Objevte krásy Jižní Tyrolsko Vinná cesta

The panoramic plateau of the Cisloner Alm affords visitors marvelous views of the magnificent "Unterland" district of South Tyrol and the stunning Dolomiti di Brenta – for this reason alone, this tour is a "must-have" for every cyclist vacationing in Kaltern / Caldaro. And then there's also the initial ascent along the former Fleims / Fiemme Valley railroad line, where you will overcome about 800 meters of altitude differential with a grade of no more than six percent. This railroad line from Auer / Ora to Predazzo was built during World War I by Russian prisoners of war to transport men and matériel from the Etsch / Adige Valley to the Fleims / Fiemme Valley towards the front. After the conclusion of the war, this small railroad transported chiefly wood and passengers until it was finally shut down in the 1960s due to shrinking profitability. The only thing that remained was the perfectly established route which, today, serves as a gravel road called the "former Fleims / Fiemme Valley railroad" or "ex ferrovia." Because the locomotives back then were unable to manage a grade of more than five or six percent, this route is perfect for cyclists – you will be able to gently ascend the meters of altitude differential. As you approach Kaltenbrunn / Fontanefredde, you'll leave the railway route and proceed a short distance uphill along the road to Truden. You'll then proceed along the short, steep and partially surfaced ramp up to the Cisloner Alm. This route will take you back to Truden / Trodena. Then you'll enter a narrow side valley through which the Truden Brook flows down towards the Etsch / Adige River. As you glide through historic villages and lovely vineyards down to Neumarkt / Egna, you can enjoy the fabulous vista of the Etsch / Adige Valley. At Pinzon / Pinzano, you'll again cross the former railroad and pass under the viaduct as you arrive at the medieval village of Neumarkt with its historical center. The return trip to Kaltern is via the bicycle trail – in the afternoon, a strong southerly wind often blows, helping you to speed back to your starting-point.

Variants: You can also follow the former railroad line and attack the "Jochgrimm" tour. In Truden / Trodena, you can take a left turn and enjoy the "Kanzel" or "Trudner Horn" tours.

Mustn't be missed: The bicycle path along the former Fleims / Fiemme Valley railroad line, the lovely alpine village of Truden, the long-range panoramic vista of the "Unterland" district of South Tyrol, Kaltern / Caldaro, the majestic Monte Roen, the fabulous Mendel, and the mighty Penegal.

The South Wine Route then runs about 40 km in a long circuit to Salorno / Salurn, the southernmost community of South Tyrol. Along the way, you'll pass through the charming wine villages of Tramin / Termeno, Kurtatsch / Cortaccia, Margreid / Magrè, and Kurtinig / Cortina all’Adige as you glide along the Wine Route.

The South of South Tyrol: Bicycle tour

This tour begins at the square in front of the large winery cooperatives (Kellerei Kaltern and Erste + Neue). From here, the bike trail will lead you through the vineyards and down to Lake Caldaro and past its eastern shore (by Klughammer) towards Auer / Ora. You'll pass the reeds and the biotope on the southern banks of the lake before the route enters the Auer-Tramin Bicycle Trail. There, it also bends into the South Wine Route. You can ride on it in either direction. In other words: There are two paths to the southernmost point in Salurn.

If you now take the right turn, you'll first proceed on the South Tyrolean Wine Route and enter into the historic wine village Tramin / Termeno. The Gewürztraminer variety of grape – which is indigenous to this locality and is used to make some of the finest wines available – is named after this village. The route continues to the south through the historical wine village of Kurtatsch / Cortaccia and past the famous "original grapevine" grafted here in the year in Margreid / Magrè. From here, you will proceed to Kurtinig – often referred to as "Little Venice" by the locals because it is flooded so often. It's only now that the route crosses the Etsch River. Salurn is located on its eastern side. You can take the short side-trip to the Haderburg – which was established here on a rocky prominence in the 11th century as a fortress.

On the return trip back to Kaltern, you will encounter the villages of Neumarkt / Egna and Auer / Ora on this side of the valley. In Neumarkt, you ought to visit the centuries-old and impressive leafy arcades in the center (which is closed to motor traffic). It's a wonderful opportunity to exit the hustle-and-bustle of modern times and immerse yourself in the Middle Ages. You can admire the handsome old manors, enjoy the coolness of the arcades, and explore the village's shopping options.

Farther to the north, the bicycle trail will take you past the Castelfeder biotope – an ancient cult site located on a wild, romantic hilly landscape abounding with fascinating geological formations and enormous boulders left behind by receding glaciers, and that has lost none of its magical appeal. If you wish, you can now pay a visit to Auer before continuing across the Etsch River to Lake Caldaro and up to Kaltern.

A fitting conclusion would be, e.g., a visit to the wine house at the starting-point / finish line of this tour. Or at the market square. The "Punkt" wine house there carries a wide assortment of wines from the Lake Caldaro area.

Variants: At Margreid / Magrè and Neumarkt / Egna, there are two additional bridges over the Etsch River which you can use as short-cuts. There is also rail service between Salorno / Salurn, Kurtinig / Cortina, Margreid, Neumarkt, and Auer – a great way to save yourself a few kilometers (www.suedtirolmobil.info).

