DAY 35
168KM | 832HM | Ø Temp 28° | Sunny - clear
Σ2896 KM | 15211 HM
In flow
On this day, the temperatures had finally dropped and I took the opportunity to start pedaling as early as possible - after all, I wanted to cover a fair amount of distance in the morning. My route first took me down into the Danube valley until I reached the majestic Danube and ended up in the three-river city of Passau. After a hearty breakfast - no cycling luck without fuel - I continued along the Inn. On the way, I met Dominik from Vienna, also a passionate bicycle traveler. As luck would have it, he had the same lucky charm hanging on his bike as I did - and so the conversation quickly got going. Dominik had set himself an impressive challenge: to cycle from the Vienna TV tower to the Eiffel Tower in Paris in 14 days. Respect! We were both perfectionists when it came to equipment too - ultra-light and thought through down to the last detail. Of course, there was plenty to talk about. Two cycling nerds on the same wavelength, and the kilometers just flew by.
After a while, our paths separated and I continued cycling along the Salzach. But as the hours went by, dark storm clouds began to gather. I reached my accommodation just as the first flashes of lightning flashed across the sky - perfect timing!
DAY 36
85KM | 754HM | Ø Temp 30° | Sunny - clear
Σ2980 KM | 15965 HM
Salzburg and Königssee
In the morning, there was no sign of the night's storm. There had been a real spectacle of light in the sky - almost like a personal fireworks display, only with a lot more thunder. For anyone wondering where I stayed during that time: I was safe in a sheltered space - namely in a hotel room. Even though I'm not afraid of storms, I have a lot of respect for them. The forces of nature should not be underestimated. My motto: You have to feel comfortable almost all the time, because that's the only way to guarantee fun and a great time.
The next route took me past some well-known places. First I went along the Salzach to Salzburg and from there on to Berchtesgaden and Königssee. Of course, many people have visited these places before - but by bike? That's a completely different experience! Kilometer after kilometer you collect impressions that you will never forget.
DAY 37
71KM | 649HM | Ø Temp 25° | Sunny - clear
Σ3051 KM | 16614 HM
Crossing the Alps without effort
Since yesterday I have been in the middle of the high mountains - surrounded by majestic mountains towering up in front of me on either side. Will it be another torturous few days? Not this time, luckily! The cycle paths on my route mostly took me directly along the river and through the valley. Instead of torturous climbs, I was able to cycle along at a relaxed pace while enjoying the impressive views. Hurray for the river valleys - the real heroes for every cyclist who wants to avoid the really big climbs!
DAY 38
131 KM | 570 HM | Ø Temp 26° | Sunny - clear
Σ3182 KM | 17184 HM
Along the Inn
On day 38 we continued through the Inn Valley - probably one of the most well-known routes for all travellers to Italy. After all, it is one of the main transit routes for traffic from Germany to Italy. Anyone who knows this route knows that the Inn Valley is pleasantly flat and spacious, which is perfect for making quick progress.
My bike path took me parallel to the Inn river and the motorway. Sometimes the road with its avalanche of metal was comfortably far away or separated by the river, sometimes the traffic rushed past right next to me. Luckily my headphones did an excellent job and ensured a relaxed riding experience while I enjoyed the rhythm of the pedals.
In between, I treated myself to a stop in the heart of the valley - Innsbruck, a city that is always worth a visit. After that, my route took me further until I finally arrived in the small town of Imst, ready for the next challenge.
DAY 39
132 KM | 1326 HM | Ø Temp 25° | Sunny - clear
Σ3314 KM | 18510 HM
High-flying
The Alps didn't make it that easy for me. To get over them, I had to climb a fair amount of altitude again - this time over the Silvretta High Pass. The problem? The pass was closed because of a landslide, and it was uncertain whether I would actually get through. Oh well, I thought, I'll just wait and see.
