The Short Version
I'm Marcus Brenner, 38 years old, based in Innsbruck since 2019. Originally from Munich, I moved to Austria for a software consulting job — the mountains were supposed to be a weekend bonus. They became the reason I stayed.
This site documents what I've learned exploring Austria by bike, on foot, and through its remarkable wellness culture. No sponsors, no affiliate links, no pressure to make everything sound perfect. Just honest experiences from someone who's still learning.
How This Started
In summer 2019, I attempted my first multi-day cycling trip along the Danube. I over-packed, under-planned, and spent the first night in a campsite wondering why I hadn't just booked a beach holiday like normal people.
Then morning came. I pedaled into the Wachau Valley as mist lifted off vineyards. A farmer selling apricots waved me down, insisted I try some, and refused payment. By noon, I'd abandoned my schedule to follow a side road through wine country. By evening, I understood what made this kind of travel different.
The pandemic years intensified everything. International travel stopped; local exploration became necessary. I spent weekends discovering trails within an hour of Innsbruck that tourists never see. The mountain hut system became familiar. Friends started asking for recommendations — detailed ones, with actual route files and warnings about difficult sections.
This site is those recommendations, organized for strangers instead of just friends.
My Approach
I write about places I've actually visited, routes I've actually completed. When something was difficult or disappointing, I say so. When I made mistakes (frequently), I share them — other people's wrong turns don't need repeating.
I'm not a professional athlete or expedition leader. I'm reasonably fit, stubborn enough to push through discomfort, and endlessly curious about what's around the next corner. If that sounds relatable, my experiences might be useful to you.
Beyond the Adventures
When not on trails or bikes, I work remotely as a software consultant — flexible hours that accommodate spontaneous weather windows. I speak German (native), English (fluent), and enough Italian to order food in South Tyrol.
I live with my partner Anna (who tolerates my adventure obsession but prefers shorter hikes) and a cat named Kafka who has zero interest in outdoor activities.
Get in Touch
Questions about routes, gear recommendations, or trip planning — I genuinely enjoy helping people discover what I've found here. The contact page has all the ways to reach me.
If you're passing through Innsbruck and want coffee recommendations (or actual coffee), let me know. Meeting readers has led to some of my best trail discoveries.