General information about these three wine village tours:

Biking along the South Tyrolean Wine Route is always a very special experience. Mild temperatures and about 300 days of sunshine per year make the oldest Wine Route of Italy an ideal place for active vacationers and pleasure-seekers wishing to explore the vicinity by bike. The three pleasure cycling routes of the low-traffic South Tyrolean Wine Route offer a wealth of options to experience the vineyards, visit the wine cellars, and explore the castles. The three wine routes (North, Middle, and South) display almost no significant grades – and they can be cycled throughout the year, both individually and in combination.

While pedaling in the Etsch / Adige Valley from Bozen / Bolzano to Meran / Merano, to your right you can see only cliffs and steep slopes served by two solitary cableways. But behind those mountain slopes and cliffs, there's an enormous hidden area of verdant alpine meadows dotted by hamlets and countless farmhouses. The road across this landscape is a joy for bicycle racers. This road leads from Kaltern / Caldaro over to the Burggrafenamt / Burgraviato district. This district – which includes the city of Meran – has its name from the previous historical era during which Tyrolean Burgraves reigned here. Today, this region is a center of tourism in South Tyrol: Meran and its neighboring communities are pulsing with life. One the route to this area, the only thing holding you back might be a gentle breeze blowing to the south from the Vinschgau / Venosta Valley along the Etsch / Adige River. This tour starts at the central market square in Kaltern and continues via the Bahnhofsstrasse down to the Kellereistrasse (alternative starting-point) at the end of which (at the old locomotive) the actual bike trail begins that leads down into the Etsch / Adige Valley. You will now proceed along the Etch bicycle path into the valley and later along the little valley roads until you approach the gates of Meran. The traffic will now become somewhat heavier until you have left the branch roads into the center of Meran and the streets up to Schenna / Scena behind you. At the outskirts of Meran, the ascent begins up to Hafling / Avelengo, the first village of the extensive "Wiesenbalkon" ("meadow balcony") above the Etsch Valley. (This village gave its name to the "Haflinger" breed of horse.) On the uphill stretch, the traffic will lighten once you've passed the valley station of the Meran 2000 gondola-type aerial lift (to which many visitors come by car). You can now fully enjoy the fabulous view of the Etsch / Adige Valley until the in part quite steep road disappears behind the cliffs. Not only the view into the valley is now obstructed. Suddenly, Meran has vanished from sight when you immerse yourself in this completely different world of peaceful mountain pastures and rustic farmsteads. From Hafling, the road now winds across the plateau via Vöran and over to Mölten / Meltina. Just before you reach Mölten, in Schlaneid, you can also stay on the main road. But this tour will take you over a narrow side street and past the aerial lift's mountain station that serves the Etsch / Adige Valley. And that again meets the main road in Mölten. This side-trip is an exciting option for cyclists looking for a little adventure. That's because, between Hafling and Mölten, there is one or another side street leading to hamlets and farmsteads that you might like to try out along this route. But in Mölten, you'll again be riding along wider, well-established main street and continue for a while over the plateau. But soon, while descending along this exciting road featuring a couple of curves, a warm wind will again be blowing in your face until you get to Terlan / Terlano and are standing in front of the gates of the provincial capital. You'll now see more vineyards, and viticulture will now characterize the tour. The route does not lead you directly on the main street to Kaltern. Instead, you will be taking little side streets through wine villages. You'll have to exert yourself until just after the Kaltern Höhe you have achieved the upper part of the Mitterdorf district. Only now can you glide easily into the center of town and maybe treat yourself to an espresso or maybe even a glass of wine – the perfect conclusion to this interesting tour.

Variants: You can take this tour in either direction. However, the descent from Mölten / Meltina to Terlan / Terlano is more charming that the one from Hafling to Meran. Because this route is in the shape of a figure-eight, with nodes between Terlan and Andrian, you are free to try out different variations.

The Malga Romeno is a beautiful alpine meadow situated just over the steep, western cliffs directly above Lake Caldaro. There, you can enjoy not only delicious Trentino specialties, but also a wonderful view of the Dolomites and the mountains of the Non Valley. The ascent is either view the Mendel Pass Road to the pass. Or: You can take the Mendel gondola-type cableway. When taking this aerial tram, you can spare yourself about 600 meters of altitude! On the other side of the pass, you will proceed down a short forest passage, along a trail across the slope which is secured on one side and which is easy and fluid to take along its entire length. The trail will lead you down into the small village of Cavareno and then a little bit farther downhill until you have to overcome 800 meters of altitude differential to ascend to the Malga Romeno. The lower part of this ascent is over a narrow, low-traffic asphalt road which then transitions later into a gravel trail. This route has a pleasant uphill grade along its entire length and thus represents an easy tour. You will finally reach the Malga Romeno, at an altitude of 1,768 meters above sea-level. After the turning point, you can take a not-too-difficult trail past the Halbweg Hut and down to the Mendel Pass. From there, you will have to proceed down the road. The intoxicating descent via the Mendel Pass Road features a nice little reward at the end: The only recently constructed New Mendel Ascent (Mendelsteig). This trail is a relatively wide, gravel forest path and easy to negotiate. It winds its way down to the Boos Forest Road, whereupon you can take the Hohl Trail (which has now been widened somewhat) which will lead you downhill to the edge of Kaltern / Caldaro – another highlight for bikers wishing to test their technical mettle. At this point, you can decide if you want to take the very beautiful trails and gravel paths of the detour via the Kaltern sports grounds – a very rewarding option! But if, after accomplishing this physically challenging tour, you would rather not deal with any more meters of altitude differential, you can instead take the simple straight route to St. Nikolaus and along the Europe Road back down to Kaltern. All in all, the tour to the Malga Romeno represents a highlight for cyclists with the necessary good physical condition. Because of the beautiful flow trails, this route doesn't require all too much biking technique.

