Blindsee Trail

We start our tour from Lermoos, taking the Grubigstein cable car up to the mountain of the same name. From the mountain station, we cycle to just below the summit of the Grubigstein - where we leave our bikes because the small viewing bench next to the mountain station of the Gamsjet, which is dormant in summer, is definitely not to be missed: From here, we have an all-round panoramic view of the peaks of the Tiroler Zugspitz Arena. The Zugspitze massif greets us and towers above all the neighbouring mountains.

The eroded stone at the foot of the rugged walls gives the Zugspitze - at 2,962 metres the highest peak in the Wetterstein mountain range and the highest mountain in Germany - its typical appearance. It always reminds you a little of the Dolomites. And then a turquoise-blue lake inevitably catches our eye: Lake Blindsee lies at our feet, a gem that was created around 4,100 years ago by a huge landslide, with water collecting in its hollows. Today, the lake is privately owned by a Lermooser - but there is a bathing area for water lovers on the north-eastern shore. In midsummer, the water warms up to a pleasant 24° C and is particularly popular with divers due to its clarity.

... we start our descent from up here and cover a short distance on the forest track. After almost 100 metres in altitude, a bike sign shows us the way to the Grubigalm via the Grubigalm single trail of the same name. The route first takes us across open meadow terrain and then, as it becomes steeper and steeper, past rock faces and downhill through hollow paths. The vegetation along the way is colourful and impressive. Shortly before the Grubigalm, we finally reach the turn-off to the actual Blindsee Trail. The trail combines all the ingredients needed for a successful trail experience:

• a mostly flat trail course
• a crisp key section
• a waterfall
• a section with technically challenging gravel gullies
• a magnificent view of the turquoise-blue Blindsee lake

At the beginning, we have to tackle a short ascent, but then it's time for the downhill fun: Concentration is required here, as our gaze is repeatedly drawn to the Blindsee lake and the MTB single trail proves to be quite challenging from time to time.

At the waterfall, we reach the key point and another highlight of the trail. We enjoy water from all sides - what a welcome refreshment! After this short pushing section, we follow a forest path and reach another tricky trail section. The trail is never too difficult, but pleasantly challenging and a welcome contrast to the developed flow trails in other regions.

The region has dedicated itself entirely to the maintenance and creation of natural trails anyway. You will look in vain for wide, smoothly ironed bike trails here. Instead, there are:

• Nature trails with demands & some challenges
• dense forest
• thick root carpets
• beautiful steep steps
• and the lake at the end!

After briefly following the lake path, it's finally time to take off our cycling gear and take a running jump into the well-tempered lake! Compared to other mountain lakes, there's (almost) no need to worry about the water temperature here: Lake Blindsee spoils us with temperatures of around 20°C. A pretty perfect end to a fantastic trail - this mixture of ...

• Trail enjoyment
• impressive mountains
• and swimming