Gurtis Walgau

Mountain bike tour from Nenzing to Valscherina Hut

This demanding mountain bike tour leads from Nenzing railway station up the Nenzingerberg to Valscherina Hut. The 27.2-kilometre route includes 1,336 metres of ascent, and the long climb requires a very good level of fitness.

After the initially paved section, forest and farm tracks with long gravel stretches dominate. Nenzingerberg Alpe, the nearby St Martin’s Chapel and the alpine scenery around Valscherina shape the character of the tour.

The return follows largely the same route. Controlled riding is particularly important on the long gravel descent. The tour is suitable for fit mountain bikers and e-mountain bikers with sufficient battery reserve.

Details

Difficultydifficult
Highest point1479 m
Best time of year
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Short description

This demanding mountain bike tour leads from Nenzing railway station up the Nenzingerberg to Valscherina Hut. The 27.2-kilometre route includes 1,336 metres of ascent, and the long climb requires a very good level of fitness.

After the initially paved section, forest and farm tracks with long gravel stretches dominate. Nenzingerberg Alpe, the nearby St Martin’s Chapel and the alpine scenery around Valscherina shape the character of the tour.

The return follows largely the same route. Controlled riding is particularly important on the long gravel descent. The tour is suitable for fit mountain bikers and e-mountain bikers with sufficient battery reserve.

Tour description

The tour starts directly at Nenzing railway station at around 508 metres above sea level. The first few kilometres are comparatively gentle and mostly paved, following Bahnhofstraße and Gaisstraße through Nenzing. The long climb begins after roughly two kilometres.

Side roads and the Gamperdonaweg lead towards Stellveder. The surface remains largely paved until around kilometre five. The route then changes to a forest and farm track, with gravel dominating from approximately kilometre 5.4. Between kilometre two and the turning point, the route gains roughly 950 net metres of elevation at an average net gradient of just under eight per cent.

The track climbs in numerous bends through woodland and open mountain terrain on the Nenzingerberg. St Martin’s Chapel stands a short distance off the route in the area of the former mountain settlement. Higher up, the track passes directly by Nenzingerberg Alpe before continuing along the farm track towards Valscherina.

After around 13.9 kilometres, the turning point is reached near Valscherina Hut. The Alpine Club hut stands at approximately 1,462 metres, while the GPX track reaches its highest point in this area at around 1,480 metres. The open alpine landscape provides a quiet contrast to the long climb.

The return follows largely the same way back. First comes the long gravel descent across the Nenzingerberg, followed by paved roads from Stellveder back to Nenzing. An appropriate speed is especially important on loose surfaces. The final kilometres become flatter again before reaching Nenzing railway station.

Getting there

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

By public transport

Bus stop at the start/finish: Nenzing Bahnhof

Train station at the start/finish: Nenzing railway station

The starting point is directly at the railway station. Nenzing can be reached by train and regional bus services. If travelling with a bicycle, check bicycle carriage for the selected service in advance.

Journey planner: vmobil.at

By car

Take the A14 Rheintal/Walgau motorway to the Nenzing-Bludesch exit. Continue towards Nenzing and follow the local road network to Bahnhofstraße and Nenzing railway station.

Parking

Use the official P&R facility at Nenzing railway station, accessed via Bahnhofstraße. Please check the current conditions of use on site.

Equipment

A well-maintained mountain bike with tyres offering good grip is essential. A cycle helmet, gloves, weather-appropriate clothing, sun and rain protection, sufficient water and food are recommended.

For the long mountain section, carry a spare inner tube or tubeless repair kit, pump, multitool and a mobile phone. E-mountain bikers should allow sufficient battery reserve for the substantial amount of climbing.

Safety information

This tour is physically demanding. The long climb and subsequent descent require endurance, confident braking and cornering skills, and a mountain bike in good working order.

Loose gravel, washed-out sections and slippery surfaces after rain are possible on the gravel and farm tracks. Always adapt speed to the surface, visibility and personal ability. On shared tracks, give consideration to walkers and to agricultural and forestry vehicles.

Check the weather, route conditions and any closures before setting off. At higher elevations, rain, thunderstorms and early or late snowfall can change conditions quickly. Close pasture gates behind you and keep a safe distance from grazing animals.


EMERGENCY NUMBERS

112 European emergency number

140 Mountain rescue

144 Ambulance

Additional information

Landscape and culture

The Nenzingerberg was once a mountain settlement. The restored St Martin’s Chapel and Nenzingerberg Alpe are located in this area. Valscherina Hut, run by the Alpine Club, marks the turning point and sits in an open alpine landscape.

Refreshments and rest stops

Valscherina Hut is staffed at certain weekends during the summer season. Check current opening details before the tour. As refreshments cannot be relied upon throughout the route, carry sufficient drinks and food.

Tour-Quickfacts
Difficulty
difficult
Distance
26,3 km
Duration
05:00h
Ascent
970m
Descent
970m