The Most Beautiful Climb? Cycling Austria’s Fernpass

With Julianna still getting over a cold (and her back not up to the climb in any case), I leave our cozy room in chilly Füssen for the climb over the Alps, while she shuttles to the top, two riding days away. Following the Via Claudia Augusta, I begin my climb under uncharacteristically sunny skies, and although there is fresh snow on all the peaks, the day quickly eases into the nicest riding weather since our first days in Germany, several weeks ago. The route is sometimes confusing, switching back and forth between road and path. Sometimes the path is arduous gravel single track and exceedingly steep.Sometimes it’s sweeping paved traffic-free descents. But spectacular Alpine views and deep lush forest fill my day as I cross the first of two passes: Fernpass. Easily one of the most scenic and challenging days of riding I’ve ever experienced.

If you’re interested in checking out our planned route, we’ve included a link below. Bear in mind that we took deviations from time to time which might not be shown here, but this is 99% accurate.

Music
Ever Forward – Francis Wells
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Waltz From Swan Lake – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
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Sana – Van Sandano
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Open Fields – Johan Landqvist
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Wonders Of Nature – Ten Towers
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Solace – Christoffer Moe Ditlevsen
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Before the Sky Falls – Stefan Ekstrom
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Elate – Indigo Days
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Space Whales – Stefan Ekstrom
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