Mallorca, Spain’s largest Balearic island, isn’t just about beaches and nightlife. Its dramatic landscapes, especially in the southwest around Calvià and Estellencs, offer outdoor enthusiasts a playground for mountain biking, hiking, and even some climbing.
Mountain Biking
Calvià: Base yourself in Calvià town, and you’ll find trails catering to various skill levels. Head inland for challenging climbs and descents through the Tramuntana foothills. The area offers stunning views and varied terrain.
Estellencs: For more experienced riders, Estellencs is your gateway to the Tramuntana’s heart. Expect steep climbs, technical descents, and jaw-dropping scenery.
Hiking
Calvià: The GR221 (Dry Stone Route) passes through here, offering multi-day treks with options for shorter day hikes. Explore the Galatzó valley or hike up to the Castell del Rei for panoramic vistas.
Estellencs: Hike a section of the GR221, taking in the rugged beauty of the Tramuntana. The trek from Estellencs to Banyalbufar is challenging but rewarding, with coastal views and terraced landscapes.
Climbing
While not as extensive as other destinations, Mallorca offers some rock climbing opportunities:
Calvià: The cliffs near Cala Vinyes have some sport routes, great for beginners and intermediates.
Estellencs: More experienced climbers may find some trad and deep-water soloing opportunities along the coast. Research and local knowledge are essential here.
Why Calvià and Estellencs?
Variety: These areas offer a mix of challenges and scenery, suiting different tastes.
Accessibility: Both areas have good infrastructure, with accommodation, bike rentals, and guided tours available.
Authenticity: Experience the ‘real’ Mallorca, away from the tourist crowds.
Tips:
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer the best weather for outdoor activities.
Prepare: Pack appropriate gear and check trail conditions, especially for mountain biking and hiking.
Respect the environment: Stay on designated paths and minimize your impact.
Mallorca is waiting to be explored. Lace up your boots, hop on your bike, or grab your climbing harness – adventure awaits!
I put together some of my favorite classics in Ehrwald: lakes Seebensee & Drachensee, mountain hut Coburger Hütte and the mountaineering tour up to the Zugspitze.
Lakes Seebensee, Drachensee & Mountain Hut Coburger Hütte
This is surely a classic, but always worth a visit. During spring, summer, fall or winter, the scenery is always breathtakingly beautiful. My all-time favorite is the tour via Hoher Gang. But no matter which route you pick, you will never be disappointed. However, make sure to bring along plenty of water and wear something on your head during summer, since it gets crazy hot out there.
At the Coburger Hut make sure to try their famous Kaiserschmarrn. It is to die for.
Zugspitze via Ehrwalder Gatterl
I think every mountaineer has this one on the bucket list: hiking or climbing up the Zugspitze. So did I.
There are many different routes for all kind of fitness levels. One route that is manageable for almost any regular hiking enthusiast with alpine experience is the tour via the Ehrwalder Gatterl. On sunny weekends it can get crowded, so I would recommend either a somewhat cloudy day during off-season or simply pick a weekday.
I first did the tour in summer 2020 and it took me about 6 hours from the Ehrwalder Alm up to the Zugspitze. Though I admit that I did several photo stops.
From the meadows to the Ehrwalder Alm you continue past the Pest Kapelle and via the Max Klotz Steig, past the Hochfeldernalm und up to the Joch ‘Am Brand’ (2,120m). Stay on the path to the Fledernjöchl which dips slightly to 2,041m. Continue until you reach the point where the path divides for the Steinernes Hüttl and take the left hand fork which heads in a north easterly direction on towards the Gatterl. The Plattsteig takes you over rough scree and snow fields to the Knorr Hut.
Continue to climb gently up to and across the Zugspitzplatt to the Schneefernerhaus and from there follow the marked path which is secured by cable in a north easterly direction to the peak. You could also take the Gletscherbahn up to the peak from the Zugspitzplatt if you prefer.
You shouldn’t do this tour without any training. And if you are not an experienced mountaineer, I recommend to take along either a friend or book a guided tour. Also note that there are still snow fields even during the summer months. Hence, start early so that you have enough time to take the cable car back down. If you are up for this adventure, send me a DM.
