Gravel tour around the Unterberg

With 33 kilometres and just over 400 metres in altitude, this tour will certainly challenge you, but is also suitable for gravel ‘newbies’. The start in Kirchdorf in Tirol is just a few kilometres from St. Johann in Tirol, the nearest larger town with a train station, more cafés, restaurants and accommodation.
43% of the route is off-road and the very pleasant gravel definitely leaves you wanting more!

Gravel tour from Kirchdorf in Tirol

We start our tour around the Unterberg in an anti-clockwise direction from Kirchdorf in Tirol. Kirchdorf is a tranquil town that offers us everything from bike-friendly hotels to restaurants and even bike shops.
Well, and of course it is located right at the southern end of the Unterberg, directly on the Großache.
Incidentally, we follow the Großache for almost half of the route to Kössen!
We ride southeast from the town centre over the Ache and turn directly left to follow the Ache upstream along the cycle path.

Gravel path along the Großache

If you have already cycled the Kaiserrunde, this section will look familiar to you!
The cycle path along the Großache is also included on the gravel tour around the Kaiser Mountains, except that we cycle it in the other direction.
This is not without reason, as the route is really beautiful in both directions and perfect for gravel bikes!

The gravel is soft and the winding route is fun, the small climbs and descents keep us on our toes and the landscape looks like something straight out of a postcard.
Shortly before Kössen, a short but relatively steep ramp on loose ground awaits us. But that's nothing that would stop us! We come out at the Hochkössen ski area, where you will find many paragliders and hikers in summer.
There are also cafés and accommodation here. If you want to take a little diversions, you can also make a detour to the centre of Kössen for more choice!

Cooling off in the Kohlenbach stream

Now we're heading uphill!
The route now runs steadily and not too steeply on tarmac towards Fischbach.
Caution: A small section here runs along the main road. It's not too busy, but ride on the side to be on the safe side and watch out for traffic.
Once in Fischbach, we turn right again and head downhill towards the next really nice gravel track!
We ride along the Kohlenbach stream on beautiful gravel sections and a double track through the enchanting Kohlental valley.
We find a few places along the stream where we can cool off. The stream is wonderfully clear and cool.
Once we cross the road again, the path climbs gently and steadily to Gasteig.

Cheese paradise Wilder Käser

One of our highlights in the region is the ‘’Wilde Käser‘’. A show dairy right on the route. Cosy, with traditional, handmade cheese products and really friendly. We loved the selection and found the cheese dairy really beautiful and inviting.
It would be worth making another stop there!
However, the way there takes us back along the main road. Whilst it is not overly busy, please watch out for the traffic!
From Gasteig, the route is a little undulating before we reach a descent back to our destination in Gasteig.

We hope you enjoyed the tour. Have you developed a taste for it? There are many more gravel adventures waiting for you in the St. Johann in Tirol region!