Variants: This tour can be combined with the "Penegal" tour.

Mustn't be missed: The village of Cavareno, beautiful lookout points providing

stunning views of the Dolomites and the mountains of the Non Valley.

 

The Eppan / Appiano High-Altitude Trail starts off with a gentle rise. Later, you can amble down an equally gentle downhill sloping segment over a gravel trail. The trail has an average elevation of 1,000 meters. This tour offers you a fabulous view of the provincial capital of Bozen / Bolzano, the "Unterland" district of South Tyrol, and the majestic Dolomites. After starting in Kaltern / Caldaro, you can roll along the bicycle path towards the town of Eppan / Appiano, then through Eppan towards Matschatsch uphill on a gravel trail that starts out rather steep. You then follow the Mendel Pass Road for a short segment towards the right, later turning off and taking the Michaeler Kehre (Turn No. 6) so as to return onto a forest trail. This forest trail starts off level, but towards the end it gets steeper, leading you into the Furglauer Gorge – a steep groove that runs down between Penegal and Gantkofel / Monte Macaion in the direction of Eppan. There's a short stretch where you'll have to dismount and push your bike. Then you'll reach the gorge, from which you'll have to take another short, but very steep gravel trail out. The Eppan / Appiano High-Altitude Trail starts out with a gentle uphill grade until you reach an elevation of about 1,050 meters above sea-level. A gentle downhill gravel trail follows. You will then reach the visual highlight of this tour: The Buchwald Inn, with its sensational view over Bozen. You then continue over a gravel trail towards Perdonig / Predonico. The return trip is via a path below the High-Altitude Trail – in part over asphalt, and in part over gravel trails through the forest and to the exit of the Furglauer Gorge, past various inns, and through the town of Eppan as you continue on your way by bicycle path towards Kaltern.

Variants: You can follow the Mendel Pass Road and try the "Penegal" or "Malga Romeno" tours.

Mustn't be missed: The wonderful panorama of the provincial capital of Bozen / Bolzano and the fabulous Dolomites.

This scenic mountain bike tour takes you across the sunny plateau of Nova Ponente/Deutschnofen – one of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in South Tyrol. The 37 km circular route starts and ends at the mountain station of the Kohlern/Colle cable car in Bolzano/Bozen and includes 750 m of elevation gain. A perfect blend of nature, physical activity and stunning views – best enjoyed from late spring to autumn.

The Lake Caldaro circuit rout is not especially long. With a length of 17 km and about 300 meters of altitude differential, it's the ideal training tour for your day of arrival, a great way to familiarize yourself with the "lay of the land" around the lake, and an efficient method to obtain a quick overview of the countless further possibilities this region offers. The route is chiefly over asphalt biking paths so it's especially well-suited for novice cyclists and families with children. You'll first glide away from the Infopoint in the Kellereistrasse and down into the Lavason Valley. The trail then flattens out as you continue down towards Lake Caldaro and Auer / Ora. Now comes a single, short ascent before you apply the brakes and speed through the vineyards on your way to the lake. Once you've arrived at the lake in Klughammer, you'll continue on the eastern shores of the lake towards the south. Just south of the lake, you'll take a right turn from the Bozen-Auer Bicycle Trail and proceed over level ground around the lake, past the St. Joseph Church, until you come to the large parking lot at Lake Caldaro with its many lakeside restaurants, beaches, and swimming areas. In the summertime, you'll be tempted to go for a refreshing dip or treat yourself to an ice cream. After a rest-stop, you can continue along asphalt bicycle trails up to Kaltern / Caldaro – there are limestone-white ties embedded in the ground all along the Wine Route that indicate the various different wine-growing terrains. You'll now have to shift gears and overcome 180 meters of altitude differential – which is easier in the afternoon, with the south wind to your back. Once you're back in Kaltern, the lively atmosphere there might tempt you to enjoy a refreshing ice cream or a delicious cappuccino.

Variants: South of Lake Caldaro, you can proceed straight along the bicycle trail towards Auer / Ora and undertake a multitude of longer tours – e.g., the "Mitterberg / Monte di Mezzo" tour or the "Neumarkt / Egna" tour.

Mustn't be missed: Beautiful Lake Caldaro with its biotope and bird-watching point. The famous Caldaro Wine Route.

This is a wild and demanding gravel tour which will take you across the "Green Line" of the South Tyrolean forests and down to Lago Santo ("Lake Heilig") in Trentino. You'll proceed along winding forest trails and curving paths – requiring a good command of your gravel bike on earthy terrain.

