Reschensee 2025: Gravel, Kites, and Mountain Highs
An active escape blending adrenaline with stunning nature in the Austrian and Italian Alps.
This past week, I had an unforgettable adventure in Nauders, Austria and Reschen, Italy – a true paradise for anyone who loves sports and the outdoors. It was a perfect mix of high-energy activities and peaceful mountain moments.
My trip kicked off with an intense 130km gravel bike ride from Garmisch to Nauders. I tackled the Fernpass and Reschenpass, burning over 5000 calories. It was a serious workout, and I arrived ready to recharge.
The next day, I mixed it up with some hiking around the beautiful Lake Rescia (Lago di Resia) with friends (Hike 1 around Riatschhof/Nauders and Hike 2 around Rechensee/Grauns. The views were incredible!
Later that evening, we ran the 15km Reschenseelauf night race around the lake.
The main event for most of the week was learning to kiteboard at the excellent Proboarder Kite School on Lake Rescia. From getting the hang of kite control to finally riding the board, we made huge progress, even with changing wind conditions.
Every morning, I cycled to the lake, and often took the convenient Mutzkopflift for the uphill climb back to my hotel, followed by exciting gravel descents. In the afternoons, I explored the local peaks like Kleinmutzkopf and Grossmutzkopf, and found the beautiful Grüner See and Schwarzer See on some truly scenic hikes.
Finally, my trip ended with a long but rewarding 123km cycle from Nauders back to Bozen. I enjoyed scenic stops and some delicious Italian food along the way before heading home.
My Key Takeaways & Tips for Your Next Adventure:
Riatschhof in Nauders is a fantastic spot for active travelers. It’s a steep cycle uphill to get there, but the chairlift is a great option! Great value if you stay in the single room with restrooms and showers outside your room (and partially shared).
I loved combining cycling, running, hiking, and kiting. It was all possible with minimal gear and it fit into a backpack and saddle bag. My trail running shoes were perfect for both running and hiking.
Small hacks make a difference: Carrying a bike cleaning cloth and chain wax helped keep my gravel bike in top shape throughout the trip.
Lake Rescia (Reschensee) is amazing! The Proboarder kite school is excellent, and the Kite Bar serves up seriously good food.
You really need to try this combination of activities yourself – it’s a unique way to explore the Alps!
What's your favorite way to combine different sports on one trip? Share your tips in the comments below!