Lakes 'n' Knödel

Lakes 'n' Knödel is an unsupported bikepacking adventure with a very Alpine motivation: ride from one remote lake or mountain hut to the next, and earn a Knödel at every checkpoint. Its founder, a sport event manager who has lived in Tyrol since 2012, built the event around the dumplings that always kept their own spirits up after long days on the bike.

The route leaves Fuschl am See, zigzags through the Salzkammergut and crosses into Germany, then follows the border with Austria towards the Karwendel before cutting back into Vorarlberg and the Bregenzer Wald. Valleys, saddles, hut doorsteps and a little hike-a-bike come in between, and the finish near Lake Constance is kept as a surprise.

The spirit is community first: drafting and riding side by side are welcome, there is a category for riding as a trio, and half of the places are reserved for FLINTA riders. Volunteers serve a free Knödel at each of the three checkpoints, and since wild camping is not allowed in Austria and Bavaria, riders plan their nights in huts and villages along the way.