You'd better have an adventurous spirit if you want to undertake this tour. In the border area between South Tyrol and the province of Trentino, you'll be passing through seemingly endless forests radiating an enchanting quality. There are many reasons to undertake this tour: You'll love the unparalleled peace and quiet – in part on earthy trails where you can have some fun. And idyllic "Lago Santo" is certainly a worthwhile destination. You'll first proceed at a quick pace via Lake Caldaro and down into the Etsch / Adige Valley. You'll start your ascent on the valley's left flank near Auer / Ora. The trail along the former Fleims / Fiemme Valley railroad will afford you splendid views of the "South of South Tyrol." Once you've passed the last few hamlets, you'll be leaving civilization and ascending on forest roads to the Gfrill Saddle. After a short ascent, you'll arrive in the hamlet of Gfrill / Cauria, 1,000 meters above the Etsch Valley, the last small outpost of South Tyrol before you pass over the provincial border to Trentino. You'll enter into this wild forest and proceed along earthy trails on your way to Lake Heilig. But the adventure isn't over yet! First, there's an exciting descent where you'll come out in Salorno / Salurn, on the shores of the Etsch River. The Etsch Bicycle Trail is the quickest connection back to Lake Caldaro where you can perhaps take a refreshing dip and maybe enjoy a snack near Klughammer. The real end of this tour is only after you have accomplished the final 200 meters of altitude differential on your way to Kaltern / Caldaro. But you'll already have rest-stop options along the way – e.g., at the Albergo Lago Santo or in Salurn. Neumarkt / Egna is likewise worth a side-trip. The bicycle trail will lead you right to it.

Variants: This tour can also be taken in the reverse order. However, when cycling from Salorno / Salurn up to Lake Heilig, you'll have to overcome slight ramps.

If you start cycling in Kaltern, you will first find yourself surrounded by vines. Soon, however, the paths disappear into forests where you can lose yourself. This tour can only explore a few kilometres of the huge network of paths, but as a selection of the best paths it does justice to the claim of getting to know the area.

It first leads into the forest on the western flank of the Adige Valley between the sports centre and the small hamlet of Altenburg with one of the most beautiful viewpoints over Lake Kaltern. On the other side, between Kaltern and Etsch, rises the Mitterberg. From the Adige valley, rugged walls rise 400 metres steeply. On the Kalterer side, the wooded terrain slopes gently. Over there is the next destination of the tour, the large stone valley. On the slopes of the Mitterberg you now stay in the forest and pass the Montiggler Lakes. Here you can dangle your feet in the water or go swimming. The Montiggl forest offers an endless network of paths that lead via the village of Montiggl to the cosy wine village of Girlan. Now the vines line the path again when it goes from Girlan back to Kaltern.

Variants: You can also skip the detour to Altenburg and just do the short loop via the Große Steintal and Montiggl to Girlan. If you feel like it, you can also include a detour to Lake Kaltern in the loop.

The Little Unterland Circuit is a pleasant and easy bicycle tour through the idyllic South Tyrolean Unterland/Bassa Atesina, suitable for touring, trekking, city, and mountain bikes. Spanning approximately 36 km with a minimal elevation change of about 79 m, this tour is ideal for a relaxed cycling trip. The route mainly follows paved, low-traffic roads and the traffic-free Adige Cycle Path, making it accessible year-round – best during the months of spring, late summer, autumn, and winter.

The name "Kanzel" tells the whole story: This lookout point looms high above the valley and offers breathtaking vistas. The tour to the lookout platform – at an elevation of 970 meters above sea-level – leads from Kaltern / Caldaro along the bicycle trail at first downhill to Lake Caldaro and then to the completely level Etsch / Adige Bicycle Trail to Neumarkt / Egna. Then comes the exciting ascent along the former Fleims / Fiemme Valley railroad line. You'll overcome about 800 meters of altitude differential with a grade of no more than six percent. This railroad line from Auer / Ora to Predazzo was built during World War I by Russian prisoners of war to transport men and matériel from the Etsch / Adige Valley to the Fleims / Fiemme Valley towards the front. After the conclusion of the war, this small railroad transported chiefly wood and passengers until it was finally shut down in the 1960s due to shrinking profitability. The only thing that remained was the perfectly established route which, today, serves as a gravel road called the "former Fleims / Fiemme Valley railroad" or "ex ferrovia". Because the locomotives back then were unable to manage a grade of more than five or six percent, this route is perfect for cyclists – you will be able to gently ascend the meters of altitude differential. As you approach Kaltenbrunn / Fontanefredde, you'll leave the railway route and proceed a short distance uphill along the road to Truden. This is the perfect opportunity to pause for a breather and enjoy a soft drink – but it's actually more sensible to roll through the narrow side valley through which the Truden Brook flows down towards the Etsch / Adige River and down to Mühlen / Molini. Once there, you should take a sharp left turn to Gschnon / Casignano. This little village affords a fabulous view. Right after Gschnon, the asphalt ends and you will proceed along a gravel trail all the way to Kanzel, where you can take a break and fully enjoy the view under the large wooden cross. You will find the following segment quite challenging – both for your arm muscles and your brake linings: The steep gravel forest trail will require constant braking. This can result in cramped finger muscles and smoking-hot brake linings. We therefore recommend that you try "alternating braking" – shifting from your front brakes and your rear brakes so that they don't overheat. When you stop for a moment down at the confluence between Laag / Laghetti and Mazon / Mazzon, you're likely to smell the odor of your overheated brakes. Take care to not touch the hot brakes with your calves – you can really hurt yourself! Finally, you'll follow a short downhill stretch through the lovely vineyards below Mazon before you come to the historical heart of Neumarkt / Egna and begin your return trip to Kaltern / Caldaro. All in all, this outing to the Kanzel is physically challenging, but does not require a high level of technical skill. Thus, even cyclists with modest technical skills can appreciate the fabulous panoramas and make frequent stops along the way at the numerous refreshment opportunities. This route is a "must-have" for any cyclist vacationing in the Kaltern region.

