After the 2018 cycling World Cup, it stood Innsbruck suddenly topped many lists for a cycling holiday. After all, who didn't get excited by the beautiful surroundings? Highway to Höll was suddenly on the 'bucket lists' of awesome climbs to have done. Even on Zwift, Innsbruck was suddenly rideable and that did something for the city and cycling. Yet you see that many people still ignore Innsbruck and its surroundings when choosing a cool cycling trip. And that is heavily unjustified. Here are some reasons why you might want to cycle in Innsbruck.
1. Variation
You wouldn't know it, but Innsbruck, with its location, is pre-eminently a location where you can find a lot of variety. Not only in the different cycling routes, but also in which bike you use. For instance, on the one hand you can cycle along the river, on the other hand you can head into the mountains. For the bikes, you can choose from an MTB, gravel bike or road bike adventure. Enjoy the Austrian mountains near Innsbruck on two wheels.
Into the mountains
Do you want to go into the mountains? Fantastic. You can choose from wonderful cycling routes. For example, you can choose a gentle climb towards Lüsens or Praxmar, go all the way at a lap of Kühtai or opt for a long run towards the Brenner Pass, where you also have the opportunity to take in some side arms. The choice is plentiful.
But variation is also in the choice of bike. Do you go on a road bike? Or would you rather grab a Gravelbike and ride under the Europabrücke, for example? Tip: at Gravel Innsbruck that stretch is automatically included! But don't forget the variate you can find at the Bikepark near Mutters, just 10 minutes outside the city. Challenging trails, technical practice courses, you name it, it's there.
Then there is the route over the famous Nordkette, which you can cycle up as well as down. Here the use of MTB or Gravelbike is desirable, otherwise you will go down hard. But it is a picture! Especially the single trails downhill are a treat (if you like them, of course ;)).
By the way, did we mention the Höttinger Höll? This final climb of the World Cup is an absolute must if you are in the area. So you do go up heir with up to 28%. That definitely hurts the legs.
It does not have to go up
Where we meant variety, it really is variety. Because you can also just ride a nice flat route along the banks of the Inn. The so-called Innradweg runs all the way to Kufstein and is actually as flat as the Dutch polder. Another route is the one to the Mieminger plateau. West of the sta, you will find a cycle route that passes all kinds of culinary stops. You can also take the aforementioned Brenner Pass cycling route. That one is long, at 2% and is not necessarily steep at any point. Lovely, then, because you do pick up altimeters, but you don't break down.
2. The city itself
Innsbruck is a hugely young city. The University of Innsbruck brings an influx of young residents into the city. Especially in the evenings and summers, it is noticeable that Innsbruck is more than the Hofburg and the Golden Roof. Also nice, but just a little different. There are countless restaurants where you can eat at a great price in the evening. Or nice coffee shops and all-day breakfast bar 'Breakfast Club'. Which is also nice after a nice bike ride, to have breakfast again.
Another tip: go sip fancy cocktails in the evening at the 360-degree bar. It really could be less. And that is an understatement.
In addition, its location next to the Nordkette (on the north side) and the Patscherkofl on the south side can be called fairly unique. Take one of the cable cars up and you have a great view over the city. At several places there, you can have a drink with stunning views.
3. Accessibility
If you weren't already entranced by the location and cycling options, the point about accessibility is also one to consider. Because you have several options
- Plane: Innsbruck airport is relatively small, but has a direct connection to the Netherlands. Especially at the edges of the cycling season (when winter is also around the corner), there is a good connection
- Train: the Nightjet is the new asset for this city. You can board the train at 20:00 in the evening in the Netherlands and smell the fresh alpine air as early as 09:00 in the morning. Not bad and the prices are also more than reasonable
- Car: it's about a 10-hour drive. That's comparable to most popular destinations.
Routes
In our Komoot collection, you'll find some great routes. A few we have ridden ourselves and are definitely worthwhile! The classic to Kühtai is actually a must-do for everyone. The Brenner Pass with its five fingers is a nice one to add variety to your ride.
When to go
As a cycling destination, Innsbruck is at its best between May and October. In May, you can still encounter some late winter snow, although the valley is usually free of snow. In summer, it is often wonderfully warm and you really do need to lubricate well.
There are several good hotels in the area, but if we are allowed to recommend one is Hotel Seppl in Mutters is highly recommended. The rooms are spacious and comfortable. The breakfast is more than extensive and the natural pool and wellness are also top-notch. In addition, Bernhard is a real cycling enthusiast, which is of added value if you also want to find beautiful places to ride.
More info on the city and cycling? Then check out the site here. Here you will also find all the info on mountain railways, the Innsbruck card and more.
