C (c) Markus Gmeiner / Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH
Sweeping views, narrow trails
Trail Recommendations by Philipp Kettner
The way to the heart is through the trail – recommendations for trail bike tours in Vorarlberg from bike expert Philipp Kettner.
“Trails are the ultimate for mountain bikers!” For Philipp Kettner, a perfect mountain bike tour always finishes with a trail. Here he introduces his favourite trails in Vorarlberg.
Bike expert Philipp Kettner has become a pioneer of MTB in Vorarlberg bike sports. He was one of the masterminds responsible for creating Bikepark Brandnertal (www.bikepark-brandnertal.at), and when it comes to expanding trails and routes in Vorarlberg, he is leading the pack. He shares his knowledge and experience at numerous presentations and conferences both in Austria and abroad.
Recommendations by bike expert Philipp Kettner
Mountain bike trails
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01 Spullersee circuit
“The sight of the picturesque, almost fairytale landscape as you approach the Spullersee lake from Zug is always a special experience – even on asphalt. Needless to say, equally, if not more spectacular is the lake with its clear water and accompanying mountain panorama. For me, the trail descending from the Ravensburger Hütte hut, via the Stierlochjoch saddle is an absolute dream come true! The tour is suitable for any kind of bike and the Ravensburger Hütte is a MUST for a refreshment stop.” Bike expert Philipp Kettner
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02 Around the Itonskopf
“Three words: panorama, panorama, panorama! The view from Gasthaus Rellseck inn and the subsequent ascent towards Alpe Latons is unique. The vista stretches from the Silvretta mountains, across the Rätikon with its imposing Drusentürme towers, all the way to Feldkirch. Another highlight is the trail from Alpe Latons to Kristberg. A real treat for endurance and trail riders! From Kristberg you can continue along the trail and enjoy a further 600 metre descent to the Silbertal valley. The tour is particularly suited to endurance and trail riders. The trail connecting Alpe Latons and Kristberg is extremely challenging for beginners.” Bike expert Philipp Kettner
- About the tour (German only)
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03 Hop across the border
“The magnificent, sweeping views of the Allgäu and Kleinwalsertal are unique. This tour is particularly suited to bikers of all kinds, since the demands are moderate, and beautiful vistas and variety are positively guaranteed in return. If you take the tour in the opposite direction you can use the Söllereckbahn cable car to help with the ascent. The Alpine pastures are another standout feature. Alpe Hinter der Enge, Alpe Dornach and the Mittelalp pastures are among my top spots for fuelling up.” Bike expert Phillipp Kettner
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04 Dünser Älpele
“Enjoying the fantastic panorama, with a view over the entire Walgau region, is one of the best moments of the tour. Other highlights include the descent along the trail, a hiking trail that descends almost 1000 metres and is little-frequented – do watch out for hikers though!
This tour is particularly suitable for very fit uphill riders as a varied training session, for a group, with different descent levels – one can take the trail and the other stay on the road – and for an e-bike tour with lots of variety.
The Dünser Älpele mountain pasture is the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious snack and a cool drink with a magnificent view.” Bike expert Philipp Kettner- About the tour (German only)
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05 Around the Kanisfluh
“This circular tour is without a doubt one of the most beautiful trails in the region – not least thanks to the impressive Kanisfluh at the centre. As a classic, it’s a must for any biker – even if the tour is classed as demanding due to its length and route. The tour is particularly suitable for very fit mountain bikers or e-bikers. If you don’t want to burn out too quickly you can sneak onto the cable car for the initial ascent to Rossboden. The Alpengasthaus Edelweiß inn is always worth a visit, but the alpine pastures – Obere Alpe, Wurzachalpe and Wildguntenalpe – are the real highlight of the MTB tour.” Bike expert Philipp Kettner
- About the tour (German only)
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06 Around the Loischkopf
“It’s the magnificent views, the fantastic refreshment stops (Frööd, Fuchsbau, Rufana Alp) and the descents through the bike park that make this tour a special experience. After the tour you can buy a half-day ticket for the park and really give it some speed!”
Option 1: “When you reach the Faregg valley station (surface lift valley station), follow the forest road, which leads slightly right up the mountain, to the next crossroads. Then follow the forest road down the mountain to Einhornbahn 2 mountain station. From there you can descend via one of the three bike park routes. For less experienced bikers I recommend the blue route “Tschengla unchained”.”
Option 2: “From the Burtschasattel go along the forest road to Furkaalpe, then turn off towards Nenzing via the Klamperasattel. A trail crosses the forest road at regular intervals. Trail riders can let off steam on the 1000 metre descent; for those who prefer a comfier ride, follow the forest road. This tour route is almost twice the length of the classic circuit around the Loischkopf.” Bike expert Philipp Kettner
- About the tour (German only)