Variants: You can combine this tour with the route to the Trudner Horn to the "Jochgrimm."

Mustn't be missed: The Kanzel Cross, the alpine village of Truden, the fabulous panorama of the "Unterland" district of South Tyrol, Kaltern, Bozen / Bolzano, the majestic Monte Roen, the impressive Mendel, and the mighty Penegal.

 

With a length of about 23 km, this is the shortest of the three wine village tours. It will take you through some of the best-known and most-scenic historic wine villages along the South Tyrolean Wine Route, including Girlan / Cornaiano, Eppan / Appiano, and Kaltern / Caldaro – renowned for their Pinot Blanc and the local Lake Caldaro wine.

This roundtrip tour begins in Kaltern, at the square in front of the large winery cooperatives (Kellerei Kaltern and Erste + Neue). From here, the route stretches through a patch of forest to the two Montiggl lakes. It continues to Girlan / Cornaiano, an historic wine village with underground wine cellars actually occupying more area than the village itself. The following segments include St. Pauls / San Paolo as well as St. Michael /San Michele – the actual center of Eppan, renowned for its fortress. You might consider taking a side-trip to the mountain fortress of Hocheppan (managed), which dates back to the 12th century. From there, you can admire a fabulous view of the Etsch / Adige Valley and the Dolomites. The wine route will now take you back to Kaltern by the Lake – which enjoys a great reputation not only for the Lake Caldaro wine named after it. Once you've completed the tour, we recommend going to the market square and visiting the "Punkt" wine house – which has been modernized in appearance – or the South Tyrolean Wine Museum.

General information about these three wine village tours:

Cycling along the South Tyrolean Wine Route is always a unique experience. Mild temperatures and approx. 300 days of sunshine per year make this, the oldest Wine Route of Italy, an ideal place for active vacationers and pleasure-seekers wishing to explore the vicinity by bike. The three pleasure cycling routes of the low-traffic South Tyrolean Wine Route offer plenty of options to experience the vineyards, visit the wine cellars, and explore the castles. The three wine routes (North, Middle, and South) display almost no significant inclines – and they can be cycled throughout the year, both individually and in combination.

Complete service

• We pay attention to your safety: First water to quench your thirst, and then wine for enjoyment.
• When you come to us, you can rest assured that your bicycle is in good hands: Reliable onsite parking is guaranteed.
• We care about your comfort: Upon request, we will deliver your purchases from some of our member wineries to your hotel (surcharge).

This tour includes a number of fabulous lookout spots where you can enjoy an unparalleled view of Kaltern / Caldaro and the surrounding vineyards. At the same time, you are guaranteed plenty of wonderfully relaxing time in the forest. However, you'll probably be focusing on fun riding technique for most of the time, which leaves little time for contemplating the view. After completing the ascent from Kaltern – a short segment along the Mendel Pass Road, continuing over a long gravel trail – you will commence the extensive trail passage: At first, you will proceed over a bumpy, rocky path which will require even practiced cyclists to fully concentrate on the trail. But after just 300 meters, you'll have overcome this steep groove and can take a sharp right turn into a trail. This is a narrow, smooth path which in part winds its way through the forest. This trail possesses a lot of "flow," as cyclists say, and you will simply glide over the mostly leaf-covered path as you negotiate the many bends and little hairpin curves. It's like a rollercoaster ride – only more pleasant! Following this fantastic segment of the trail, you'll finally reach a gravel trail. After you cross the Mendel / Mendola funicular tunnel, you'll return to a trail. This trail winds its way along level or slightly uphill terrain as you slowly ascend the slope and reach another gravel road which will take you to the Ziegelstadel; signposts mark this as the Kaltern High-Altitude Trail. From here, you can take charming paths either uphill or downhill. A short side-trip to Tramin / Termeno, and then the trail continues to Lake Caldaro – the perfect place for a cool dip in hot summer months! After you've refreshed yourself, you'll have to undertake the obligatory 180 meters of altitude differential on the bicycle trail up to Kaltern. Once you've arrived here, what better way to conclude your successful tour than with a glass of wine at the town square?

Variants: You can continue straight and follow the Mendel Pass Road and try the "Penegal" or "Malga Romeno" tours.

Mustn't be missed: The Mendel / Mendola funicular, Lake Caldaro, and the beautiful panorama of the vineyards and fruit orchards.