Sunrise & Sunset in Ehrwald
Whether you are at one of the mountain huts or down in the valley, the atmosphere, the light and the magic of the mountains are pure medicine for body and soul.
For an early morning walk, I can recommend the one-hour waterfall round tour at the valley station of the Ehrwalder Alm. For sunset, either enjoy the Coburger Hut or, in the valley, hike to the Sonnenhang and enjoy the view.
Since Austria is now considered a safe travel destination, I wanted to share some of my favorite spots in the regions of Scharnitz and Seefeld.
Gschwandtkopf in Seefeld
This is a nice, easy trail running route with amazing views of the Austrian Alps: Wetterstein Mountains, Karwendel, Ötztal & Stubai Alps. Just make sure to use the hiking / snowshoeing trail and not the forest road. Elevation gain: 400 m, 10k – depending on the route.
Isar Trails in the Karwendel Mountain Range
The source of the Isar is in the municipality of Scharnitz in Tyrol, surrounded by the mighty Karwendel mountain massif. Even today, the river is still part of the culture and history of the Alpine region. The source of the Isar, also known as “by the rivers”, can be reached from Scharnitz on foot, by bike or e-bike. The crystal clear, blue water accompanies visitors along the beautiful Hinterau valley. Here, you can basically pick ANY route. The views are breathtakingly beautiful.
However, make sure to carry along plenty of water during summer, since it gets incredibly hot in The Valley. Also, use sun protection and cover your head. When planning a tour, check the weather conditions. During a hot summer day, you might need longer than the given time frames on the signposts and in the afternoons, there is often a high risk of thunderstorms. Hence, I recommend to start early in the morning. I mostly do 6-7 hour tours in the Karwendel mountains, and it is always worth it.
Gleirschklamm
This is one of my favorite gorges in the area, starting directly at the train station of Scharnitz. Most of the time, I do the longer round tour via the Isar valley, roughly 20k, elevation gain: 600 m, ca. 4 hours.
A huge plus: it doesn’t get too crowded. But be aware that it does get extremely hot during the summer months. Though the water is pretty refreshing, make sure to cover your head and drink lots of water.
I hope, some of these spots inspire you and that you get to enjoy this beautiful mountain summer.
For lovers of the outdoors, there’s nothing better than sleeping under the beautiful night sky and really feeling that connection with nature. Here are two of my favorite tours.
Wallberg
You will experience one of the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises on top of the Wallberg mountain. Especially during summer, this is a magical unforgettable experience. Just make sure to dress in layers and bring some warm clothes, since temperatures can drop to 4-5 degrees Celsius at night – even when it’s hot during the day. It is definitely a classic, which makes it pretty crowded during the day. But one hour before sunset or sunrise, you barely meet anyone and can enjoy these beautiful moments.
During perfect weather conditions you get to watch paragliders above you and have majestic views of the Karwendel mountains, Großglockner and the Zugspitze.
Riederstein
This a top tip. The Riederstein is a popular mountain peak among local trail runners. But right before sunset or sunrise, you will barely meet anyone – most of the time you get the chance to be by yourself.
During the Perseids meteor shower in August, this is my secret tip for you. Hike up at around 7 p.m. and enjoy a little picnic watching the sun go down. Afterwards, simply enjoy the changing colors of the sky, the mood, the atmosphere, watching the mountain town go to sleep. Between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. you will experience the most gorgeous night sky making it a secret spot for stargazing, spotting the milky way and countless shooting stars.
This summer we saw the most magical shooting stars so far, just got goosebumps from watching this incredibly beautiful sky, cherishing this moment. It is certainly one of the most unforgettable experiences and don’t forget to make a wish upon a shooting star.
It is moments like these that make life worth living and let you forget about anything else. My personal recommendation: After watching the sunrise hike down to Rottach Egern, enjoy a breakfast at café Max I. Joseph at the Seeforum (reservation is recommended) and take the boat back to Tegernsee, enjoying a relaxing day at the lake.
Wild Camping is prohibited
One last thing, though. Wild camping is illegal in Bavaria. So, please be careful and appreciate mother nature when you are out there. No trespassing, no wild camping, no tent and don’t leave any trash.
