Grimmige Acht in the Salzburg Saalach Valley – Gravel biking in the SalzburgerLand

The name of this tour is a statement: Grim Eight. Grim because you have to climb some steep climbs, but there are also some nice trails and spectacular views waiting for you. By the way, the route is called eight because it is shaped like an eight. So it's not all that grim after all - it's all a matter of attitude. You start in Lofer and ride straight ahead on the cycle path in the direction of Wildental. Steep but beautiful, I promise. Soon you leave this small and quiet road for some gravel. It gets steeper again, but this is very easy to do with a good gear ratio.

The beautiful, rocky landscape opens up in front of you and a photo break is pending. On the Hundalm you will also find opportunities to stop off if you are already in the mood for refreshment. Now it's back down into the valley. Drive along the Salzach in the direction of Schneizlreuth in neighboring Bavaria. In no time at all, it's back up to the Aschauer Höhenweg, a small, alpine gravel road with breathtaking stone tunnels, views of the valley and towards the rocky mountains of the Loferer Steinberge. The ascent has short, steep sections, but is still passable.

A beautiful trail through the forest leads you to the summit. By the way, you are now back in Austria. At the top you can either refresh yourself on an alpine pasture or fill up your water bottles at the fountain. A rapid descent then takes you back to the Salzburg Saalachtal, where you cycle along the river back to Lofer.