In June 2013 we first found our way to the biking paradise of Tannheim. We then decided to round the mountain chain and, where possible, keep off the main roads in favor of mountainbike friendly terrain. By connecting forest tracks on the slopes, gravel roads along the rivers and small tarmac roads through villages, it wasn't too difficult to manage a clockwise circle (starting in Schattwald we passed Pfronten, Vils, Musau via Ranzental, Reutte, Weissenbach am Lech via Klausenwald, Haldensee and Tannheim).

The roundtour is dotted with picturesque small villages and hamlets, bordered with cold rivers and the classic Tannheim mountain scenery - a feast for the eyes. It was an extremely hot day, and we had managed to come on a "Dienstag - Ruhetag", the day of the week when everything is closed… By the end of the tour, parched and weary, we finally found a small shop selling water. All in all it was a great tour, but next time we wouldn't come on a Tuesday.

In June 2015 we returned, just as the first harvest was being collected, the air filled with a thick scent of grass (nothing for those allergic to pollen, I'm afraid). We aimed to round the mountain chain again, this time counterclockwise and with smaller adjustments to the tour here and there. The great advantage of going this direction is that the longest, steepest part is downhill - a joy for the speed needy. Another tweak, we ended the tour by rounding Vilsalpsee in its little valley near Tannheim town. While a tourist attraction, Vilsalpsee is still worth a visit. A clear cold lake abutted by mountains, it can be enjoyed through circling a wide footpath along the shores. Bikes are allowed, but of course one must mind the pedestrians. Which is just as well - one is here to slowly enjoy the grandeur of nature, anyway.