For those of you who need a little rest after sunset and before sunrise, bivouacking is within a grey area and is allowed when taking a break or as protection from the weather. But the border from taking a break to camping is quite vague.
Bivouacking means staying in the open without a tent and is not regulated by law. You can sleep in your sleeping bag for one night and protect yourself from the weather with a tarpaulin. In both cases, fire, noise, or damage to property is still prohibited.
To avoid trespassing, you should ask the owner of the property if you can camp one night. Usually, it is not a problem to obtain permission from a private landowner. This is almost always possible, especially in rural areas.
Nevertheless, I hope you get to enjoy one of these magical moments. If you are interested in a guided tour with me, drop me a dm.
On the Laintal-Lautersee loop, hikers, joggers and trail runners will experience the idyllic Laintal valley and the immaculately maintained hiking trails around Lautersee lake, on an interesting round-trip against the unique backdrop of the Wetterstein mountains. Lautersee lake is also one of the most popular swimming lakes in the Alpenwelt Karwendel region, and is an inviting place to take a dip.
It is definitely worth a visit and less crowded during COVID-19 summer break.
What I love about Davos is that there are so many different trails and mountain paths that you can actually be alone, if you feel like it. During any day of the week.
One of my favorite spots is the Rinerhorn because there are so many different routes up and down this local mountain. Although it has been attracting more and more tourists, it is still more popular among locals, which I love.
Whether you wanna go mountain biking, running or hiking, this one has it all and I always discover something new. If you are a trail runner or hiker, don’t take the cable car – walk or run up the mountain either via Davos Clavadel or Sertig; it is so worth it.
I spent three days with one of my closest friends and blogger colleague Andrea at the AMERON Davos. We wanted to go mountain biking, simply enjoying the great outdoors and having a magical time together. As it turned out: it was the coolest girls’ trip in a long time.
The best Mountain Bike ride EVER
It was Saturday morning, 4:30 a.m. – I got up pretty early doing some functional training and going for a swim afterwards, getting ready for our mountain bike tour. The AMERON Davos akindly reserved two rental bikes for us so that we could explore the magical trails in Davos. I know, in my Instagram story most of you voted for an E-MTB, but guess what, deal with it. In Munich I am training with my sexy hardtail so that I convinced Andrea NOT to take an E-MTB, especially since we are both in pretty good shape right now.
At first the weather wasn’t really promising, it was all foggy, windy and cold. But we did not care and decided to simply roll with it. If it was going to rain, who cares. You can still have the ride of your life – no matter what the weather looks like. AND, as it turned out, a good genie was with us and the sky cleared up, literally having the best mountain bike ride EVER.
We combined different routes: part of the Jakobshorn trail to Teufi and then along the Dischma Valley. Not too difficult so that we only needed to walk or carry our bikes at two sections. Darn, it was so awesome. Andrea and I were high on endorphines and we loved playing with our bikes. We totally digged it and did not care about anyone or anything.
The best part: we went downhill as fast as we could. When it wasn’t fast enough, we hit the pedals and sounded like a little coyote when cheering for each other. The AMERON Davos literally made my mountain bike dream come true.
AMERON Davos
I already introduced the AMERON Davos in my Instagram Story, which is featured as a highlight on my profile. The four-star Swiss Mountain Resort made our girls’ mountain bike trip just perfect. As a certified bike hotel, the AMERON is continuously improving their service for all bike enthusiasts. Over a long weekend Andrea and I discovered the diversity of the region on an extensive mountain bike tour and then relaxed in their 850 m2 VITALITY Spa. What more do you need?
Guests benefit from a free use of the bicycle cellar incl. Pro-Tool Station and also have a free ride on all mountain railways incl. free bike transport. If there is anything else you need, they try to make it possible, closely working together with local bike shops.
The Accomodation
Andrea and I stayed in a 29 m² premium double room with a south-facing balcony. The room is furnished in a modern, Alpine chic design with natural materials, quality wood and silky materials, creating an atmosphere which makes you feel at home straight away. A selection of different pillows and mattress toppers also ensures you have a great night’s sleep. Rooms start at 150 CHF per night, which is more than fair.
Honestly, there is nothing to complain. We both felt pretty comfortable, loved the natural lighting in the room and slept like little babies.
