Mountain bike circuit from Dornbirn-Oberdorf via Kehlegg and Kobelalpe

This challenging mountain bike circuit leads from Dornbirn-Oberdorf via Eisenharz to the mountain hamlet of Kehlegg, then continues through Bruggerwald to Kobelalpe. Tarmacked mountain roads, farm tracks and longer gravel sections alternate throughout the route.

Notable points along the way include the woodland settlement of Rudach, the Kobelach stream and the historic Ammansbrücke bridge. The 20-kilometre route, with around 710 metres of ascent, requires good fitness and confident bike-handling skills.

The circuit starts at St Sebastian parish church in Dornbirn-Oberdorf. It initially climbs on tarmac via Sebastianstraße and alongside the Steinebach. Around Eisenharz, the route continues through the forest and reaches the mountain hamlet of Kehlegg after approximately 3.8 kilometres and around 300 metres of ascent.

The route passes through Kehlegg, going past the church, primary school and fire station. It then leaves the village via Kehleggerstraße. From here, tarmac, farm tracks and gravel alternate. The route leads through Bruggerwald, passing several small mountain streams on the way to the woodland settlement of Rudach.

Before Kobelalpe, the track climbs once more and reaches the highest point of the tour at around 1,011 metres. After a total of approximately 10.3 kilometres, the route arrives at Kobelalpe at around 973 metres. This is a suitable place to stop for a break. Opening times and the availability of refreshments should be checked before setting off.

After the break, the route follows a gravel track alongside the Kobelach towards Niedere. At Durchstich, the longer descent via Nummernweg begins. The surface is loose in places, so controlled riding and reliable brakes are essential.

The route then crosses Ammansbrücke. This covered wooden bridge was rebuilt in 1869 and is one of the circuit’s cultural and historic landmarks. From Beckenmann, the route continues to a short counter-climb via Eschenau. It finally follows the Steinebach back to St Sebastian parish church in Oberdorf.

We recommend starting at St Sebastian parish church in Dornbirn-Oberdorf:

Oberdorferstraße 8
6850 Dornbirn

The start and finish are directly beside the church.

By public transport

Bus stop for the start and finish: Dornbirn Sebastianstraße

Railway station for the start and finish: Dornbirn Bahnhof

City bus service 210 runs from Dornbirn Bahnhof to the Dornbirn Sebastianstraße stop. Standard bicycles cannot be carried on city buses. Cyclists are therefore advised to ride directly from the railway station to the starting point. Bicycles may be taken on suitably marked trains, subject to available space.

Journey planner: vmobil.at

By car

Depending on your direction of travel, follow the A14 motorway to the Dornbirn-Süd or Dornbirn-Nord exit. Then follow signs for the town centre and Oberdorf as far as St Sebastian parish church. A valid motorway vignette is required when travelling on the A14.

Parking

Parking is limited in the immediate vicinity of the parish church. Please use designated parking spaces only and observe all applicable restrictions.

Reliable paid alternatives are:

Stadtgarage Dornbirn
Rathausplatz 1
6850 Dornbirn

Parkgarage Stadtmarkt
Realschulstraße 4
6850 Dornbirn

Both car parks are a short additional cycle ride from the starting point in Oberdorf.

We recommend the following equipment for this mountain bike tour: a cycle helmet, a cycling backpack if required, comfortable footwear or cycling shoes, clothing suitable for the weather, sun and rain protection, a bicycle pump, bicycle tools, a spare inner tube or tubeless repair kit, food and sufficient drinking water, a first-aid kit and a mobile phone.

A mountain bike in perfect mechanical condition, with grippy tyres and fully functioning brakes, is essential. Cycling gloves are advisable for the longer gravel descents.

The tour is graded as difficult. Long and sometimes steep climbs, loose gravel sections, forest tracks and extended descents require good fitness, confident cornering skills and controlled braking.

Watch out for traffic on the public roads in Oberdorf and Kehlegg. Walkers, agricultural and forestry vehicles, and wildlife may be encountered on farm and forest tracks. Adjust your speed, ride within your field of vision and remain on the authorised route.

After rain, roots, gravel sections and the wooden deck of Ammansbrücke may be slippery. Forest tracks may be temporarily affected by forestry work, storms or fallen trees. Check current closures and weather conditions before setting off.

The route should not be ridden in snow, ice, thunderstorms or poor visibility.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

112 European emergency number, works from any mobile phone and on any network

140 Mountain rescue emergencies throughout Austria

144 Ambulance service Vorarlberg

Each participant is responsible for assessing the conditions, their own riding ability and their equipment.

Category and character

The route is classed as a mountain bike tour and can also be ridden on a suitable e-mountain bike. It covers around 20 kilometres, includes approximately 710 metres of ascent and features longer gravel sections. The highest point is at around 1,011 metres.

Refreshments and rest stops

Kobelalpe is the main rest stop on the circuit. The availability of refreshments, rest days and seasonal opening times should be checked in advance. Further refreshment stops can be found in Kehlegg and Dornbirn-Oberdorf.

Waterways and landscape

The route initially follows the Steinebach and later runs alongside the Kobelach for several sections. Other watercourses in the surrounding area include the Sägenbach, Winkelmoosbach, Rudach, Malröslegraben and several smaller woodland channels. The route does not pass directly by a lake.

Time of day

An early start is recommended on warm days, as almost the entire first half of the circuit is uphill. The forest sections provide shade, while the areas around Kehlegg and Rudach are partly open and sunny.

Suitability

The route is not accessible. Due to the amount of climbing, steep sections and longer gravel descents, it is not suitable for families with young children. It is intended for fit mountain bikers with confident technical riding skills.

Shortening the route

An early return from Kehlegg to Oberdorf is possible via the road. After Kobelalpe, there are only a few straightforward options for leaving the route. Sufficient time and energy should therefore be allowed for the descent.

Best time of year

May to October, provided the route is free from snow and ice. After prolonged rainfall or storms, or while forestry work is taking place, check the condition of the tracks and any possible closures.