The announcement that the Blindsee Trail would be closed starting in 2027 had caused quite a stir in the biking community back in May. Citing allegedly irreconcilable conflicts between hikers, swimmers, and cyclists, the municipality of Biberwier had announced the end of this gem of a trail—designed as a shared trail—in the Tyrolean Ausserfern region. This was devastating news for tourism in the region, which relies on biking, among other things, as a key draw. However, the supposedly inconsiderate mountain bikers were likely just a pretext for the intended closure, as a conflict had been raging for months behind the scenes between the head of the tourism association and the mayor of Biberwier, according to local media reports. 

Now it seems the hatchet has been buried. According to a press release, the municipality, landowners, and the tourism association have agreed to continue the Blindsee Trail in 2027. The route will remain largely unchanged; only in the lower section, along the lake, will the hiking trail and bike trail be physically separated. Starting at the Zugspitzblick rest house, the needs of hikers, swimmers, and cyclists will be better accommodated, according to the press release. This also means that the upper section—that is, the actual trail descent—will remain unchanged.

Operation in 2027 is thus secured. Plans for the future beyond that will be developed jointly over the coming year. The goal is to work together to develop forward-looking solutions to ensure the long-term survival of this flagship among Tyrolean single trails.