The Food
With a focus on sports and fitness, the hotel offers a huge variety of healthy food options. But seriously, when you are on a girls’ trip, you have fun – you don’t count calories or talk about the best diet for your current training schedule.
Hence, Andrea and I became a huge fan of the CANTINETTA Lounge & Bar. You can relax in the evening with a wonderful glass of wine or choose from their huge Gin selection, enjoying one or two, or maybe three, Gin Tonics. Their bar menu also has a tempting selection of pasta, pizza and home-made burgers. We went for the home-made pizza and loved it: thin crust, fresh ingredients, on the point. Afterwards, we got to try their new Teranino Rose Cocktail, which was just heavenly. We both fell asleep with a huge smile on our faces.
The Spa
Until this weekend I only stayed in bike hotels that did not have any spa or wellness center. And I admit: I just love to go for a relaxing swim after a tough workout, relaxing in the sauna afterwards. Thus, I am a fan of their 850 m² Vitality Wellness and Spa Centre.
It can be pretty crowded over the weekend, but after figuring out the perfect time, you can really enjoy the quietness and peacefulness, refueling your energy. Both, sauna and steam bath are excellent, as well as their relax area. An ice cold water pool would be the cherry on the cake, but the crushed ice makes up for it. All in all, Andrea and I really had a magical time over the past three days and we can both recommend this hotel, definitely coming back for our next sports & outdoor adventure. Once again, special thanks to the whole staff for making this possible.
What’s next?
Well, any kind of outdoor sports is dangerous for me, since I get addicted quite easily. After this awesome bike ride on Saturday we went on another little tour on Sunday morning. But since we had to leave in the early afternoon, there just wasn’t enough time. Andrea and I both weren’t ready to drop off our bikes, were riding against the clock.
Man, now being back home in Munich, I am already dreaming of my next bike ride. – On Wednesday I will pick up my pretty little bike from the shop and then taking it for a spin along the Isartrail. But I am honest: I want more. The speed ride downhill in Switzerland was one of the best adrenaline rushes I have had in a long time. I wanna do it again. Also, I would LOVE to bike along a ridge trail, taking in the magic of the mountains.
In October I will be back in Davos, on my private vacation, enjoying a time off – being completely off the grid for a week. No collaborations, no work, no pressure, just enjoying myself. With more than 1300 km of cycle paths – from easy single trails to downhill parks – Davos is a paradise for mountain bikers. Maybe I will just give it a try, riding along a more difficult trail. PROBABLY – if the weather is fine. I am not sure, if I will do it alone or with a guide, I just know: I want more, finding out what I am capable of enjoying mountain biking as a new sport.
Till then, ride on and have the times of your life.
13 weeks after my accident I was ready to get back on my MTB! New bike, new plans, new look. I went on a 22k intermediate trail course and it felt soo good.
I admit it will still take some time till I get my full strength & fitness back, but I am back on the trails. So watch out for my pink little ride!
Specialized Rockhopper Comp Women
Whether you’ve been riding trails for decades or you’re just starting your XC journey, the Women’s Rockhopper Comp 29 takes your rides to the next level.
It starts with a new A1 Aluminum frame that has optimized tube shapes which save weight while dramatically improving aesthetics. To go along with these clean new lines, the new Rockhopper also has internal cable routing to further clean up the frame. Lastly, the Sport XC 29 geometry adjusts the reach, angles, and standover height to make for an improved fit across the size range. This is sure to keep you ripping and confident while heading both up and down the trail.
This Rockhopper comes with a no-nonsense spec featuring a full Shimano drivetrain, dependable Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, grippy Ground Control tires that add traction over any trail, and an SR Suntour XCM 29 fork with a custom Multi-Circuit damping that eliminates the “pogo” feel commonly associated with coil forks. You’ll also find that Specialized paid special attention to the needs of female riders, which is why every width and length of the components is tailored to women, while the Body Geometry Myth Sport saddle is sure to deliver comfort, mile after mile along the trail. For me, the ideal hardtail for the Isartrails.
I hope you all had a wonderful start in 2019! I gotta admit, I am still a bit groggy but grateful and happy, ready for more sports and outdoor adventures, simply enjoying life and the beautiful, great outdoors. For those of you who are planning their winter sports vacation, maybe even for Easter break, I got a few tips for you.
