Next to the beautiful nature the following attractions and highlights may contribute making this tour an unforgetable experience:
We follow the gravel road for 400 m and turn to the right in direction to Rettenbach. Through the narrow valley along an impressing rock face we cross the tunnel in direction to the Rettenbachalm, pass a hermitage and reach after about 3,7 km the pasture region. The first mountain pasture (634 alt, km 9,6) on the right side is run by mountainbikers and offers refreshment and local traditional dishes and snacks. After about 800 m we pass a gate and a parking (628 alt, km 10,2) and go downwards along a gravel road until we turn after 2,4 km (581 alt, km 12,6) to the left. For now a steep uphill is in front of us. Please always pay attention of oncoming traffic, mountainbikers which are coming from the other direction. The right wayside goes steep down, therefore keep a safe distance. We follow the signs S800 until the crossing Grabenbachalm (920 alt, km 16,7) and go straight ahead. In winding roads the trail leads us constantly upwards via the Vorderen Sandlinggraben to the highest point of the tour in 1384 m, which we reach after 23,5 km after the start of the tour. Passing the Raschberghütte we carry on our tour until a crossing (1030 alt, km 26,5) where we go straight ahead.
We pass an ancient stone quarry, go upwards and soon a wonderful outlook (1101 alt, km 29,0) to the Hütteneckalm, which is located below us, as well as to the Dachstein and to the Hallstättersee. At km 30,6 the trail is discharging in a forest road, which we pass and leave after 100 meters again. We always go leftwards and pass the Berghof Predigstuhl from above. After 200 m at km 32,7 we turn to the left into the trail. About 1,4 km later we reach a crossing at the trail. There we turn after a 180 degree twist to the right in direction to Ewige Wand. At km 34,9 the trail ends and we carry on on a forest road. Here there is the possibility to turn to the left in order to take the cycle path to Bad Ischl.
The forest road takes us upwards in direction to the Hoisnrad. We pass a few old tunnels which used to be tunnels for the extraction of salt. After 5,9 km (969 alt, km 40,8) we reach a crossing, where a steep downhill brings us straight to Bad Ischl. Before we dedicate ourselves the culture in Bad Ischl, certainly we will make a quick stop with a phenomenal view at the Hoisnrad Alm (600 alt) to enjoy cuisine and landscape.
The way down for about 300 m might be a bit difficult, in this case it is better to push the bike at this passage. After 900 m we reach again a tarmac road and to our right the Elisabethstollen. Now we pass along Radgrabenstraße downwards many of these tunnels. The Maria-Theresia Stollen shows a small shunting station (679 alt, km 45,3). We follow the street Pernecker Straße till Reiterndorf and turn then to the right in the Grazerstraße, which leads us straight ahead to our final destination of this stage.
Tip:The Hoisnrad Alm is convincing with its incredible location. Shortly after that a tunnel which was gallery for the extraction of salt, which is called Maria-Theresiastollen, offers a great photo location.
Safety guidelines:
Here our recommendation for tour preparation and equipment.
Additional information:In Graubünden bikers and hikers share the paths. A project that should set a precedent. But this can only be done with mutual respect. Black sheep throw us back years.
With common rules of play, we ensure that the forest will continue to provide a unique recreational and living space as well as jobs for everyone in the future.
Information on cycling in the forest from the Federal Ministry of Sustainability and Tourism.
Please get in touch for more information.