SUPERB LEISURE RIDES

You don't have to be a mountain goat to love cycling here. Thanks to its position in the long Inn valley — hence the city's name, meaning 'Inn bridge' — Innsbruck offers the rare option of near-level roads in stunning scenery of mountains, villages, castles and churches. Indeed, Imsbruck sits halfway along the Inn Valley Cycle Route, rated as one of the world's most beautiful. Over half its total length of 520km runs here through Tyrol, on safe, virtually flat, family-friendly cycle paths, and it forms the basis of many delightful short tours in and around the city. Short but perfectly formed routes include the mild climb up the quiet, beautiful Nasses Tal (6km, 340m, lhr) and the bundle for all ages through some of Innsbruck's loveliest holiday villages (8km, 190m, 1hr). Or ride the foodies' cycling route along the Inn west of Innsbruck from Silz to Hafting (43km, 440m, 2-4hr) that visits local orchards, farms and artisans. It's a picnicker's delight E-bikes are a popular way to explore the mountain roads and trails, in hybrid- or mountain-bike versions. That's no surprise, because they make light work of headwinds and hills, and pep up tired post-picnic legs. Hire is easy, and recharging points are never far away. E-bikes are not only for the reluctant, or those who need a bit of help. However strong a rider you are, if you've never tried one before, you're in for a treat. They're huge fun! Bike City's website has details on all of this and more.