Details
| Fitness | |
| Landscape | |
| Technique | |
| Experience | |
| Highest point | 1601 m |
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Starting in the mountain village of Laterns-Thal, this sporty mountain bike circuit climbs into the uplands between Tschuggenalpe and Gapfohl. Wooded mountainsides, Alpine pastures and views of the Laternsertal's mountain scenery characterise the approximately 21.6-kilometre route. Long climbs alternate with extended descents along the way.
With around 806 metres of ascent, the tour requires a very good level of fitness. The long, steep middle section and gravel forest tracks and access roads higher up make it a demanding ride for experienced mountain bikers. The circuit starts and finishes in Laterns-Thal.
The starting point of the circular tour is Laterns-Thal in the Laternsertal valley. The first few kilometres lead gently uphill through the surroundings of this mountain village. This is followed by a significant descent to lower elevations: before the main climb begins, the route loses almost 200 metres in elevation over approximately two kilometres. Right from the start, the tour demonstrates the varied terrain of this side valley of the Rhine Valley.
After passing through the district of Suldis, the longest and most physically demanding climb begins. Over approximately six and a half kilometres, the route gains more than 650 metres in elevation. The trail leads from the lower valley up into the wooded mountain landscape. The sustained climb requires considerable effort, particularly as the gradient remains steep over long stretches. Between the forests and more open hillsides, the higher elevations of the Laternsertal valley gradually come into view.
In the upper section, the route reaches the area around Alpe Tschugga, an alpine pasture on the northern side of the valley. Here, the surroundings begin to change: alongside the forests, mountain meadows and traditional alpine farming characterise the landscape. Around Alpe Tschugga, the route follows gravel forest tracks and agricultural access roads. The contrast between wooded sections and more open mountain terrain makes this one of the scenic highlights of the tour.
From Alpe Tschugga, the route continues through the Lesegatter area towards Gapfohl. Another climb leads to an altitude of almost 1,600 metres above sea level. Gravel tracks, with some rougher or uneven surfaces, require attention and an appropriate riding technique. The upper station of the Gapfohl chairlift is located near the highest point of the tour. The surrounding alpine pastures and mountain scenery give this section a distinctly more high-altitude character than the beginning of the route.
In the Gapfohl area, the longer descent begins, initially passing the Falba Stuba mountain restaurant. Over the following kilometres, the route loses around 500 metres in elevation. It follows forest and agricultural tracks with gravel and fine gravel surfaces through the mountain slopes, also passing through the Rohrmoos area. The contrast between open alpine pastures and wooded sections accompanies the descent. Reliable braking control and anticipatory riding are particularly important on the steeper sections.
Towards the end, the route continues back down to the lower elevations of Laterns. After a shorter uphill section, the final descent leads back to the starting point in Laterns-Thal. The circular tour combines the traditional village landscape of the valley with the alpine scenery around Tschuggenalpe, Lesegatter and Gapfohl. It is also possible to join the circular route at other suitable, easily accessible points along the way.
The starting and finishing point of the tour is Laterns-Thal in the Laternsertal valley.
By public transport
Bus stop at the start/finish: Laterns Buchfeld, regional bus route 495; continue from there to the starting point in Laterns-Thal.
Train station at the start/finish: Rankweil Bahnhof; there is no railway station in Laterns.
Travelling by train and bus allows you to start the route without searching for a parking space.
Plan your journey at vmobil.at
By car
Take the A14 motorway to the Rankweil exit and continue through the Vorderland region, following signs into the Laternsertal valley to Laterns-Thal.
Parking
The recommended option is the public car park near the Laterns Buchfeld bus stop, approximately 350 metres further into the valley from the parish church in Laterns-Thal. Follow local signs and check the current parking conditions.
A mountain bike suitable for off-road riding, with grippy tyres and reliable brakes, is recommended. Essential equipment includes a helmet, weather-appropriate cycling clothing, wind and rain protection, and sufficient drinks and food. A small repair kit with a spare inner tube or puncture-repair supplies is useful for the longer mountain sections. Suitable route navigation also helps with finding the way.
The long climbs require a very good level of fitness and a realistic assessment of personal ability. Controlled speed and reliable brakes are particularly important on the longer, sometimes steep descents. Loose gravel, uneven surfaces and wet conditions can reduce grip on forest tracks and agricultural access roads.
Consideration for grazing livestock and other visitors is essential in the Alpine pasture areas. Only routes officially open to cycling should be used, and closures and signs must be respected. As mountain weather can change quickly at higher elevations, checking the forecast and any current route closures before setting off is recommended.
Dining options
The Falba Stuba near the Gapfohl chairlift's mountain station offers a seasonal place to stop for refreshments a short distance off the circuit. Other dining options are available in the Laternsertal valley. Current opening days and accessibility should be checked before the ride; carrying additional food is advisable for the long climbs.
Further information
Tschuggenalpe is part of the Laternsertal valley's traditional Alpine farming landscape. Around Lesegatter and Gapfohl, working pastures alternate with wooded mountainsides. The area around the Gapfohl mountain station forms part of the Laterns-Gapfohl summer and winter sports area. The circuit does not require the use of the chairlift.
