Cycling day trip from Gries am Brenner to Innsbruck

This ride kicks off in Gries am Brenner, a charming Tyrolean village right on the Brenner Pass—one of Europe’s oldest and most famous transit routes between Austria and Italy. The first half treats you to alpine scenery and plenty of gentle downhill after you've tackled the main ascent, as you cruise through mountain valleys and past historic towns.

The route is about 54 km, mostly on quiet roads and well-paved sections, though you’ll want to keep an eye out for the occasional gravel stretch. There’s a solid bit of climbing (nearly 1,500 meters), but that just makes the descents into the Inn Valley all the sweeter!

Roll into Innsbruck—a lively city surrounded by peaks and famous for twice hosting the Winter Olympics. With its picturesque Old Town, colorful riverfront, and easy access to mountain adventure, Innsbruck is a great place to recover over coffee and strudel. Salzburg may hog the spotlight, but Innsbruck has plenty of alpine charm and good vibes to reward your ride.