A bike tour on the Glockner Cycle Path R8
A bike tour that is fun, a bike tour that is beautiful....we thought and asked at the tourist office Obervellach-Reißeck, where there is the possibility to rent bikes and where we can find a bike route for this project.
Bike rental system throughout Carinthia
We were told that since this year there is a bike rental system throughout Carinthia. At the rental stations there are different bikes. Whether normal city bike, e-bike or even e-mountain bike for those who really want to go high. Also for children there are small bikes, tandem bikes or even trailers and child seats for the very young. You can even rent the bikes at one station and return them at the next. A really great thing as we find.
The closest bike station in our case was at the Penkerwirt in Penk, right on the main road - so you can't miss it.
There we were greeted in a friendly manner, the bikes were provided for us and we were even helped with strapping in the children, for whom we were even given a trailer. So nothing could stand in the way of our family bike tour through the Möll Valley.
Of course, we also informed ourselves about the Glocknerradweg beforehand, so we knew roughly where the journey would take us. The Glocknerradweg R8 offers an approximately 80 kilometer long, almost continuous, asphalt route. The starting point of the cycle path is in Heiligenblut, at the foot of the Großglockner. This meanders through the entire Mölltal valley, down to Möllbrücke, where it merges seamlessly with the Drau cycle path.
During the summer months, a bike bus also runs through the Mölltal valley, taking people and their bikes from Möllbrücke to Heiligenblut or back. For example, you could comfortably take the bus to Heiligenblut and follow the course of the bike path down from the top. You can find more information about the bus times and prices here:
Penk to Obervellach on the sunny side through the Mölltal valley
We thus started off with our e-bikes. If already then already we thought - we are on vacation and we want to take over then again not! Especially with the children in the trailer, the choice for an e-bike was made quite quickly.
The first part of the route led through Penk, Gappen and Gratschach. Three small and delightful places surrounded by intact nature, forest edges and small streams. From a distance we spied a glimpse of Falkenstein Castle, just below the Tauern Railway.
A section of the path ran along the federal highway. However, the bike path is well separated and thus safe to ride.
Passing beautiful family houses with well-kept gardens and large meadows that were just mowed by the farmers, the bike path first led us from Penk to Obervellach. Through Obervellach you ride directly over the historic main square of the village. There are small fashion stores, a cute cafe with a beautiful terrace, a village fountain and blooming flowers as far as the eye can see.
Obervellach to Flattach - Cool breeze and dreamlike summer meadows
Our tour led us further from Obervellach in the direction of Flattach. We passed the entrance to the Groppenstein Gorge. There was also a small stand there where you can refresh and strengthen yourself. The children were completely thrilled by the many cows grazing in the meadows. We also encountered horses and ponies and even rabbits and kittens on our trip.
In Semslach, the bike path changes from the south side to the so-called shady side. After we crossed the Möll, you could already feel the difference in temperature, which was ideal on a hot and sunny day in June. The shade of the woods and the wind provided the perfect cooling and a pleasant temperature for the rest of the trip.
The beautiful forests and meadows filled with spring flowers were simply a feast for the eyes. When we arrived in Flattach, we also passed directly by the entrance to the Raggaschlucht gorge. There was again a small inn with a large garden and children's playground, which invited us to linger.
But we had not had enough yet. Our destination for today was the Gössnitz reservoir in the municipality of Stall. Therefore, we continued pedaling to reach our destination.
The bike path is really very beautiful and winds almost flat through the valley. Due to our e-bikes, small climbs that occurred in between were of course no problem at all and we cycled feather-light upwards.
Gössnitz reservoir - strengthening with a special view
And there it was, the lake and our destination for the day. Around the lake there are 2 more opportunities to stop for an ice cream or a snack. After a short rest and small refreshment, we have made ourselves again on the way back. It was after all 18 kilometers and almost 2 hours (with short breaks) in one direction.
Culinary delights at the Penker Wirt
Arrived again at the rental station, the wheels were taken from us and locked. Since we also brought great hunger after the 4 hours on the bike and in the fresh air, we decided to eat at the Penkerwirt.
The large menu really offers something for every taste. Whether Kaiserschmarren for the sweet tooth, salads, pasta dishes or traditional delicacies like Wienerschnitzel - we could hardly decide with the large selection. The food was served quickly and was a treat not only to look at.
All in all, it was just a perfect day in the beautiful Möll Valley and the Hohe Tauern National Park Region.
