Cycling tour: By bike from Schwanenstadt to Innsbruck

By bike to Innsbruck – depart from Schwanenstadt, via Mondsee to Eugendorf, continue to Jenbach and up to the Achensee, all the way to Innsbruck to the Naked Indigo.

Loaded up with bags, we set off by bike to Innsbruck to Naked Indigo for a delicious bowl. For four days, Eli, me, and Emma, my 14-year-old Jack Russell Terrier, travelled over gravel and asphalt. I want to tell you in this post about how it went and what challenges this tour held for us. 🚴‍♀️🐶

Preparing for the journey

My and Emma's preparation can be summarised briefly and concisely. For us, it was simply a case of getting on our bikes for a ride as often as the weather permitted until our departure date. Unfortunately, it was far too little for this year. Especially with a dog, you can't just hop on your bike in all kinds of weather. However, it might also just be a slight excuse on my part. 😅

Eli had prepared himself much better, as he did for every joint activity. But even he had to deal with a number of setbacks. 🙈 He had acquired the Wahoo KICKR CORE 2 some time ago, a bike trainer (advertisement). This allowed him to do his training wonderfully at home in the warm, even in cold, wind, and rain. The indoor training had prepared him perfectly for this tour.

Unfortunately, Eli injured his foot during one of his hiking trips, and for a short time, we didn't know if or how we could even go on the tour. Luckily, he was able to put normal weight on his foot again by the time we started cycling. However, one should also keep such setbacks in mind. Even if you prepare thoroughly, unforeseen moments can jeopardise such a tour.

Tour planning

The planning for our tour went just like in previous years. First, we considered where we would go at all this year. Since we choose a restaurant as our destination every year and I would like to cycle through all the federal states with Emma, we chose the Naked Indigo in Innsbruck.

We created our cycling tour using Komoot and then looked for suitable accommodation along the route, as well as shops for provisions. Finally, all that was missing was the luggage. What should we take with us, and what do you actually need for four days?

The only things I can really recommend are a small repair kit for emergencies and a tube of detergent, in case there isn't a washing machine available. Our motto is: Less is more. Always remember, every extra bit of weight you carry only makes the tour more strenuous. 👍

Stage 1: Schwanenstadt to Eugendorf

This stage will of course look different for you, as you will presumably be starting from your home. For us, it first went via Vöcklabruck and St. Georgen to our first stopover in Mondsee. Here we took our first major break after about 50 kilometres.

In this section, I also had a slight dip, which I tend to get on every stage. 😂 On this day, it was on the main road in Straß im Attergau. No idea why, because there's no particular incline here, but somehow I just wasn't making any progress at all.

After our refreshment in Mondsee, we continued to our stage destination in Eugendorf, where a really nice climb awaited us. Luckily, the end was already in sight afterwards, and we arrived at our first hotel, the Landhotel Gschirnwirt.

Stage 2: Eugendorf to St. Johann in Tirol

Advertisement: Just under 84 kilometres and 680 metres of elevation gain lay between us and the Explorer Hotels Kitzbühel. The first ten kilometres that day were very relaxed, as it was mostly downhill at first. Unfortunately, that was it, and now we had to cycle steadily uphill.

While it was a beautiful stage with great cycle paths, I was also genuinely glad when we reached our destination. The Explorer Hotels Kitzbühel is the ideal place to stay during a cycling tour. It is designed for cyclists. Tools and a pump to get everything back in working order, a compartment to safely store bicycles, as well as a washing machine and tumble dryer for clothes are just a small part of the services on offer. So, anyone looking for the perfect hotel for their cycling tour will find it at Explorer Hotels Kitzbühel Found. 🚴‍♀️

Stage 3: St. Johann to Lake Achen

The day that had been causing me a bit of stress since the planning stages. Although it was a shorter day trip, it held a little surprise for us. Although, "little" and "surprise" are perhaps slightly misrepresenting things. The final five kilometres involved an ascent of approximately 500 metres to the Achensee. Why wasn't it a surprise then? Well, we did plan it that way after all. 😅

Now I can say that it was beautiful up there, but the way there is hell on earth. 😂 I managed the first three kilometres with the additional weight of Emma and our luggage. Here the incline was 11 percent in places. But for the last two kilometres I stood no chance. Too little training and preparation, too much weight and inclines of up to 17 percent.

Advertising: But after I saw the hotel, it was all worth it. The Arthurs Achensee was a beautiful place to stay. The rooms were really nice, the staff friendly, and right in the adjoining building was a pizzeria where we could celebrate our day's achievements with delicious food. The breakfast also deserves a positive mention. Nothing was missing here. The only thing to note: dogs are unfortunately not allowed in the breakfast room.

Stage 4: Achensee to Innsbruck

The last day of the tour and only just under 35 kilometres left. First, there was a stop at Lake Achensee. We obviously had to see that too. Then followed a five-kilometre descent, and that was the steepest descent I've ridden with my dog and luggage so far. I have to be honest, I had a really uneasy feeling about it. 😅

Otherwise, the day was relatively quiet and relaxed. We just had to make it to Naked Indigo on time, as we had booked our train for the return journey at 14:15. Spoiler alert: we made it. 🥳 For us, there was a delicious bowl and then a long train journey back home.

Conclusion to the trip

For me, it was the best cycling trip I've had with Eli so far, and I believe he'd agree. Most of the tour was on great cycle paths. The nature and scenery along this route were simply beautiful. 🏞️

Even the accommodation was a little highlight this year. All the hotels were really nice and we received a warm welcome everywhere. Furthermore, everyone was very dog-friendly, which is always an important point for me. 🐶

However, my absolute highlight was the route up to Achensee. Although it was the worst I've ever cycled with Emma, it was still an unforgettably beautiful experience. I can only say it was once again a successful tour and I'm already excited to see where we'll go next year. 🚴‍♀️🤩

Our Komoot tour to copy

Further recommendation

Did you like this post? Then I have another great hiking tip for you! 🤩 Have a read here: Dreamy spots in the Salzkammergut: the Ödseen lakes in Grünau im Almtal