Leutascher Ache

The Leutascher Ache is a river in the Austrian state of Tyrol and the German state of Bavaria. It rises in the Mieming Range near Ehrwald in Tyrol and flows north for about a kilometre before reaching Igelsee, a small mountain lake. From there it turns east between the Wetterstein mountains and the Mieming Range through the Gaistal valley. Near Leutasch the river bends northeast into the Leutaschtal, a high valley known for its open meadows and scattered farms. The route along the Leutascher Ache is popular with cyclists because the path stays level beside the water. Kayakers also use the river, especially where it passes through the Leutasch Gorge. The gorge has steep walls and sections of fast water that attract experienced paddlers. Walkers can follow the riverbank paths to enjoy views of the surrounding peaks without steep climbs. Visitors find a quiet landscape of grassy meadows, wooden bridges and small hamlets along the river. The upper valley holds alpine pastures where cattle graze in summer. Near the gorge the path narrows and the water rushes between dark rocks. Farther down the valley the river slows again, flowing past farmhouses and guesthouses before crossing into Germany.