Zugspitze should 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 lounging. In Tiroler Zugspitz Arena, by the way, you always have the sun on your side.
