Vomperloch

Technical difficulty: 45/10
Fitness: 5/10
Objective danger: 3/10 (some technical sections with fixed chains)
Landscape: 7/10
Busy: 1/10

Running around some narrow single tracks, up and down a rarely visited and beautiful Vomperloch valley. You get everything from forests, to rivers with pools, to rocky trails.

Starting point: Pension Karwendelrast
Ending point: Pension Karwendelrast
Length: 20km
Vertical: 1300m
Speed: Very narrow and technical single track in the first half, mostly forest road in the second half.

Route:

Today, I wanted to share with you a hidden treasure tucked away in the heart of Vomperloch valley. This trail is a rare find, offering peaceful solitude even during the busy seasons. Ready to dive into the wilderness? Let’s lace up and hit the trail!

Our starting and ending point is the cozy Pension Karwendelrast in Vomperberg. They have a few free parking spots available, making it super convenient for us trail runners.

As we set off on our journey, we enter the Vomperloch valley on the northern side. The initial stretch is a forest road, breathing tranquility with each step we take. After a couple of kilometers, the wide path bids us goodbye, and a two-feet wide single track welcomes us. Now, the real adventure begins!

Suddenly, we find ourselves enveloped in a wilderness and solitude. The trail, though narrow and technical, is fairly flat, leading us deeper into the heart of the valley. As we trot along, we pass by a few turn-offs that lead to different summit trails, each promising its own unique adventure.

Our path then takes a small detour north, leading us into a quaint side-valley. Here, we find a mesmerising stream adorned with beautiful pools, a perfect spot to soak in nature’s charm. But the valley has more in store! We start climbing out of the side-valley, facing a steep face equipped with fixed chains to aid our ascent.

We continue west along the valley for a couple more kilometers. Now, keep an eye on your GPS, for a tiny trail, called Kristalpsteig, that descents down towards the river below.

Reaching the river, a sketchy bridge challenges us to cross over to the other (south) side of the valley. As we conquer the bridge, an uphill climb awaits, leading us to a comfortable forest road.

Now, the trail opens up, allowing us to pick up the pace as we head east out of the valley. We pass by the Ganalm, the only place along the way to stop for some refreshments.

Our trail then leads us quickly moving along the forest road and eventually to a parking place and a quaint village named Umlberg. But wait, the adventure isn't over yet! Our final treat is a delightful trail through the Vomperloch canyon, getting back down to the river We follow it upstream shortly, eventually passing by a hydroplant, before facing one last uphill challenge back to our car.

Pro tip: there are a lot of ticks in the valley since it does not see a lot of people. Check yourself thoroughly once back at home :)
Pro tip #2: on a hot summer day, this is one of the best places to go and hang out by the water.

Photos by @the.running.nomad