Tyrol is one of the largest Bundesländer in Austria. It borders the regions of Vorarlberg in Austria, Carinthia and Salzburg. North, in Germany, you can go to Bavaria. Near the border with Switzerland, you're in Graubünden. In that respect, cycling in Tyrol offers lots of opportunities. We previously wrote about Innsbruck and about the possibilities around Kufstein. Now I focus a little more to the west, to the village Imst. I remember this from the old days. In 1998, when I was 14 myself, we were on holiday here with family. It seems like I am suffering from homesickness for that time anyway. See the previous piece on Germany. But even then I was impressed by the scenery. I had never seen really high mountains before. Then peaks of 2,700 metres and higher are really impressive. Also in my memory: the highest post station on the Kaunertalergletscher! I'll take you back to Imst and its surroundings for a while. Will you join me?
By: Sander Kolsloot
Imst junction
The town of Imst is geographically located between Landeck and Innsbruck. You can find the famous Rosengartenschlucht there, although it is not necessarily a hugely impressive stream. The name has stuck with me in 25 years, but mostly because of its scrabble value. Still, it is high on the list of 'things to do in Imst and its surroundings'. Not by bike. IMst is an ideal junction for exploring the whole area. From here, there are several wonderful routes to choose from. Even the Kuhtai can be reached from here, as well as the aforementioned Kaunertal Glacier as well as the Pitztal and more. It's impossible to get bored.
Quiet start
If you're thinking, I'd like to start quietly, then the best way to go is down the Inntalradweg. You can do that in both the direction of Landeck and Innsbruck. A gentle route, with nice views, good tarmac and not immediately the steep climbs in the area. Good to get into the swing of things and really more beautiful than the polder road in the Netherlands. The Inntalradweg runs all the way to the borders of Germany (near Kufstein) and Switzerland (it ends at St Moritz!). Warm-ups like this are no flat affair. Just so you see, you still rack up 1100 altimeters in 110 kilometres. Welcome to 'flat' Tirol!
Warming up more painfully
From Imst, you can ride to the higher Hochimst. This 'warm-up' is only two kilometres long, but you have more than 12(!)% in front of your wheels. So try to do this with a run-up, otherwise you'll be lying with your tongue on the handlebars before you've even started. It is also more of a climb for the end of the ride, as it is a dead end. It's better to start the northern loop towards Germany towards Reutte and back there, taking in the ascent of the Hahntenjoch. At 1890 metres, it's quite a pimple and quite a challenge from both sides. It is over 14 kilometres on this route at 6.3%. With peaks above 13%, it is a steep climb. The variant from the direction of Imst is even tougher. With 16 kilometres at 7% average and peaks to 14%, this is also a popular route for motorcyclists.
Kaunertal
The climb of the region is the route to the Kaunertal Glacier. The Gletscherstrasse is one of the most famous but also infamous climbs in all of Austria. Not only because of its length, but also its changing conditions, altitude and curves. Beautiful for the climb, but definitely challenging (dangerous) for the descent. You start from Putz fairly calmly on the 38-plus kilometre climb. The first 18 kilometres are fairly gentle, then 2 kilometres suddenly break the painful limit of 10%. That's at the gepatsch Stausee. Then the climb levels out to 0% (you have to pass it) to ride up the last 11 kilometres only above 10%. You ride up through beautiful hairpin bends and slowly ride above the tree line. Painful and stunning at the same time. Once you reach the top, you can enjoy the view. Fun fact: this is also Austria's highest postal station. So send a postcard to the family.
Imster radmarathon
The event in the region is the Imster Radmarathon. As an event, this is definitely recommended. In 110 kilometres, you take in the region's most beautiful highlights in 2300 altimeters. We have plotted the route of the 2022 edition for you here, so you can take a look for yourself.
Gravel galore
That you can also get away beautifully by gravel bike in this area should come as no surprise. In a subsequent article, we will take a closer look at the most important and beautiful gravel trails in the area. Here's a little teaser in advance.