This tour will take you through picturesque South Tyrolean vineyards all the way to Entiklar and is one of the most-challenging of the novice tours around Kaltern. You'll have to contend with more than 700 meters of altitude differential. But on the other hand, it does not require a high level of technical cycling skills – that's because the trail is almost entirely over asphalt paths. Especially in the springtime, when the fruit trees blossom beneath the snow-capped mountains of the Dolomites, this tour boasts a great deal of scenic beauty. From Kaltern, you'll first cycle up the low-traffic road uphill to Altenburg – just to get your blood flowing at the beginning. Then you'll glide over the small, level plateau until you come to a steep asphalt path downhill to Söll / Sella and further downhill to Tramin / Termeno. If that's enough for you, you can also cycle down into the fruit orchards on the floor of the Etsch / Adige Valley and glide back to Lake Caldaro. But we recommend that you continue along the defined route – that's because the especially appealing segment will take you through hilly terrain and through the fruit orchards and vineyards to Kurtatsch / Cortaccia and finally to the small village of Entiklar high above the Etsch / Adige Valley. On the valley floor, you'll find the little town of Margreid / Magrè. You've now already completed the difficult part of the tour – the return trip is over level side roads and through fruit orchards back to Tramin and from there to nearby Lake Caldaro. Once you've arrived there, you might want to stop for refreshments at one of the many dining establishments there – or maybe go for a dip in the lake. Afterwards, you can attack the remaining 180 meters of altitude differential on the way back to Kaltern.

Variants: At the roundabout, you can take a right turn and go on a side-trip to Neumarkt / Egna.

Mustn't be missed: The St. Vigilius Church in Kurtatsch / Cortaccia, the numerous fruit orchards and vineyards along the route, and the charming little village of Entiklar / Niclara.

 

This is a tour of superlatives, with awesome panoramic views, taking you to the best lookout summit in the breathtaking "South of South Tyrol."

In order to climb the Monte Roen, you'll have to overcome about 1,800 meters of altitude differential in a single go. The first intermediate goal is the Mendel Pass. From Kaltern / Caldaro, the Pass Road goes first through the forest, and later over a narrow ribbon of road carved heroically into the side of the mountain, all the way to the pass (at an elevation of 1,363 meters above sea-level). When taking this route, you can enjoy the first sublime views over Kaltern, the Etsch / Adige Valley, and Lake Caldaro.

If you'd rather forgo the Pass Road, you can instead take the Mendel funicular up to the pass. This saves you 850 meters of altitude differential. (You can find out everything you need about prices and schedules at: kaltern.com/de/die-mendelbahn-in-kaltern.html)

At the Mendel Pass, you'll leave the road. Now it's time to brace yourself as you enter a world of stunning panoramic views and high adventure! A gravel road will first take you up to the Halbweg Hut. From here on out, the trail becomes a bit wilder. The path up to the Malga Romeno is crisscrossed with tree roots, and the grade will be a challenge to your calves. If it's your intention to continue on to the summit, you'll need either a powerful electro-motor and perfect technical skills. Or you'll have to dismount and push your bike up the trail – maybe after stopping for a breather and taking refreshments at the alpine rest-stop. In any event, you shouldn't "stress out" over this segment. Instead, you simply relax and enjoy the natural grandeur.

The closer you come to the summit, the more often you will be treated to terrific 360-degree panoramas. When you reach the cross at the summit, you'll be blown back by the fantastic view: The whole chain of the Dolomites, including the Schlern / Sciliar, the incomparable Rose Garden, and Latemar to the east and the Brenta and the glacier region of the Ortler in the west. And a beautiful vista of the provincial capital of Bozen / Bolzano like you were sitting in an airplane. And to wind things up, you can enjoy a superlative descent at the border ridge between the Etsch / Adige Valley and the Non Valley. This starts off on open alpine meadows at the summit and later takes you along an easy trail to the Grauner Joch.

Now it's time to depart the Non Valley to the right and take the forest trail down to the road to Altenburg. Once you arrive there, you really ought to pay a visit to the chapel there and enjoy the splendid view of Lake Caldaro from the lookout balcony. The trail will now lead through the forest to the St. Anton Sports Center. The cherry on top of this gigantic tour is the fun trail in the forest until you start to pass by the first houses. And now you will finally enter the heart of Kaltern / Caldaro, where you can stop and treat yourself to a glass of delicious wine at the central market square. After this epic adventure, you've earned it!

Variants: The Mendel / Mendola funicular will save you 850 meters of altitude differential with your bike. If you use the funicular to get to the pass, you can consider combinations with the "Penegal" or "Malga Romeno" tour.

From Kurtatsch we drive via Brenntal, an excellent red wine location, to Tramin, where we take the route towards Auer. We then head north towards Lake Kaltern. Our route takes us around Lake Kaltern, where we may be able to walk along the biotope trail at the southern end of the lake to observe the flora and fauna. After cycling around Lake Kaltern (perhaps with a short pit stop at one of the lakeside inns?), we either cycle back through the apple orchards via Breitbach with a short, steep climb or take a leisurely ride through the vineyards via the Runggner Weg from Tramin to Kurtatsch.