The first 20 kilometers from Landeck are not really enjoyable for cyclists - there is no separate cycle path, just the busy main road. At least the gradient was moderate and went almost all the way to the summit. Shortly before Ischgl, the cycle path and the main road finally split up again and the nature became more and more spectacular. But the uncertainty as to whether I would really make it to the other side grew with every meter of altitude.
During the climb I asked a few hikers and passers-by for advice, but they were all just as confused as I was. Google? No help, just a big question mark. It wasn't until Ischgl that I met a cyclist who I immediately stopped. To my relief she explained to me: the diversion led over the Kops reservoir. So I turned off at the right time and climbed the last hundred meters.
The effort paid off: Above the tree line, there was a breathtaking landscape that immediately made me forget my efforts. The view was so impressive that it now adorns the cover of my website. And the best thing: After that, it was a 60-kilometer downhill ride.
DAY 40 & 41
0 KM | 0HM | Ø Temp 18° | Rain
Σ 3314 KM | 18510 HM
Those who fly high can fall far
After my proverbial high in the mountains, the crash came overnight. The day before, on the summit, my throat had already started to scratch unpleasantly, I felt mucous and simply exhausted. Then, during the night, the sobering realization: I sweated all over the bed - more than on any strenuous mountain stage before. "Not good," I thought, "I hope this doesn't turn into something serious." So it was time to counteract it: teas, medication, plenty of fluids and as much sleep as possible - anything to keep the impending illness at bay.
Fortunately, the strategy worked, and the day after that I already felt a significant improvement. It was a relief that allowed me to breathe a sigh of relief - in the truest sense of the word. You should never underestimate health, even if it was just the infamous "man's disease" in the end. A little reminder of how important it is to listen to your own body - and to take yourself a little seriously when it's crying out for a break.
DAY 42
60 KM | 117 HM | Ø Temp 20° | Cloudy
Σ3373 KM | 18627 HM
Lake Constance
Lake Constance? Where is that? It's simple - that's the English name for Lake Constance! And that was exactly my next destination. Admittedly, I was still a little dazed from my mild infection, but I was already feeling much stronger. So only a short, relaxed stretch was planned for that day - no heroic deeds, just a gentle roll along.
My journey took me along the Rhine to Lake Constance, and there I decided to take the route on the Swiss side. I normally know Lake Constance to be quite busy and lively. But here, on the Swiss side? A completely different world. Quiet, idyllic, almost meditative - exactly what I needed to recharge my batteries and fully recover. A perfect contrast to the usual crowds and a little time out for body and mind.
DAY 43
77 KM | 427 HM | Ø Temp 23° | Sunny cloudy
Σ3451 KM | 19054 HM
No Pain, Just Half-Timbered Love
You're probably asking yourself: How does he manage to stay in the saddle all the time? Doesn't he feel any pain? Good question! From my experience with smaller tours, I already knew that the saddle is the most important component for a comfortable ride - you can't skimp on this. That's why I had a bike fitting before the big tour and found the perfect saddle for me. Add to that the right pants with padding, and the result? No pain, no numbness - and a relaxed smile on my face. That's why I was able to continue my journey on the south side of Lake Constance on day 43 in complete relaxation.
The route ran along the railway line, but the shore was often close enough to enjoy the view of the water. After a short detour to German soil in the bustling town of Konstanz, I continued until I reached the end of Lake Constance, where the Rhine continued its journey and the small town of Stein am Rhein lay.
The old town of Stein am Rhein impresses with its well-preserved half-timbered houses, colorful facade paintings and historical buildings from the Middle Ages. The town hall and the buildings around the town hall square in particular are true gems of historical architecture.
The city was a nice end to the day and a great photo opportunity for my photo album.
Discover all pictures and routes via kommot
Discover all pictures and routes via kommot
Discover all pictures and routes via kommot
Discover all pictures and routes via kommot
Discover all pictures and routes via kommot
Discover all pictures and routes via kommot