Recommended MTB tours
for strong calves
The following routes require fitness, stamina and often alpine experience:
The Great Hartkaiser Loop: Ellmau – Söll – Hartkaiser – Ellmau
Medium to difficult | 30–35 km | 1,100–1,200 metres of elevation gain | 3.5–4.5 hours
The classic local loop with over 1,000 metres of elevation gain.
Long, steady climbs on forest paths over the Hartkaiser (1,555 m).
Gradients? Even, but relentless. Fantastic panoramic views await at the top.
Tip for tough calves: without the Hartkaiserbahn cable car – the climb from Söll or Ellmau offers a constant challenge.
The Kaiserumrundung (stage) or Große Panoramatour
The official Kaiser circuit (approx. 88 km, 800 m elevation gain) is considered moderately difficult (as there are many flat sections in the valley. Can be extended to an ‘extreme variant’).
The ‘altitude kick’?
Include the steepest climbs of the Hartkaiser and Brandstadl (Scheffau) and push the altitude to over 1,800 metres. A full-day tour with over 5 hours of adventure time.
Hintersteiner See and "Steinerne Stiege" (for technicians)
Difficult (alpine experience required) | approx. 25–30 km | approx. 480–700 metres of elevation gain
Less known for the sheer altitude difference than for the alpine challenge and technically demanding passages. Please note: the technical requirements are higher than the altitude difference.
The tour leads to the picturesque Hintersteiner See lake and includes the ‘Steinernen Stiege’ section. This part is NOT a pure bike tour! It is a steep descent for mountaineers, where mountain bikes must be pushed and carried.
For ambitious mountain bikers who are sure-footed, love biking and hiking, and are not afraid of challenging carrying passages.
Extra tips for ‘strong calves’
Uphill intervals
Look for forest roads such as the driveway to Obere Regalm (Route 272) near Going. This route is short (around 7 km) but very steep with an elevation gain of over 580 m – ideal for intensive uphill intervals.