Overview
The classic 520km long Inn Cycle Path, which is ranked among Europe’s longest and most scenic cycle routes, follows the River Inn from its source on Maloja Pass, Switzerland, through Austria’s Tirol and to Passau, Germany. Explore the lush Engadin region and experience a different side of Switzerland and Austria, following the River Inn from the spa resort of St. Moritz to the Tyrol’s capital Innsbruck, passing through picturesque villages like Zernez, Susch and Lavin. Admire the forests of the Swiss National Park and the magnificent Alpine peaks and enjoy the warm hospitality of Tyrol.
- The Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl) in Innsbruck
- The forests of the Swiss National Park
- The cradle of the Alpine tourism – St. Moritz
- Artists’ village Guarda
- The cosy villages of Zernez, Susch, and Lavin
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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in St. Moritz
Arrive at St. Moritz. The town has hosted the Winter Olympics twice, but it first gained fame due to its mineral springs, which were discovered 3000 years ago and established St. Moritz as a summer spa resort.
- Accommodation: 4**** Hotel San Gian or similar
Day 2: St. Moritz Circular Tour | 40km
After breakfast, take a bike ride alongside the lake towards the source of the Inn River and enjoy the beautiful scenery of St. Moritz. Avail of the wellness facilities at your accommodation, which include a sauna, steam bath, sanarium and relaxing chairs, an aroma and light therapy room as well as a Kneipp pool.
- Accommodation: 4**** Hotel San Gian or similar
- Cycling for the day: approx. 40km
Day 3: St. Moritz to Zernez | 35km
Today you cycle the Upper Engadine region’s valley, the door to the Swiss National Park, part of the worldwide UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Visit the old tower at Samedan and the early-Gothic church at La Punt, built in 1680, and richly decorated with beautiful frescoes. Continue to Zuoz and the window paintings in the San Luzi church. Your final destination is Zernez, the gateway to one of the earliest national parks in Europe. The visitors’ centre in Zernez has an interactive display about the National Park, temporary, seasonal exhibitions on nature-themed topics. You can see ibexes, chamois, marmots, bearded vultures and golden eagles here in the wild, not to mention countless other wild animals.
- Accommodation: 3*** Hotel Spöl or similar
- Cycling for the day: approx. 35km
Day 4: Zernez to Scuol | 35km
After breakfast, your first stop will be the old mountain village of Lavin. Although only 213 people live in Lavin, it boasts rich cultural traditions. The village was rebuilt in Italian style after being destroyed by fire in 1869. You then continue to the village of Guarda with its twisting cobbled streets, hobbit-like houses and numerous fountains. Finish today’s cycling is Scuol, a modern holiday and spa resort, where mineral water bubbles from the village fountain and a park-like environment surroundings.
- Accommodation: 3*** Hotel Bellaval or similar
- Cycling for the day: approx. 35km
Day 5: Scuol to Ried/Prutz | 55km
Cross the border into Austria and cycle through the villages of Pfunds and Tösens. Follow the River Inn through a gorge before it escapes into Austria’s Tyrol region at the eerie Finstermünz fortress bridge. Soon you reach the delightful little village of Ried and Prutz, situated on the ancient Roman route Via Claudia Augusta, where travellers and traders have sought refuge for more than 1,000 years.
- Accommodation: 3*** Hotel Gasthof Riederstub’n or similar
- Cycling for the day: approx. 55km
Day 6: Ried/Prutz to Imst | 40km
Start pedalling through the beautiful Oberes Gericht (Upper Court) Valley. Pass through the idyllic village of Landeck, framed by the forested peaks and bordered by the fast-flowing Inn and Sanna Rivers. While there, visit the medieval castle and the museum. Ride through the Rose Garden Gorge, pass river meadows and the monastery at Zams to reach Imst, the so-called ‘Merano of North Tyrol’ and famous for its many springs.
- Accommodation: 3*** Hotel Hirschen or similar
- Cycling for the day: approx. 40km
Day 7: Imst to Innsbruck | 65km
Today you cycle past cosy villages and small churches in the Inn Valley. Have a break at the magnificent Stams Monastery, founded in 1273 by Count Meinhard II of Gorizia-Tyrol. Set in pristine grounds, the monumental façade is easily recognized by its pair of silver cupolas at the front. Ride past the striking rocky face of Martin Wall and arrive in Innsbruck, Tyrol’s capital. Visit Innsbruck’s late-medieval Altstadt and the famous Golden Roof, the Habsburg palace and the baroque cathedral. Admire the panoramic views of the central Inn Valley and across to the Italian border by taking the Hungerburg Funicular.
