Spätzle Gravel King blends demanding gravel riding with the spectacular scenery of the Allgäu Alps, creating a self-supported adventure through one of Germany’s most beautiful cycling regions. Created by ultra-cyclist and world record holder Daniel Steinhauser, the event combines carefully scouted gravel roads, alpine passes, and quiet valleys with a welcoming community atmosphere.
Starting and finishing in Bad Waldsee, Germany, the route covers 430 kilometres with approximately 8,000 metres of elevation gain. Riders traverse the Nagelfluh mountain range, cross into Tyrol, Austria, and return through the heart of the Allgäu on a carefully crafted mix of gravel roads, forest tracks, and scenic backroads. Every kilometre has been designed to showcase the region’s best off-road riding while avoiding busy traffic.
Participants can choose between Race and Adventure start formats, but both follow the same self-supported philosophy. Riders are responsible for their own navigation, food, accommodation, and mechanical repairs, with no outside assistance permitted. The event is centred around a lively basecamp in Bad Waldsee, creating a memorable weekend that combines competition, adventure, and community.
With rugged Alpine terrain, flowing gravel roads, and breathtaking mountain scenery, Spätzle Gravel King is one of Germany’s standout gravel ultras. It offers a rewarding challenge for experienced bikepackers and riders looking to discover the best of the Allgäu by bike.
Estimate your finish time for Allgäu & Spätzle Ultracycling – Gravel based on your target pace.
Learn how to prepare for Allgäu & Spätzle Ultracycling – Gravel, from pacing to nutrition.
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Based on this event's terrain, difficulty and riding style.
At 400 km with 8000 m of elevation gain, Allgäu & Spätzle Ultracycling – Gravel is roughly the distance of 9 marathons back to back, with climbing that adds up to close to a third of the height of Mount Everest.
For Allgäu & Spätzle Ultracycling – Gravel, we'd recommend a Gravel Bike — plan on 45-50mm Tubeless tires and a wide-range drivetrain, something like a 38-40T (1x) chainring paired with a 10-51T cassette, to handle the terrain comfortably.
We rate Allgäu & Spätzle Ultracycling – Gravel as Intermediate overall. Riders should be ready for rough, technical terrain for a good stretch of the route, steadily rolling, with a healthy amount of climbing elevation gain, and mild and generally comfortable conditions.
Mark your calendar for September 24, 2026 — Allgäu & Spätzle Ultracycling – Gravel's autumn timing means as conditions start cooling but daylight hours are shrinking.
Allgäu & Spätzle Ultracycling – Gravel's route is gravel. Plan your tire choice around 45-50mm Tubeless for the best combination of speed and comfort.