Dorfgastein to Werfen - A Grand 3 Month European Tour on an E-Tandem - CycleBlaze

July 3, 2018

Dorfgastein to Werfen

 All good things must come to an end, which means we must move on from Dorfgastein. As we mentioned earlier, we love it here and we are glad we stayed longer. Today has been a perfect day of riding to Werfen. Amazing scenery, tunnels, climbs up the base of the mountain on quiet roads to farms with great views as well as  spectacular gorges which we rode down and through. 

We have marvelled at the views we missed last year due to the inclement weather. Seeing these dramatic snow covered mountains so close is a joy.

This is the view from our guesthouse.We are truly in an Alpine setting with mountains, wooden homes built in a typical style with colourful flowers cascading from railings and window boxes.
Heart 0 Comment 0 Link
We were lucky to find the guesthouse, Muhlbach-stuberl, a wellrun, family business. They kindly offered us a one bedroom apartment, which was a surprise as we had reserved on booking.com at a sharply reduced rate. The photo shows the breakfast room where we enjoyed a full hot breakfast.
Heart 1 Comment 0 Link
We met fellow cyclists, Christian and Marco staying at Mulbach-stuberl. They are riding to Venice on the same route we have just done. We envy them as the route ahead is lovely.
Heart 0 Comment 0 Link
Christian and Marco originate from Dusseldorf. We enjoyed chatting with them about touring and cycling.
Heart 0 Comment 0 Link
Pension Mühlbach-stuberl..
Heart 0 Comment 0 Link
Finally Mary Ellen has been successful in seeing a doctor. In this small town it was quick and easy compared to a 5-6 hour wait in Emerg in Udine. The doctor was great and Mary Ellen left with antibiotics and a prescription for her ears as well.
Heart 0 Comment 0 Link
Last year we bought delicious strudel from this bakery. This year we had lunch here. It was excellent.
Heart 1 Comment 0 Link
Mary Ellen had a yummy cake with a mixture of many delicious ingredients including rum.
Heart 1 Comment 0 Link
Barry had the oh-so tender and tasty plum strudel with ice cream.
Heart 1 Comment 0 Link
We love how coffee is served in Austria. It always comes with a glass of water and on a small tray.
Heart 2 Comment 0 Link
We appreciated seeing how the vintage tools were restored and displayed on this building.
Heart 1 Comment 0 Link
The first tunnel was lovely and we were separated from the traffic.
Heart 0 Comment 0 Link
This group of cyclists are heading nnorth. We had to stop to let them pass as the tunnel for cyclists is quite narrow. The noise from the traffic is deafening.
Heart 0 Comment 0 Link
Inside the second tunnel.
Heart 0 Comment 0 Link
Coming out of the second tunnel. In this tunnel we were right next to the traffic. The noise of the trucks and cars was deafening. Also this tunnel was almost two kilometres long.
Heart 0 Comment 0 Link
Charming building
Heart 1 Comment 0 Link
The cattle were returning from the pasture on a narrow trail that hugged the side of the mountain.
Heart 0 Comment 0 Link
After we rode through the tunnels we followed a narrow winding road on the side of the valley. There were many blind corners that cars, tractors and bicycles could easily collide with each other. We saw many of these signs...please slow down.
Heart 0 Comment 0 Link
Barry says...please slow down ....as a car comes screaming around the corner. Bikes also need to slow down as the corners drop straight down.
Heart 0 Comment 0 Link
This view of the jagged peaks is one that we couldn’t see last year.
Heart 2 Comment 0 Link
Austrians homes in this region are lovely.
Heart 1 Comment 0 Link
Heart 0 Comment 0 Link
This picture on the sign is quite effective.
Heart 0 Comment 0 Link
The views here are stunning.
Heart 0 Comment 0 Link
We have climbed up out of the valley and have a great view down to the river. The main road for cars and many big trucks follows the river. We like being up here better.
Heart 0 Comment 0 Link
It is great to be up in the Alpine meadows.
Heart 0 Comment 0 Link
A photo like this preserves wonderful memories of riding here.
Heart 2 Comment 0 Link
The mountains are so close, yet seem unattainable.
Heart 2 Comment 0 Link
A small peloton .... we see these poles with the decorated tree on top in many of the villages.
Heart 0 Comment 0 Link
We met these riders from Hungary and the fellow on the right is riding an American made Lightning recumbent.
Heart 0 Comment 0 Link
The leader of the tour from Hungary is riding this super light BMC bike with carbon forks and a Gates belt drive.
Heart 0 Comment 0 Link
We enjoyed chatting with these friendly people from Hungary. The young woman translated for us.
Heart 0 Comment 0 Link
And off he goes...a fellow recumbent rider.
Heart 0 Comment 0 Link
Heart 0 Comment 0 Link
Well you don’t see the Statue of Liberty everyday, but Bischofen has one.
Heart 1 Comment 0 Link
Leaving Bischofen, we enjoyed the view of the Salzach River and the mountains.
Heart 1 Comment 0 Link
E-bike charging stations are becoming more common, even in small villages.
Heart 1 Comment 1 Link
Charmaine RuppoltVery cool to see e-bike charging stations! I saw some in Germany when I was there this past Spring. We don't have any in the Washington, DC area where I live...wonder how long it will be before that happens? I see a number of people riding e-bikes.
Reply to this comment
8 months ago
A pretty, typically Austrian inn.
Heart 1 Comment 0 Link
Heart 1 Comment 0 Link
The iconic image of Hogenwerfen Castle dominates the skyline in Werfen. We are excited to be back as it is a charming village set very close to the mountains.
Heart 1 Comment 0 Link
Heart 0 Comment 0 Link
We met this family when we arrived in Werfen and enjoyed chatting with them. They were just beginning their tour whereas we have the look of people who have been on the road for a while. They are from German and we admired her HP Scorpion e-trike.
Heart 0 Comment 0 Link
Heart 1 Comment 0 Link
The view from our window at the Pension in Werfen.
Heart 1 Comment 0 Link
This was also our view...the cycling shorts drying in the window are a tell tale sign that a traveller is staying there.
Heart 2 Comment 0 Link
We also stayed in this Pension last year. We will enjoy the terrace and the view for dinner. Last year, the mountains did not appear until the nest morning.
Heart 1 Comment 0 Link
Heart 1 Comment 1 Link
Charmaine RuppoltDid you all see any rock climbers on these mountains/cliffs?
Reply to this comment
8 months ago
Hohenwerfen Castle from our room.
Heart 0 Comment 0 Link
Eating dinner with food from the local store on our balcony.
Heart 1 Comment 0 Link

Today's ride: 48 km (30 miles)
Total: 3,412 km (2,119 miles)

Rate this entry's writing Heart 1
Comment on this entry Comment 0