The film "Emil & Karl – Little Wheels, Big Mountains" follows Jakob and Konne, two adventurous fathers, on a six-day mountain bike tour through the Swiss Alps – their two-and-a-half-year-old "co-pilots" along for the ride. The goal: a 180km tour with 6000m of altitude gain around the Swiss National Park.
Read on for a trip summary, to watch the full film and a closer look at how the dads carried the gear needed for the 6 day adventure!
What begins as a perfectly planned trip quickly turns into a test of patience, and letting go of expectations. From rumbling stomachs to an unforeseen night in an emergency shelter and toddler tantrums – the challenges range from hauling gear up brutally steep climbs, to the everyday quirks of traveling with two under two. But there is magic too; from marmot sightings, stones collected like treasures, mountain views that draw gasps and quiet evenings sharing stories in tents.
It’s a tour defined less by kilometers and more by discovery, laughter, unforgettable fun and memories made – for both young and old.
Despite all adversities, such as the search for croissants in the Swiss backcountry or the ongoing negotiation over snacks, the fathers master daily life on the trails with humor and astonishing endurance. The tour becomes a lesson in spontaneity, optimism, and managing toddler needs under extreme conditions. When communication problems force them to turn back just before their destination, it becomes clear: the journey was never about the destination – but the shared experience and bond that grew stronger with every kilometer. A tender, unfiltered portrait of fatherhood, set amongst the grandeur of the Swiss alps.
Watch the full film below!
To carry gear on the 6 day journey, Jakob and Konne equipped their bikes with our Spider Rear Rack with a 12L Heavy Duty Dry Bag mounted on each side. This setup left plenty of room for their trailers to attach to the seat post while providing ample storage for all the essentials needed along the way. The ultimate dad-shuttle!
Crew
Production company: schau ma mal
Athletes: Jakob and Emil Breitwieser + Konne and Karl Kappe
Mothers: Sophie Hauk and Karina Kappe
Director / editor / producer: Holger Wimmer
Creative producers: Charlene Gürntke and Malte Heines
Cinematography: Marcus Witte and Holger Wimmer
Score sound design and mixing: Johanne Wimmer
Dolby atmos mixing: Sebastian Sanchez
Production company: schau ma mal
Athletes: Jakob and Emil Breitwieser + Konne and Karl Kappe
Mothers: Sophie Hauk and Karina Kappe
Director / editor / producer: Holger Wimmer
Creative producers: Charlene Gürntke and Malte Heines
Cinematography: Marcus Witte and Holger Wimmer
Score sound design and mixing: Johanne Wimmer
Dolby atmos mixing: Sebastian Sanchez