- Accommodation: 4**** Hotel Rufi´s Hotel Innsbruck or similar
- Cycling for the day: approx. 65km
Day 8: Departure
Departure after breakfast. Optional extra night in Innsbruck.
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation on this tour includes a mix of small, locally-owned hotels, B&Bs and traditional guesthouses. They have been carefully selected based on a variety of criteria including their location, warm hospitality, fine local food or commitment to responsible tourism. All rooms have en-suite or private bathrooms.
Click to view default hotels
Hotels are subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Accommodation is on a bed & breakfast basis. When no restaurant location is available on route lunches and snacks should either be bought from local shops or you can pre-order a packed lunch at your hotel. Dinner is available either from the restaurant in your accommodation or restaurants in the village near your hotel. Half Board available upon request.
Difficulty and terrain
This holiday is appropriate for cyclists with some experience and who are generally fit. The average cycling distance per day is approximately 45km. You will cycle on many bike paths and on some forest and gravel roads, which are in good condition. The route is slightly hilly and you will cycle up to two to three moderate climbs and down many smooth descents (read more about difficulty grades)..
When to go
This trip is available from May until September. Regular departures are available on Fridays only. Alternative departures are possible upon request, as the pricing will depend on the size of the group.
Getting there
Up-to-date travel advice on Austria is available here, and on Switzerland here.
Click to view travel options
By train or bus
Transfers to/from Airports
- Zurich airport: Take the train from Zurich airport (located beneath the terminal building) to the main railroad station downtown (runs every 20min in both directions with a travel time of 10min). From there a trip to St. Moritz usually takes about 3 – 4h. Train travel time from Innsbruck to Zurich airport is approximately 4 hours with 1 or more transfers. Transfers are available upon request back to St. Moritz from Innsbruck on Fridays.
- Innsbruck airport: The journey from Innsbruck airport to St. Moritz could take up to 8 hours, more information is available here. Innsbruck Airport is easily accessed by train or bus from Innsbruck. Bus route F connects Innsbruck main station with the airport main building. The journey takes about 20min.
- Munich Airport: From Munich Airport take multiple trains to St. Moritz. Options available here. From Innsbruck take the direct EuroCity train to Munich Airport for a total traveling time of 2h 30min. Up-to-date train schedules are available on the DB website.
Travelling by train
Both St. Moritz and Innsbruck have national and international train stations. You can book your train travel easily through Rail Europe.
Parking
- Parking in St. Moritz: multi-storey car park approx. CHF 20 per day, public parking available approx. CHF 85 per week, to be paid on spot, no reservation necessary.
- Parking in Innsbruck: Public multi-storey car park approx. €17 per day, to be paid on spot, no reservation necessary.
Inclusions
Included
- 7 overnight stays in private en-suite rooms with breakfast included as described in the itinerary
- Luggage transfer on all cycling days (one piece per person, max 20kg)
- Detailed pre-departure holiday information pack with route maps, route description, local attractions, important telephone numbers & GPS tracks (opt for the digital route guide and receive a discount)
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses such as phone calls, extra transfers, tips, etc.
- Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable on-site)
- Any items not specifically mentioned as included in the programme
Options, extras and supplements
- If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own
- This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms)
- Bike / Bike Plus / e-bike rentals
- Extra nights in Innsbruck or St. Moritz
- Transfer from Innsbruck to St. Moritz (Fridays only)
Bike rental
In case you would like to rent a bike from us, we can offer a different variety of bikes. All bikes are equipped with a combination lock, saddle bag (water-repellent), handlebar bag (water-repellent), a pump and service-set with tools with an extra bicycle tube. Sample pictures attached below, note that the exact models may differ depending on the availability, but the standard will be the same.
Unisex bike 21/24-gears
- Gear: Shimano ALIVIO/ACERA derailleur
- Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 / 43cm (body height approx. 148cm – 190cm)
Unisex-bike 7-gears
- Gear: Shimano NEXUS
- Back pedaling break
- Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46cm (body height approx. 155cm – 190cm)
Men’s bike 21-gears
- Gear: Shimano ALIVIO/ACERA derailleur
- Sizes: 63 / 60 / 56-51cm (body height approx. 165cm – 205cm)
Rental Bike PLUS
- Gear: DEORE/XT
- Suntour suspension fork
- Sizes: 63 / 60 / 51 / 46cm (body height approx. 155cm – 205cm)
E-bike
- Speed: 25 km/h
- 8-speed internal gear hub
- Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 / 46cm (body height approx. 148cm – 195cm)
Gallery
