A bike tour on the Glockner Cycle Path R8
"A bike ride is fun, a bike ride is wonderful..." we thought to ourselves, so we contacted the Obervellach-Reißeck Tourism Association to ask where we could rent bikes and find a bike route for our trip.
Bike rental system throughout Carinthia
We were told that there has been a bike rental system throughout Carinthia since this year. There are different bikes available at the rental stations. Whether normal city bikes, e-bikes or even e-mountain bikes for those who really want to get up high. There are also small bikes for children, tandem bikes or even trailers and child seats for the little ones. You can even hire the bikes at one station and return them at the next. A really great thing, in our opinion.
In our case, the nearest bike station was at the Penker Wirt in Penk, right on the main street—so you couldn’t miss it. (As of summer 2023—bike rentals are no longer available)
We were greeted warmly there, the bikes were made ready for us and we were even helped to buckle up 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 found out about the Glockner Cycle Path beforehand, so we knew roughly where the journey would take us. The Glockner Cycle Path R8 offers an approx. 80-kilometre, almost continuous, asphalted route. The starting point of the cycle path is in Heiligenblut, at the foot of the Grossglockner. It winds its way through the entire Mölltal valley down to Möllbrücke, where it merges seamlessly with the Drau cycle path.
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Further informationDuring the summer months, a bike bus also runs through the Mölltal valley, transporting passengers and their bikes from Spittal/Drau to Heiligenblut and back. For example, you could take the bus to Heiligenblut and then follow the bike path downhill from the top. You can find more information about the bus schedule and fares here.
Penk to Obervellach on the sunny side through the Mölltal valley
So we set off on our e-bikes. “If we’re going to do it, let’s do it right!” we thought to ourselves—we’re on vacation, and we didn’t want to overdo it. Especially with the kids in the trailer, the decision to go with e-bikes was made pretty quickly.
The first part of the route led through Penk, Gappen and Gratschach. Three small and charming villages, surrounded by unspoiled nature, forest edges and small streams. From a distance, we caught a glimpse of Falkenstein Castle, directly below the Tauernbahn.
One section of the path runs alongside the main road. However, the cycle path is well separated and therefore safe to cycle on.
Passing beautiful family houses with well-tended gardens and large meadows that had just been mowed by the farmers, the cycle path first led us from Penk to Obervellach. You cycle through Obervellach directly across the historic main square of the village. There are small fashion stores, a cute café with a beautiful terrace, a village fountain and blooming flowers as far as the eye can see.
Obervellach to Flattach - cool breezes and beautiful summer meadows
Our tour continued 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 fortify yourself. The children were completely enthralled by the many cows grazing in the meadows. We also came across horses and ponies and even rabbits and kittens on our trip.
In Semslach, the cycle path changes from the south side to the so-called shady side. After crossing 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 breeze provided the perfect cooling and a pleasant temperature for the onward journey.
The beautiful forests and meadows dotted with spring flowers were simply a feast for the eyes. In Flattach, we also passed right by the entrance to the Raggaschlucht gorge. There, too, was a small inn with a large garden and a playground that invited us to linger.
But we hadn't had enough yet. Our destination for today was the Gössnitz reservoir in the municipality of Stall. So we kept pedaling to reach our destination.
The cycle path is really beautiful and meanders almost flatly through the valley. Thanks to our e-bikes, the small inclines that we encountered in between were of course no problem at all and we cycled upwards with ease.
Gössnitz reservoir - refreshment with a special view
And there it was—the lake and our destination for the day. There are two other places around the lake where you can stop for an ice cream or a snack. After a short rest and a quick bite to eat, we set off on our way back. It was, after all, an 18-kilometer walk that took nearly two hours (including short breaks) in one direction.
Culinary delights at the Penker Wirt
When we got back to the rental station, they took our bikes and locked them up. Since we were really hungry after four hours of cycling in the fresh air, we decided to grab a bite to eat at the Penker Wirt.
The extensive menu truly has something for everyone. Whether it’s Kaiserschmarren for those with a sweet tooth, salads, pasta dishes, or traditional delicacies like Wiener Schnitzel—we could hardly decide with such a wide selection. The food was served quickly and was a delight not only to look at.
All in all, it was simply a perfect day in the beautiful Mölltal valley and the Hohe Tauern National Park region.
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