Fatbiking
Whether you go downhill or are up for some cruising with an E-Fatbike, just get out there, have fun and feel inspired for your next trip.
Snowshoeing
Don’t forget to just breathe every once in a while. Find your inner balance, refuel your energy and stay focused on the things that make you happy. You will find all that on a magical snowshoeing tour.
Trail Running
Well, there are times when you simply just wanna blow off steam. Work hard, play hard, get fit and be good to your body. I say: winter trail running is the best training to get fit for summer.
All-inclusive Adventure Package at the AMERON in Davos
For those of you who wanna try some of these winter sports, check out the new “You In” Program by the AMERON Swiss Mountain Resort. Simply choose the adventure package and you are ready to test all sorts of fun activities. And believe me, your inner adrenaline junkie will be thrilled.
For me personally, the AMERON has the perfect package. And no, I don’t get paid for saying this. In fact, I don’t take any money at all. It is my own personal recommendation. Over the past two years, I have tried several hotels, hostels and private accomodations. I myself don’t need a lot of luxury or pampering, but since I travel a lot and work pretty hard, I wanna feel home away from home. For mountain bikers I can truly recommend the Grischa – one of the best hotels for bike enthusiasts. But as I already wrote, I also like a wellness area, since I love to go swimming after a long ride or a tough training, simlpy relaxing afterwards. And I LOVE to unwind in the sauna. Best relaxation EVER.
Especially after my hip injury I make sure to take good care of my soul and body. And that is the reason why the AMERON is my number one choice, together with the Grischa. If you just wanna hit the trails with your bike and need an excellent bike service, then the Grischa would be your place. If you prefer a bigger variety and would like to chill afterwards in a cozy wellness area, I would pick the AMERON. It has it all: different outdoor packages for all sports enthusiasts, wellness, great food and drinks, individual health packages and even some luxury, if you want. Hence, for 2019, I will spend more time at my number one accomodation, focusing on my training.
I for myself will be doing all those winter sport activities I mentioned above, plus some cross-country skiing and mountain biking over the next weeks. Skiing & biking in the Bavarian Alps, snowshoeing in Austria and Switzerland and fatbiking in Canada. So, if you wanna meet me, you know where to find me.
I have lost my heart in Davos. It has become my personal happy place. A spot where I can refuel my energy, strengthen my inner balance, train harder than ever achieving much better results and where I can simply be myself enjoying nature or letting out my inner adrenaline junkie. Since winter is my all-time favorite season, I ended the year with a magical sports highlight at the AMERON Swiss Mountain Resort in Davos.
Fatbiking with the maxon bikedrive
You think biking season is over? The hell it isn’t. Fatbike season has officially begun and I ended the year the way I started it. Having fun in deep powder. Thanks to the AMERON Swiss Mountain Resort I got to try a new E-Fatbike package for winter sports enthusiasts: full throttle all day long.
I admit: at first I was a bit sceptical, taking an E-Bike, since I remembered my fun ride up at Pischa, where we were just going downhill. But as soon as I hit the first trail, darn, I was so glad I had additional power. Going up through deep powder on a single trail can be difficult. The more speed I got, the easier it was going uphill, even on some trickier parts with stones and tree roots.
Full throttle through deep powder
It took me about 15 minutes getting used to this bike, getting a good feeling of how it moves, when to use more support or less. And then: HALLELUJAH! I was cruising through the valleys having a blast. Up and down, smiling, simply having fun. Seriously, for those who wanna try alternative winter sports or wanna keep riding their bike, this is it. So awesome!
It is not difficult at all. Anyone who can ride a bike, can rent this E-Fatbike, enjoying the winter wonderland. Of course, when you are new to this and don’t know the surroundings, I would recommend taking a guided tour. My personal tip: join a 2-hour fatbike tour from the Davos Klosters inside program (it is a free guest program during the winter season). Afterwards, when you got the hang of it, rent the maxon bikedrive at the AMERON and explore everything on your own.
So, let’s all ride into 2019, have fun, appreciate everything life has to offer, follow your dreams and always listen to your heart. Ride on and have a blast!
When you click on the video, a connection is established to Youtube.com. For more information, check the Privacy Policy
