Lakes 'n' Knödel

Debuting in 2024, the Lakes 'n' Knödel is a self-sufficient bikepacking challenge that takes riders through some of Austria’s most beautiful terrain—with delicious bonus rewards along the way that gave the event its name: Knödel (dumplings), the signature dish of this awesome area, will be served at checkpoints and trailside eateries. Riders are supposed to take no more than eight days to finish the self-supported 725km gravel riding event across the three Austrian Provinces Salzburg, Tirol and Vorarlberg. The detailed route is a secret and will be revealed shortly before the event starts. Participants will navigate their way along Chiemsee Lake in Germany’s Bavaria before crossing the border back to Karwendel Nature Park and Achensee Lake in the Austrian Tirol and continuing to its finish in Bregenz, capital of the Province of Vorarlberg and located on the shores of Lake Constance.

Participants in the event will need to plan their route and ride through it, collecting checkpoints along the way. As you venture down the back roads and trails, you’ll experience some of the best gravel riding in the Alps but come prepared for Alpine weather and some bonus challenges along the way—after all, the highest elevation along the route climbs up to 1,800 meters above sea level. There are no winners and no awards for completing this epic journey – it’s all about the personal challenge, the nature experience, the adventure and the camaraderie.