You start by taking the biking trail to Bozen. (ATTENTION: When you're at the wineries, be sure to take the biking trail past at the vintage locomotive, towards Bozen – NOT the path to Lake Caldaro!) Once you've arrived in Bozen, you should continue following this biking trail along the Etsch / Adige River until you have left the lively provincial capital behind. The contrasting landscape forms you will see over just a few kilometers as the crow flies are now enormous. The flank of the Etsch / Adige Valley rises steeply – e.g., uphill towards Kohlern / Colle or into the Eggen / Ega Valley (which derives its name from the eponymous brook which has to cut its way through a deep gorge to attain the Etsch River). In actual fact, it's only two or three kilometers – as the crow flies – from the outskirts of Bozen, from the busy autobahn, or the hustle-and-bustle of the Staatsstrasse, and you're already in another world. But you have to steadily pedal up winding roads in order to reach this peaceful oasis in the Eggen Valley. But one mustn't oversimplify the character of the Eggen Valley; rather, this region embraces not only the valley, itself, but also an extensive area including ridges, high-altitude plateaus, and side valleys. And it's on one of these ridges north of the Eggen Brook that you find the astronomical observatory. If you take this tour and pedal from the Etsch / Adige Valley via the village of Karneid / Cornedo uphill to the forest chapel at the "Kasererbild," you'll be rewarded with completely peaceful segment along a side street with only little traffic, and will also have mastered 1,000 meters of altitude differential. But you might want to wait a little bit longer before taking a rest-break – that's because you have almost reached the lookout point at the observatory, and the small road to it soon exits the forest, affording you a marvelous panoramic view. And the descent from the observatory is a highlight of this tour, when you speed down the road, negotiating hairpin curves on your way to Birchabruck / Ponte Nova on the valley floor by the Eggen Brook. The road continues with a moderate uphill grade to Deutschnofen / Nova Ponente, one of the region's main centers. This town is located on an extensive high-altitude plateau west of the mighty Latemar. The road remains at this elevation (about 1,300 meters above sea-level) for a few more kilometers when going south via Aldein / Aldino to the Staatsstrasse, which in turn leads to the neighboring Fleims / Fiemme Valley. En route to this destination, you can also take a side-trip in Petersberg to the Maria Weissenstein Place of Pilgrimage (2 km, 100 meters of altitude differential). This side-trip should be interesting not only for the devout, but also for hungry travelers – because there's also an inn next to the monastery. Behind Aldein, you can continue on the main road not to the left into the Fleims / Fiemme Valley, but rather to the right, for a quick descent into the Etsch / Adige Valley. You'll reach the valley floor in Auer / Ora. Now there's a nasty little surprise coming up for you: The Kreither Saddle – nicknamed the "Coyote Pass" – which offers an additional 170 meters of altitude differential between the Etsch River and Lake Caldaro. And then there's also the final ascent from the lake through the Lavason Valley to the wineries and on through the Bahnhofstrasse to the market square of Kaltern / Caldaro. But in comparison with the Kreither Saddle, this final ascent is relatively tame.

Variants: In the Eggen Valley, you can take a short cut and glide along the Staatsstrasse from the valley towards Bozen / Bolzano. In doing so, you'll have to navigate two tunnels (with a length of 600 and 2,800 meters, respectively) and watch out for the traffic. On the saddle, we recommend setting your light to flash.

On the other side of the Etsch / Adige River, there's an official tour on a steep grade just waiting for cyclists with strong calves and stamina. This ramp on the way to Truden / Trodena features segments with an uphill inclination of up to 17% – a great opportunity for practiced cyclists to show their stuff! But this short and exciting tour offers not only athletic challenges, but also beautiful landscapes and cultural sightseeing. This tour begins gently. Before your legs have to really exert themselves, you'll still have the chance to just glide along the route. From the market square in Kaltern / Caldaro, this excursion first takes you along the bicycle route through the Lavason Valley to Lake Caldaro, along its eastern shores and into the Etsch / Adige Valley. You will now proceed for a few kilometers over level ground, through fruit orchards and over the Etsch to Neumarkt / Egna where the ascent on the other side of the valley begins. If you like and have the time, you might want to visit the historical center of Neumarkt and maybe enjoy a hearty refreshment before embarking on this steep tour. Honestly, it's practically a duty to visit the old part of town with its medieval arcades. Its center has been lovingly restored and is among the most-beautiful in all of South Tyrol. Neumarkt thus represents the stylish first act of this exciting and charming tour. The road now leads along the sun-drenched slopes of the Etsch / Adige Valley up through the villages of Pinzon / Pinzano and Montan / Montagna whose cobblestone lanes and handsome residences with their rich histories are sure to delight you. The narrow passage through the little hamlet of Glen marks the end of this cultural journey and the beginning of the athletically challenging segment. Once you've passed by the last houses of the hamlet, the road now tilts up sharply. With a grade of up to 17%, you'll have to shift into the appropriate gear to manage it. But then you'll come to Truden where you can either stop for refreshments or continue on your merry way. The downhill road to Kaltenbrunn / Fontanefredde, along the Staatsstrasse coming from the Fleims / Fiemme Valley, will afford you an unobscured view of the Etsch / Adige Valley. After passing through the community of Auer / Ora – Neumarkt's neighboring village – you'll have crossed the river. Between the Etsch River and Lake Caldaro, you will encounter the Kreither Saddle with its 150 meters of altitude differential and grade of about 13% will test your stamina – a fitting segment of this overall challenging tour. But be thrifty with your physical resources, because you still have to manage the ascent to the market square of Kaltern; it isn't all that steep, but still adds another 200 meters or so of altitude differential.

