Cycling in the Almenparadies Gaistal

The Gaistal is a paradise for mountain bikers and e-bikers – wide forest tracks, magnificent alpine meadow panoramas and several staffed alpine huts as refreshment stops make this valley one of the finest cycling areas in Tyrol. This relaxed beginner’s bike tour is the perfect starting point: covering 4 km with just 136 metres of elevation gain, it leads from the Stupfer car park to the Gaistalalm – ideal for anyone exploring the Gaistal by bike for the first time.

Why Cycle in the Gaistal?

The Gaistal is closed to motorised traffic – only bicycles and hikers are permitted on the car-free Gaistalmautstraße and the forest tracks. This creates a unique situation: you travel along wide, well-surfaced routes through a natural landscape with no car traffic. No engine noise, no exhaust fumes – just the rushing of the Gaistalbachbach, birdsong and the crunch of gravel under your tyres.

The Ganghoferweg is the main cycling route in the Gaistal – flat, well maintained and suitable for all types of bicycle (city bike, mountain bike, e-bike). The bike tour to the Gaistalalm is the shortest and most relaxed variant.

Route Description

Start at Stupfer car park (P2): Get your bike out of the car or from the rental – and off you go. The wide Ganghoferweg begins directly at the car park and leads westward into the valley.

Along the Ganghoferweg: The first few kilometres are almost flat – the path follows the Gaistalbachbach, surrounded by typical alpine meadow scenery. For beginners and families this section is ideal: no steep sections, no technical terrain, simply pleasant cycling.

Gaistalalm (1,350 m, approx. 30–40 min.): The destination of the tour: the Gaistalalm with its large sun terrace. Lean up your bike, take off your helmet, order a Brettljause. If you like, ride back on the same route afterwards.

Return journey: Going downhill is naturally even faster – approx. 20–30 minutes back to the car park.

Extensions for More Experienced Riders

The beginner tour is just the start – those wanting more can extend the bike tour through the Gaistal considerably:

• To the Tillfußalm: A further 2 km beyond the Gaistalalm – total length 6 km, still easy
• Hämmermoosalm detour: From the main route towards the Hämmermoosalm – slightly steeper, well worth it (approx. 2 km, 180 m elevation)
• Grand Gaistal bike tour: The entire valley to the rear car park P5 – 8–10 km, ideal for experienced cyclists

E-Bikes in the Gaistal

The Gaistal is ideal for e-bikers: the toll road and forest tracks are e-bike compatible, and several charging points are located in the Leutasch area. With an e-bike, the slightly steeper alpine approaches can be tackled with ease – to the Hämmermoosalm or the Gaistalalm, the e-bike is the most comfortable form of transport.

Important: Ride only on designated routes – cycling off the forest tracks and Gaistalmautstraße is not permitted in the nature reserve.

Bike Rental

No bike of your own? In Leutasch and in the Zugspitz Arena Ehrwald there are bicycle and e-bike rental services – with daily hire and full equipment. The rental stations always have up-to-date information on trail conditions and can recommend suitable tours.

Tips for the Bike Tour

• Helmet: Compulsory – even on the easy variant
• Dogs: Keep a lead with you (attach when near grazing animals)
• Weather: Gravel becomes slippery in rain – ride carefully in wet conditions
• Observe signs: Some paths in the Gaistal are for walkers only – pay attention to signage
• Early morning: The Gaistal is particularly beautiful in the morning light – and still quiet

Cycling in the Gaistal is the most relaxed way to experience the Almenparadies – for everyone who prefers rolling to walking.