Now I know why I’ve never seen a review of a bike tour from Garmisch to Innsbruck. Despite the never ending views of the mountains in every direction, and how nice Seefeld is, this route is not for the average cyclist on a summer ride.
The tour from Garmisch to Mittenwald is lovely, with rolling hills, waterfalls, and great nature views of the Voralpen. The ride is not hard, just a long hilly section out from the city.
Mittenwald is touristic but also very cozy. We found a place off the tourist path and had wonderful, hot soups to warm us up after the cool, wet ride in the morning. We probably rode into the bottom of a cloud is my guess.
Most people do this cycle route and have a great day, returning to Garmisch by bike and also by train that runs hourly. But, we planned to push on, and that’s where the type-2 fun started.
There’s only one road to Seefeld, and it’s a Bundesstraße that’s narrow and fast. No cycle path or stopping lane. Just a white line. To the right is a drainage ditch that will eagerly eat up your bike, and to the left is a steady stream of cars and trucks, no doubt irritated you’re on the road with them. It’s not a pleasant journey.
Arriving at the top of the 8-10% grade is the Seefeld monument to former Olympic champions. The exit from the road is just a short bit further, then it’s all downhill to the town. Seefeld is a typically lovely mountain village, and I can image the Après-ski scene is thriving in winter.
After a coffee and cake to fortify us, we were off on the final climb towards the high point of the day. Not too long, but very steep, the road topped out near a chapel with a giant bell that needs some care.
Then we were off, down the mountain to Telfs, a village on the Inn river 30 km from Innsbruck. The ride down was harrowing. We struggled to keep the speed under 50 km. Our brakes were pulsing and screaming. We stopped twice to relax a bit and let the rotors cool off. I think much of the descent is about a 15% grade. There are two switchbacks that one must navigate, even with cars coming and going in both directions.
We made it fine, no worse for our troubles. But, the climb up on a fast-moving road and the descent down the steep, twisty grade isn’t safe unless you have some cycle touring experience, and you know your bike well and know yourself and your limits
The rest of the day was a dead flat route direct to the center of Innsbruck, where we were greeted with live street music and a cold beer.

















