To the source of the river Isar at Hinterautal valley

Starting point: Mittenwald station - Ending point:

This cycle tour starts out on flat paths with a comfy warm-up in Mittenwald and then takes you into the Karwendeltal valley on an asphalted path. When the weather is nice, the beginning of the route is usually quite busy, until hikers and cyclists spread out into different valleys. The first and only incline requires some fitness, at this point it’s just “keep going” and “keep pedalling”. Once you’ve reached the top, you can have a rest and roll downhill into Hinterautal valley. You will now enter a different world: Jagged and sharp rocks are towering to both sides of you, the cycle path carries on along the river Isar. You will see emerald green summer pastures and hear cowbells in the distance.

Benches and the banks of the river Isar invite you to have a rest. You will reach the source of the river Isar effortlessly. Here you should definitely have a break and take a walk through the slightly mossy, hilly terrain, where you can see numerous springs bubbling up from the ground. The last meters to Kastenalm hut are easy to master with cool beverages calling from afar. The return journey is more comfortable, as it goes slightly downhill throughout.

For a more detailed description of the tour, please refer to "PDF Print" above.

You start at the Mittenwald station and ride south on the Innsbrucker Strasse to the end of town. Here you cross the bridge over the river Isar to the right and then carry on to the sports center at Ried. Cycle past the tennis court into the Riedboden nature reserve, at the end of which you will have to cross the river Isar once more, just before Scharnitz. In the center of Scharnitz, turn left before the church. Carry on straight on the asphalted road. Towards the end there is a relatively short, but biting ascent. Then you will continue on a well-maintained gravel path, which takes you on almost level ground alongside the river Isar to the Hinterautal valley. After approximately 13 km, you will reach the source of the river Isar. A little bit further on you will reach the Kastenalm Alpine hut. A short break with proper Bavarian food will refresh the spirits before your return journey. You will return to Scharnitz by the same route. Then the cycle path will take you via the main road for a short stretch to the former customs office turn right here and follow the railway tracks through Hoffeld back to the Mittenwald station.

Information & Download

Trail conditions

Best season

Recommended equipment

Weatherproof clothing, cycle helmet, drinking bottle, bike repair kit, first aid kit, if necessary sun screen.

Downloads

GPX