Wolfurt – Buch – Achrain Road Cycling Loop

This varied circular route links the Rhine Valley with the higher ground around Buch and Alberschwende. Longer climbs, fast descents and sections through villages define the route. As it forms a complete circuit, the ride can be started at any convenient point in Wolfurt, Schwarzach, Dornbirn-Haselstauden, Buch, Fischbach or Alberschwende.

As this is a circular route, the start and finish are flexible. The description below begins in Alberschwende.

From Alberschwende, the route initially follows the Bregenzerwaldstraße towards Achrain. The first few kilometres are mostly downhill, providing a brisk start to the ride.

Shortly after Achrain Ebene, the route can turn onto a short gravel section. Road cyclists wishing to remain entirely on tarmac can simply continue along the main road towards Dornbirn-Haselstauden instead. The gravel section is therefore optional.

The route continues through Dornbirn-Haselstauden to Schwarzach before following the Hofsteigstraße through Rickenbach to Wolfurt. In the centre of Wolfurt, it passes close to St Nikolaus parish church and Schloss Wolfurt.

The longer climb back towards the Bregenz Forest then begins. The Bucherstraße climbs through wooded terrain to Buch. From there, the route returns to Alberschwende via Fischbach, completing the loop.

Those starting in Wolfurt, Schwarzach, Haselstauden, Buch or Fischbach simply join the same circular route at their chosen point.

We recommend choosing whichever place along the route is most convenient for your journey. Suitable starting points can be found in Wolfurt, Schwarzach, Dornbirn-Haselstauden, Buch, Fischbach and Alberschwende.

By public transport

Railway stations for the start/finish: Wolfurt, Schwarzach or Dornbirn Haselstauden

Bus stops for the start/finish: including Alberschwende Dorfplatz, Alberschwende Fischbach, Buch Dorfplatz, Wolfurt Kirche and Wolfurt Dorfzentrum

Wolfurt, Schwarzach and Dornbirn Haselstauden railway stations are served by S-Bahn line S1. Bus service 158 connects Wolfurt with Alberschwende via Buch and Fischbach. This allows the tour to be started and finished at several different points.

Bicycles may be taken on appropriately marked trains, provided sufficient space is available. On buses, bicycles are only accepted on selected services. The relevant connection should therefore be checked in advance.

Journey planner: vmobil.at

By car

Depending on the chosen starting point, travel through the Rhine Valley to Wolfurt, Schwarzach or Dornbirn-Haselstauden. Buch and Fischbach can be reached from both Wolfurt and Alberschwende.

To start in Alberschwende, travel via the Bregenzerwaldstraße. As the tour forms a complete circuit, there is no need to travel to any particular starting point.

Parking

As the tour follows a circular route, several possible starting points are available.

Alberschwende: Gemeindeparkplatz Brugg, Brugg, 6861 Alberschwende, is a convenient place to start the tour in Alberschwende.

Schwarzach: The “Am Dorfplatz” underground car park is located close to the centre.

Wolfurt: Suitable options include the CUBUS car park at Wälderstraße 5 and the car park at the Vereinshaus, Unterlinden 1.

Parking charges, maximum stays and current regulations should be checked on site.

For this cycle tour, we recommend the following equipment: a cycle helmet, a cycling backpack if required, comfortable footwear or cycling shoes, clothing appropriate for the weather, sun and rain protection, a bicycle pump and bicycle tools if required, food and plenty of drinking water, a first-aid kit and a mobile phone.

Puncture-resistant tyres with sufficient tread are advisable for the short gravel section.

Parts of the tour follow public roads open to motor traffic. Particular care is required on the Bregenzerwaldstraße and Hofsteigstraße, as well as at junctions and side roads.

The longer descent over the Achrain includes bends and may involve high speeds. Speed and following distance must be adjusted to visibility, traffic and road conditions.

The short gravel section can be slippery when wet. It can be avoided by remaining on the surfaced main road.

Before setting off, check the weather, road conditions and any closures. You ride this route at your own risk.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

112 European emergency number
144 Ambulance service

Refreshments and rest stops:

Refreshment stops can be found in Alberschwende as well as in Dornbirn-Haselstauden, Schwarzach, Wolfurt and Buch. The village centres along the route are particularly suitable for a break.

Time of day:

For quieter traffic conditions, it is advisable to ride outside peak traffic periods. In warm weather, an early start provides more pleasant conditions for the return climb to Alberschwende.

Suitability:

The loop is suitable for experienced road cyclists with a good basic level of fitness. Due to the road traffic, descents and longer climbs, it is not suitable for families with children.

Shortening the route:

The tour can be ended early in Dornbirn, Schwarzach or Wolfurt. Bus and train connections and options for carrying bicycles should be checked in advance.