14 May 2019
SUMMER
By E-bike to the Isar Source
The journey is as long as it is turbulent, as eventful as it is exciting. On its European journey, every drop of water only takes three days to flow into the Black Sea. This journey begins at an altitude of 1162 meters and passes through 10 countries. We go to the point where it all begins: the source of the Isar River near Scharnitz in the Karwendel Mountains. And we do so by E-bike.
Turquoise water, breathtaking mountain views
In awe, we stand by the Isar, Bavaria's fourth-largest river, which learns quite a bit of Tyrolean in its first 22 kilometers. In the Karwendel Mountains, just behind the Austrian border in the Seefeld region of Tyrol, the river is still a small brook. The water shimmers turquoise. So clear, you can see every single stone on the bottom and even the tiniest fish in it.
Today’s goal is to follow the Isar all the way to its source. For this, we have rented e-bikes. The route is not difficult, but the approximately 14 km are significantly easier to manage with e-bikes. We start in Scharnitz at the large parking lot Länd at the entrance to the three Karwendel valleys. There is also the Holzerhütte, a museum that tells the history of wood use in the Karwendel and once served as accommodation for forest workers ("Holzern").
The parking lot is the starting point for many bike tours. Next to us, a couple is getting on their bikes to ride to the Karwendelhaus. They also have electric assistance, as we notice. The motor allows groups, families, and partners with different physical capabilities to tackle more challenging tours together.
The picturesque path through the Karwendel
Our tour takes us through the Hinterautal, always along the babbling brook. Along the way, we encounter not only many other bikers but also hikers who cool their feet in the clear water, admiring the massive mountain peaks that surround us. Of course, we also stop at the "Steinmandlkolonie" to immortalize ourselves there. Carefully stacked stones create artistic figures that line the Isar like little tin soldiers.
Finally, we come to the Isar spring. A small sign points us towards the sources. Located in a bright forest, sun-drenched, the icy cold water flows from the mountain. We can cool our feet for just a moment, but our skin immediately starts to tingle. We enjoy the moment and breathe in the mountain air deeply before we are joined by other visitors to the Isar springs. That is our signal to continue cycling to the Kastenalm to treat not only our feet but our thirsty bodies as well.
For us, it is clear: Those who seek adventure, love majestic mountains, and want to discover the source of the Isar will find what they're looking for on the bike tour along the idyllic Isar in the Karwendel Nature Park.
View of the Kastenalm
Are you eager to hop on an e-bike and ride to the source of the Isar? You can easily and simply rent an e-bike at one of the many rental stations in the region. You can find more information about the rental stations here! All other information regarding e-biking can be found here. And finally: If you already know the source of the Isar and want to discover more tour destinations, we have here a list of many more bike routes and tours.
Further Links:
Let’s go to the source of the Isar! Here’s the bike & e-bike route to the Isar source and Kastenalm
E-biking in the Seefeld region
Isar source
Museum Holzerhütte Scharnitz
Kastenalm in the Karwendel
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