BergeSeen 03 with the eMTB from Faistenau to Strobl

This stage includes single trails and short pushing sections. For women, one battery charge might barely suffice; men will probably need to recharge a bit or take a second battery with them.

The following highlights make this route, besides the wonderful nature, an unforgettable experience:

• The summit ascent on foot to the Zwölferhorn (1521 m),


• a short trail highlight over the Pillsteinalm,


• a trip by boat to St. Wolfgang and a ride with the Schafbergbahn to the Schafberg,


• or simply relaxing chiling on the shore of Lake Wolfgang.

From the thousand-year-old lime tree in Faistenau, we follow the signage of the BergeSeen eTrail stage 3 and pass the Hotel Alte Post on the right side downhill on Kirchenweg. After 764 m, we cross the Hinterseer Landesstraße and ride over Ramsaustraße between farms and cows until after about 1.5 km we cross Tiefbrunnaustraße (km 2.2) to continue on Schönaustraße, a little-used farm road, towards Kurzmühle. After around 3.4 km, after turning right (km 5.6), we reach Tiefbrunnaustraße again, which we now follow to the end of the valley.

At km 9.6, we reach a toll gate, meaning cars can go as far as the parking lot, which doesn’t affect us as eMTB riders. Now the trail continues on gravel, initially steeply uphill to the alpine parking lot halfway up. Here are some nice huts, like the Lärchenhütte, whose innkeeper is also very bike-friendly. Those who want can take the variant via Sausteigalm, which significantly shortens the route. However, this variant also includes a trail, just like the original route.

At the large parking lot at 1055 m (km 11.8), we turn sharply right and follow the gravel road to the mountain station (1470 m, km 15.5) of the Zwölferhorn cable car. The view from here is phenomenal, and the short path to the summit (1521 m) is a must – especially for the only summit photo of this route.

Now comes one of the most beautiful parts of this stage. From the mountain station, we ride back on a “shared trail” – meaning we share this path with hikers – and ride about 1.7 km straight ahead, passing the hikers’ junction (km 17.2), which goes left. After a short descent, the path makes a 180-degree turn in steep forest terrain downwards. Here it is especially important to always close the cattle gates and also to elegantly avoid cow pats. The path ends at a barbed wire crossing (km 17.8), and our upper body muscles will be really put to the test – we must lift our eMTB over it.

We leave the forest behind and find ourselves at the Pillsteinalm. The view is wonderful. On one side, you see deep into the Salzkammergut; on the other side, to the Tennengebirge and Dachstein. Here, a single trail leads us further in the direction of Illingeralm. Watch the signs and continue about 700 m along the ridge until you have to cross a fence (km 18.4) to the left again. In between, there is a short pushing section of 15 m for many of you.

From here, it goes nicely again on the forest road to the Illingerbergalm (km 20). The path there is well-signposted. Local cuisine and a bike-friendly innkeeper await us. After a short break, the path continues 3 km downhill to the junction (840 m, km 23), where we turn sharply right. If you rush past here, no problem, it is a shortcut downhill but with car traffic, as on the entire forest road to Illingeralm. The last meters of elevation follow, about 460 m, 8.6 km uphill to 1240 m, then sharp left (km 31.6) towards Wolfgangsee. In the steep flank of the mountain, we ride a few km at the same altitude, all alone, until the path slowly slopes downward again after a sharp left turn (km 36.3). At km 43, we pass a barrier and shortly afterward return to inhabited areas with asphalt under our wheels. We follow Zinkenbacherstraße towards Wolfgangsee and turn right in Brunn to follow the bike path to Strobl.

If you are already quite hot, you can also continue straight ahead here to the Franzosenschanze. There is an official bathing spot where you can jump right into the lake.

It is also possible from here to ride to St. Gilgen on the bike path, stroll there leisurely, or take the boat to various destinations.

Be sure to start early considering the quiet times for wildlife, to be on time at the summit of the Zwölferhorn and still be able to spend the end of the day at the lake.

For a successful, accident-free and exciting day, find tips here for planning before the route.

Please note that all MTB routes should always be tackled with flawless equipment.

Here is our recommendation for route preparation and equipment.

As new figures on the playing field of mountain and recreational sports enthusiasts, we e-MTB riders have a special responsibility to behave appropriately.

In Graubünden, bikers and hikers share the trails. A project that should set an example. But it only works with mutual respect. Black sheep set us back years.

With common rules, we ensure that the forest will continue to offer a unique recreational and living space as well as a workplace for everyone.

Information about cycling in the forest from the Federal Ministry for Agriculture, Regions and Tourism.