Austria - Autumn - In and out of the Gastein Valley - on the bike to Schwarzach and back

 Views from the bike in October 2013 
Stunning views on the way to Schwarzach
Schwarzach is out of the Gastein Valley on the Salzach River. It's an easy ride down the valley on the cycle path and then through the tunnels at the end. Once out of the valley its an undulating ride through woods and past farms to the small town of Schwarzach. Luckily it has a few Bakerei so it was no trouble to find coffee and a cake. The route home is a little steeper as Schwarzach sits at around 600m Altitude and Bad Hofgastein at 850m but it is still a pleasant ride with great views. Before the tunnels were built at the mouth of the Gastein Valley, in the early seventies, the road took a perilous route high up on the edge of the river gorge. The road is not passable today because of a massive rock fall but it's possible to take a look at the narrow and steep track.
It's very good for encouraging vertigo and not much else. There is little chapel about half way, I imagine everyone got out to pray on the way round. I was quite happy to return to the Klammtunnel and the sweet smell of carbon monoxide and diesel fumes. The tunnel is about 1600m long and uphill but it has a dedicated  and safe bike lane.
Autumn views on the Farm
My four legged friend and two wheels
View near Schwarzach
Back in the Gastein Valley - the view near Unterberg
The 'bottomless' gorge at the mouth of the Valley
Before the tunnel - The old road - only for the brave
Schwarzach
Back in the Kur Park Bad Hofgastein


Location: Bad Hofgastein, Austria

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