From Bad Tölz to the source of the Isar - gravel biking in the Tölzer Land region

DAY 1: Scharnitz - Obergries The journey to Scharnitz was easier than expected by train from Vienna to Innsbruck, where we changed to the S6 train to Scharnitz. Slightly chilled (after subzero temperatures in the tent overnight), the tour began the next day in sunshine with a ride up (a slight incline) to the source of the Isar River. The ascent to the source is worth the trip alone. The impressive Karwendel Mountains are a sight to behold. Once you reach your destination, you reach the source of the Isar after a few minutes' walk through the forest on a rustic, root-filled path. Anyone who thinks the Isar Cycle Path is all downhill from here is mistaken. The first stage, at least, held a few surprises. Navigation was difficult, and the Isar Cycle Path wasn't marked throughout. Following a tip from locals, I managed to bypass the toll road before the Sylvenstein Reservoir. Up and down on a forest road, steep in places, gravelly, beautiful, and very challenging. Then there are endless expanses of gravel paths, with the Isar River below on the left. Winnetou could be coming towards you, I wouldn't have been surprised. However, the few mountain bikers I encountered reassure me that I'm still on the right track. In retrospect, I'm very glad that chance brought me to this beautiful region, because when I get back to the asphalt, there's a lot of motorized traffic and, apart from the Sylvenstein Reservoir itself, nothing special about the riding there. After that, it's back on a bike path, which, interrupted by short stretches alongside a road and on sidewalks in places, leads mostly through forests and the beautiful Isar floodplain. To be continued.

A dream of a bike path. Such a beautiful day and bike path!!😃😍😅

With a cute 7 degrees and a refreshing wind, we started on a moderate ascent to Mittenwald. The resulting heat was immediately neutralized on the descent 🥶 Away from the road it went on forest paths with almost no hiking / excursion traffic, it went into the valley to the source of the Isar. The mostly steady increase on good forest roads caused the internal temperature to rise. So away with the windbreaker and arm warmers. Again and again we had an impressive view of the meandering Isar. We tried to find the source in the headwaters. But somehow there was no further progress with the gravel shoes. So get on your bike and enjoy the descent to Scharnitz. Again and again on more or less paved paths, it was then relatively brisk, often directly along the Isar. Unfortunately, the big roads could not always be avoided. But the traffic was very limited. That is definitely due to the day of the week and the fact that none

Isar Cycle Path Stage 5. The final stage is even more beautiful than Stage 4 and features incredibly beautiful scenery throughout the entire tour. Constant mountain views and excellent cycle paths all the way to the source guarantee absolute enjoyment!