Komoot launches new bikepacking route: The Zillertal Trail

For Immediate Release

Potsdam 4th July - The new Zillertal Trail is a mountainous 173km bikepacking route traversing the Zillertal Alps between Italy and Austria. It starts in Brunico, Italy and is the brainchild of komoot ambassadors Tristan Bogaard and Belén Castelló. It is being revealed for the first time exclusively on komoot.

The unique Zillertal Trail route looks a lot like a howling dog with a big nose on the map. And, matching the shape, it features a very demanding pass named ‘Hundskehljoch’ or Dog’s Throat Pass in English. The route guides those brave enough to ride it, over three spectacular passes in the Italian and Austrian Zillertal Alps and a cumulative 4,700m of positive elevation gain. It starts and ends at the Brunico train station on the Italian border with Austria and stitches a lot of well-known and lesser-known national cycling sections together into one single bikepacking route. The route takes approx. 4-5 days to complete, and it winds through breath-taking Alpine territory with colourful flowers, glacial lakes and even snow-capped peaks in the shoulder seasons. The lower elevations are lush and green, with good access to lodging and local food for those who prefer roofs over their heads to camping.

While the route profile might look relatively easy with only 3 peaks to cross, looks can be deceiving. The trail surface and short seasonal window make it a particularly challenging undertaking that is best attempted between May and September on a hardtail mountain bike with a light bikepacking set-up. The paths and tracks range from perfect asphalt to steep dirt trenches and steps of thick slabs of rock and everything else in between. Those who are adverse to hike-a-bike be warned! Bad weather will significantly impact plans, so you should keep an eye out for the reports (a komoot Premium subscription helps) and add an extra day of supplies should things not go quite according to plan.

According to Tristan Bogaard, “Attempting to create a thrilling loop in the Zillertal Alps was no mean feat – although the valleys are super inviting, most of the mountain passes seemed far too treacherous to cross by bike. Also - access restrictions required dedicated attention to route planning detail. But the temptation to highlight this Grand Budapest Hotel-like nook of the Alps, with its picturesque churches, glacier views and Apfelstrudel - was too good. We would love others that follow in our tracks to experience a natural flow, a spectacular overcoming, and the type-two fun that the Zillertal Trail definitely provides!”

This new bikepacking route is exclusive to komoot, and it can be saved and downloaded here.

Learn how to embed the map of the route in one click here.

The first 50 riders to complete the Zillertal Trail will be rewarded with an exclusive komoot patch. To receive your patch for completing the Zillertal Trail - send a link to your completed Tour on komoot to: gaby@komoot.com

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