Adventuring Chiemgau King on the Croshill CF 7.0
The Chiemgau King offers the ultimate challenge for those looking to experience the breathtaking nature of the Chiemgau Alps while embracing a sporting ambition. Dive into Henri’s experience at the Chiemgau King.
Royal Route
The "Royal Route" of the Chiemgau King spans 168 kilometers and an impressive 4,629 meters of elevation gain, combining the most stunning MTB trails in the Chiemgau Alps. There are several options for conquering the Chiemgau King: the Bronze Crown (in three days), the Silver Crown (in two days), the Gold Crown (in one day), and the e-Crown (with an e-MTB). It’s Bavaria’s answer to the legendary Stoneman trails.
While officially designed for mountain and e-mountain bikes, that didn’t stop us from taking on the adventure with a gravel bike—in our case, the Crosshill CF 7.0, which proved perfect for the diverse terrains of the Chiemgau King.
Two Days of Adventure on the Chiemgau King
We decided to split the route over two days, starting each day from Ruhpolding. Since it was November and it got dark around 4 p.m., we planned to cover roughly 50 kilometers and up to 1,100 meters of elevation each day. Armed with my new Lapierre Crosshill CF 7.0, I set out. If you’re considering tackling the Chiemgau King on a gravel bike, here’s everything you need to know about the route and how the Crosshill CF 7.0 performed on the trails.
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From Ruhpolding to Maria Eck: The Rocky Ascent
On the first day, we set off from Ruhpolding. After just a few kilometers, we faced a technical S1 trail. The old pilgrimage path winds along the Westernberg and rewards you with stunning views of Ruhpolding. Our destination was the former Franciscan monastery Maria Eck.
The Lapierre Crosshill CF 7.0's carbon frame proved to be both stable and lightweight, making the challenging sections manageable. At the monastery, we were greeted by spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. On the paved descent towards Siegsdorf, the Crosshill’s strengths shone: incredible stability and comfort, even on asphalt.
The journey continued towards Inzell, traversing a mix of surfaces. The Crosshill CF 7.0 handled the rugged sections effortlessly, with its slightly flexible seat post effectively absorbing the vibrations of the gravel paths.
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Through Heutal and the Staubfall Highlight
On the second day, our route led us straight into Röthelmoos, a picturesque high moor nestled between Ruhpolding and Reit im Winkl—a natural paradise providing the perfect backdrop for our tour.
After a smooth descent, we headed towards Weitsee. Following a brief break, we began the steepest climb of the day: the ascent to Winklmoosalm. With gradients reaching up to 18%, it wasn’t easy, but the wide handlebars of the Crosshill offered the necessary control to navigate the steep forest trail safely.
At the top, the route continued into Heutal, crossing the border into Austria. After a challenging S2 section, where we had to carry our bikes at times, we reached the day’s highlight—the Staubfall waterfall. This impressive natural wonder, located on the Bavarian-Austrian border, is an unforgettable sight. Here, we carried our bikes up numerous stairs directly beneath the waterfall—a truly memorable experience.
The final leg was a relaxing forest trail leading back to Ruhpolding.
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The Chiemgau King with a Gravel Bike – An Adventure for Explorers
While we didn’t complete the entire Chiemgau King, the sections we rode offered an incredible mix of physical challenge and scenic diversity. Tackling the Chiemgau King with a gravel bike is demanding but undoubtedly a unique experience—especially with a bike like the Lapierre Crosshill CF 7.0. Its versatility, stability, and comfort on mixed terrains were impressive.
If you’re ready for your own Chiemgau King adventure with a gravel bike, embrace the challenge and immerse yourself in the stunning Chiemgau Alps!
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