MTB ADVENTURES IN THE BREGENZERWALD
In the 4-country corner, the Bregenzerwald is characterized by its concentrated MTB opportunities on relatively small terrain. Here in the West of Austria, trail riders and touring enthusiasts will be in for a treat. After all, the Bregenzerwald not only offers 460 kilometers of marked MTB trails of all difficulty levels, but also pure nature, undiscovered corners and an endless amount of forest in between. Trips along the Bregenzerache, over the Schreiberesattel or if you like to the MTB trail center in Au-Schoppernau. Here you cycle amidst the peace and unspoiled nature of the mountains. Here you won’t find masses of bikers – instead, you can set out on your own for tough climbs or pleasure rides with authentic insights into the regional lifestyle and traditional Alpine cuisine. Here, too, the legendary Diedamskopf Trail plunges down into the valley. On the downhill, the modesty and sensible restraint of the people of the Bregenzerwald, come in handy. The Signature Trail may only be ridden with a guide from the Bregenzerwald Bike Academy.
"Here you cycle amidst the peace and unspoiled nature of the mountains."
360° view from the Diedamskopf
The region’s signature trail is a truly exclusive nature experience in the heart of the Allgäu Alps, as it can only be ridden accompanied by a guide from the Bregenzerwald Bike Academy. This makes the route a unique adventure with a 360° panorama of the alpine cultural landscape from the Allgäu to the Arlberg and the Silvretta. The 360° view from the 2,090 m summit over the mountains of Vorarlberg is impressive and creates a sense of awe. Lake Constance is as recognizable from here as the Lechtal Alps. The trail, enthroned high above Au and Schoppernau, leads down into the valley with plenty of variety. The 70 additional altitude meters from the mountain station to the top of the Diedamskopf should not be missed before you start the descent. Here you can enjoy a complete panorama all around and let your thoughts run wild before descending into the valley. Now you go up and down in longer and shorter curves, and along ever-changing views of the Vorarlberg mountain landscape. The flowing nature trail leads through wild forest, across meadows and gravel – it’s all about enjoying every moment, experiencing it intensely and pausing every now and then.
On the Mitterdiedamsalpe, mountain bikers interested in culinary delights can take a peek into the traditional cheese kitchen and enjoy regional delicacies while enjoying a rustic snack. A little cheese and bacon, homemade bread – that’s all you need here.
It’s a good feeling to know where the ingredients of the food you are consuming come from! Here too, as on the Diedamskopftrail, quality rather than quantity counts. Moderate enjoyment of nature rather than uncontrolled crowds. This exclusivity alone makes the Diedamskopf Trail a real bucket list candidate.
The trails are timeless in the forest
But there is much more to the Bregenzerwald than the legendary Diedamskopf. On the 4-country corner, it soon goes beyond the borders. We cycle around Lake Constance to Germany, Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein. Impressive views of neighboring countries included. The choice of tours leaves nothing to be desired. There is the wonderful Schoppernau/Diedamskopf – Neuhornbachhaus Tour, as well as the popular Schreibersattel Tour or the Bregenzerwald classic Mellau/Kanisfluh. The MTB trail center Au-Schoppernau also offers variety with family-friendly bases and challenges of all levels up to the black jumpline. Whether you want to playfully improve your riding technique or just have fun: between the trail center and the pump track in Mellau, MTB enthusiasm is in the air! Peace and pure forest air are the order of the day here. Take a deep breath, feel the timelessness of the forest and enjoy!
DESTINATION
bregenzerwald.at
TRAIL
The Diedamskopf towers over Au and Schoppernau. From the mountain station of the cable car, the trail leads to the summit and back to the start of the trail. Biking the singletrail is only allowed when accompanied by a guide from the Bregenzerwald Bike Academy.
KNOW
The Bregenzerwald & Großes Walsertal Guest Card provides you with all possible information – including mountain railways, buses & sports opportunities. The Bregenzerwald bike bus (line R1) takes cyclists & bikes.
TIP
The Bregenzerwald Cheese House in Andelsbuch has about 60 different types of hard, semi-hard, fresh and soft cheese made from cow, goat or sheep milk as well as a restaurant. Cheese is made on site on Sundays.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
May – October
The best Bicycle Hotels in the region
Hotel Rössle****, Au im Bregenzerwald, roessle-au.at
Hotel Alpen Post****, Au im Bregenzerwald, alpenhotel-post.com
MORE HOTELS AND REGIONS AT
bike-holidays.com
Fotos: © David Karg
