Road cycling route - Oetz - Kühtai - Sattele loop
Description
Map & elevation profile
The Tour
The Kühtaisattel is, besides the Hahntennjoch, the northernmost Alpine crossing. Unlike most other Alpine passes, the Kühtaisattel can be relatively easily bypassed in this case via the Inn valley. Due to the comparatively low motor vehicle traffic density, the Kühtaisattel is very popular with road cyclists and sportily ambitious touring cyclists. In the midst of the Stubai Alps, from the west you cross the Nedertal; the road continues into the Sellrain valley toward Kematen. On clear days, the peaks of Pirchkogel (2828 m height) and Gaißkogel (2820 m) can be admired. The Kühtaisattel can be considered a small and therefore easier pass, but those who look more closely at the data and figures will be surprised: High average gradient on the west side, peppered with steep sections, make this inconspicuous pass one of the most demanding Alpine crossings. One should watch out for cows and their droppings, which are plentiful here, but the pass name already suggests this.
The northern ascent from Haiming over the Haiminger Sattele (1690 meters) to Ochsengarten is a special variant for climbing specialists.
At the top, you should, if possible, make a detour to the Finstertaler reservoir to crown the climb. There are 370 meters of elevation gain over 3.5 km.
Regions & Places
Mountain areas
Details
Characteristics
Way types
Safety guidelines
The German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) apply. General valid and usual behavioral rules.
It should be noted that in road cycling there is an increased risk of accidents and injuries. Despite careful route planning, there is always a basic risk. Preparing for the route through endurance training, appropriate training and education, as well as personal prudence, reduces the risk of accidents and dangers.
Technical difficulty
Additional information
For the approach from the rear Ötztal, the road cycling route - Area 47 is recommended.
More information about biking & cycling in the Ötztal: https://www.oetztal.com/biken
Directions
Starting at the Tourist Information in Oetz, you roll to the roundabout heading south. From here begins the approximately 10-kilometer climb over Ötzerau and Taxegg to Ochsengarten, which is largely shaded and provides peace and coolness on long, hot summer days. On the quiet L237, you climb several switchbacks uphill, overcoming about 700 meters of elevation. Once at the top, it becomes somewhat flatter before the next exhausting climb follows.
Long and steep, partially passing through a gallery, the road winds toward Kühtai. In the steepest section, a gradient of up to 18 percent must be overcome. With a good rhythmic and smooth pedal stroke, you ascend the beautiful high alpine landscape. Past the Längental reservoir and the Dortmund hut, you finally reach the highest point of the route (2020 meters) at the outskirts of Kühtai. Known in summer as a rather quiet place, Kühtai offers some refreshment options before you race back down the same route toward Ochsengarten to the valley. Turning right here, the short ascent (2.9 km and 150 m elevation gain) to the Haiminger Sattele (1690 meters) begins. At this point, you can also turn off for a break at the Gasthof Marlstein in the eponymous hamlet. When descending to Haiming toward the Inn valley, the partly steep straights and hairpin bends should not be underestimated. Upon arrival at the bottom, turn left heading west; shortly after Ötztal train station, leave the B171 to the left and follow the B186 into the impressive Ötztal. On the broad, heavily trafficked Ötztal federal road, continue with a slight incline back to the starting point in Oetz.
Arrival
Public transit
Travel comfortably and safely by train to the Ötztal train station. The final destination or exit point is the ÖTZTAL station. Afterwards, travel conveniently and quickly with public transport or local taxi companies throughout the valley to your desired destination! The current bus timetable is available at: http://fahrplan.vvt.at
Starting point
Getting there
Oetz is located in western Austria in the federal state of TIROL, in a southern side valley of the Inn valley – the ÖTZTAL. For your journey by car, plan the optimal route from your home location with the route planner online: https://www.google.at/maps
Parking
The following parking options are available in Oetz/Piburg:
- Acherkogelbahn parking lot (fee required)
- Rafting entry point parking lot (at the end of Oetz on the right side) (fee required)
- Central parking lot Oetz (fee required)
- Parking overnight during multi-day routes: Central parking lot Oetz, tickets are available at the Oetz information office.
- Piburg parking lot at Hotel Seerose, fee required
Current information
Good weather for outdoor activities
Equipment
Your personal equipment must be safe, functional, and meet the respective technical standards. Every road cyclist is advised to get information about the planned routes from specialist literature or locally. Full road cycling equipment is strongly recommended even for experienced riders!
Tip: For the partly poorly lit tunnels, lighting is advisable.