Circuit cycle tour from Nenzing along the river Ill

This varied circular cycle tour starts at Nenzing railway station and links the Walgau valley floor with the higher-lying settlements of Latz and Gampelün. Over approximately 17.8 kilometres, the scenery alternates between views of the surrounding mountains, small chapels, rural hamlets and the landscape around the River Ill.

With around 265 metres of ascent, the circuit requires a good basic level of fitness: the climb towards Latz is particularly noticeable, followed later by a longer descent. Predominantly surfaced paths and roads make the tour appealing to cyclists who would like to combine a manageable distance with a sporty climb and a few cultural discoveries.

The circular tour starts at Nenzing railway station and follows Bahnhofstraße until it reaches the Meng stream, where it continues along Bazulstraße.

The route climbs along Bazulstraße towards Latz, passing Alpencamping Nenzing. This ascent is one of the most physically demanding sections of the tour, with a considerable amount of elevation gained over just a few kilometres. The road is surfaced with tarmac along the documented sections.

Around Latz, the route continues through settlements at a higher elevation before heading towards Gampelün. The hillside terraces offer views of the mountains of the Walgau region. Directly along the route stands the Lourdes Chapel in Gampelün, built in 1901 on the site of an older wayside shrine. This section also includes the highest point of the tour, at approximately 720 metres above sea level.

After Gampelün, the route descends through the areas of Halden and Mittelberg. In Halden, the tour passes the Maria Schnee Chapel. The route continues through a landscape of scattered houses, meadows and wooded hillsides, including the areas known as Roßnis and Rober. The longer descent requires controlled speed, particularly on the steeper sections of road.

The circular tour then leaves the hillside areas behind and returns to the lower elevations of the Walgau Valley. In Frastanz, the route turns towards the Ill river. The character of the landscape changes: instead of views from the hills, the open valley floor and the surroundings of the Ill now take centre stage. The later kilometres are relatively flat, with sections of the return route following tarmac paths.

The route then continues alongside the Ill and through the Beschling area. Near Beschling, the archaeologically significant Scheibenstuhl burnt-offering site lies a short distance from the route, offering a reminder of the long history of settlement and cultural traditions in this part of the Walgau region. Beyond Beschling, the route returns towards Nenzing railway station. As this is a circular tour, it is also possible to join the route at other suitable and easily accessible points along the way.

The tour starts and finishes near Nenzing railway station, Bahnhofstraße 58, 6710 Nenzing.

By public transport

Bus stop at the start/finish: Nenzing Bahnhof, immediately next to the starting point.

Train station at the start/finish: Nenzing railway station, immediately next to the starting point.

Travelling by train and bus allows you to start the route without searching for a parking space.

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By car

Nenzing can be reached via the regional roads through the Walgau valley. From the main road, Bahnhofstraße leads directly to the railway station and the starting point of the tour.

Parking

Nenzing Park & Ride at the railway station, accessible from the main road via Bahnhofstraße. The official parking spaces are immediately beside the starting point. The car park is managed; please observe the current conditions displayed on site.

A roadworthy touring or trekking bike with suitably low gears for the longer climb and reliable brakes for the descent is recommended. A cycle helmet, drinking water, clothing suited to the weather and a small repair kit are useful. Practical tyres that are not too narrow are advisable in case of short unsurfaced or dirty sections.

The climb from Nenzing towards Latz requires a reasonable level of fitness, while the subsequent descent via Gampelün and Halden calls for an appropriate speed and confident braking. Motor traffic should be expected on the regional roads and connecting roads. Particular care and consideration for other road users are important on bends, at junctions and when passing through settlements.

After rain, dirt, leaves and damp patches can reduce grip. On paths around the River Ill, cyclists should be considerate towards pedestrians and the natural environment. Signs, temporary closures and local cycling restrictions must be respected. Checking the weather forecast and current route conditions before setting off is recommended.

Dining Options

Restaurants and cafés in Nenzing offer opportunities for a break before or after the circuit. Anyone planning a stop for refreshments along the way should check current opening hours and any seasonal restrictions in advance.

Further Information

The Lourdes Chapel in Gampelün and the Maria Schnee Chapel in Halden add small cultural highlights along the route. A little way off the route near Beschling is the Scheibenstuhl ritual offering site, whose history reaches back to pre-Christian times. For those wishing to spend more time nearby, the Galinawald recreation area between Beschling and the higher-lying hamlets is another option.