Caldaro - Ora - Montagna - Aldino - Nova Ponente - Obereggen - Val d'Ega - Bolzano - Caldaro

This is a challenging biking tour with plenty of short, steep ramps demanding that you shift to the proper gear. Cyclists who choose this tour will be rewarded with beautiful views from high above the provincial capital of Bozen / Bolzano all the way up to Jenesien / San Genesio. Forget the hustle-and-bustle of the cities amidst verdant alpine pastures on your way to Mölten / Meltina. You will start from the market square in Kaltern / Caldaro, cross the Bahnhofsstrasse and proceed down to the Kellereistrasse (alternative starting-point). The bicycle trail begins at the end of the Kellereistrasse (at the old locomotive) and will take you all the way to the heart of the provincial capital of Bozen / Bolzano. You will proceed along the bicycle trail parallel to the Etsch / Adige River, then along the Talfer Brook – a tributary of the Etsch coming from the Sarn / Sarentino Valley. At the northern outskirts of the town, the road leading into the Sarn Valley and uphill towards Jenesien forks off from the Hauptstrasse. This represents the first highlight of this excursion. The street winds its way upward through two tunnels to the Panorama Balcony with an unobstructed view of the city and the Etsch Valley. You'll soon reach Jenesien, the main settlement of this plateau, and the streets will become gradually narrower as you pedal up to the Schermoos Saddle, the inconspicuous pass between Jenesien and Mölten. You'll be passing by farmers driving their hay wagons – and fewer city folk in their convertibles. The environment is now gradually growing quieter, and the street are adapting more and more to the wild character of the surroundings. Now it will get curvier and completely unrhythmic. You'll be frequently shifting gears – more often than you'll be changing direction. Until you surmount the Schermoos Saddle, you'll have to occasionally switch on your turbo in the appropriate gear. When descending from the saddle to Mölten / Meltina, you'll have to exercise caution, because the street at first remains narrow and treacherous. But in Mölten, you'll turn into the wider, well-established street and continue for a while over the plateau. You are now biking high above the Etsch / Adige Valley between Meran / Merano and Bozen / Bolzano – the perfect opportunity to familiarize yourself with a different aspect of this region. This exciting descent features a couple of curves. A warm wind will again be blowing in your face until you get to Terlan / Terlano and are standing in front of the gates of the provincial capital. You'll now see more vineyards, and viticulture will now characterize the tour. The route does not lead you directly on the main street to Kaltern. Instead, you will be taking little side lanes through wine villages. You'll have to exert yourself until just after the Kaltern Höhe you have achieved the upper part of the Mitterdorf district. Only now can you glide easily into the center of town and maybe treat yourself to an espresso or maybe even a glass of wine – the perfect conclusion to this interesting tour.

Variant: It is also possible to take this tour in the opposite direction. However, when descending to Bozen / Bolzano, you will have to be especially attentive in the tunnels. And just before the end of the tour, you can visit the charming historical center of Bozen and its medieval promenades.

If you've ever been to Kaltern / Caldaro or at least passed by it, then you'll already be familiar with the Mitterberg, this long, heavily forested hump of reddish rock in the middle of the Etsch / Adige Valley between the Etsch / Adige River and Lake Caldaro. But not everyone knows that there are more than 600 km of trails and paths in the vicinity of the Mitterberg – an ideal playground for bikers of every stripe. The Mitterberg circuit tour leads entirely along bike trails. It is not restricted solely to the Mitterberg. Rather, it will take you around it – a tour that is extremely suitable for beginners and families – but also a great trail to get a little practice. From Kaltern, you'll first glide along the bike trail on your way down to Auer / Ora. You then continue along Lake Caldaro and finally round the southern tip of the Mitterberg until you come to the Etsch Bridge. Here – just before the village of Auer – you'll now enter the Etsch Valley Bicycle Trail which continues to the south towards Trento and to the north towards Bozen / Bolzano. The tour sticks to the Etsch River – usually far enough away from the autobahn so that you won't be bothered by traffic noise. The Mitterberg circuit tour can be taken in either direction since it consists wholly of asphalt bicycle paths. But the direction indicated here is recommended especially for afternoons when the south wind – the "Ora" – will provide a pleasant tailwind as you speed along the level Etsch Bicycle Trail towards Bozen. Just behind Bozen, the bike trail winds along the old railroad line slightly uphill towards Kaltern.

Variants: To the south of Lake Caldaro, you can continue straight on the bike trail to Auer / Ora and combine this route with, e.g., the "Neumarkt / Egna" tour.

Mustn't be missed: Lake Caldaro, the provincial capital of Bozen, Sigmundskron Castle with the Messner Mountain Museum.

From Kurtatsch we cycle to Neumarkt, a medieval gem on the Adige, and along the cycle path to Auer. From there we cycle past the Kalterersee biotope, along the eastern shore of Lake Kalterersee towards Lavasontal. From there, a tarmac forest road takes us to Montiggl and the Montiggl lakes (short, steep section). After refreshments at the lake, we then cycle to the western shore of Lake Kaltern, on to Tramin and via Rungg back to Kurtatsch.

As early as the 17th century, the "smart set" of that era who resided in Bozen / Bolzano would flee the big city during the hot summer months and escape to the cooler climes of Ritten / Renon. They would "summer" there. Today, the road leading from Bozen to this cradle of fashionable summering is a popular route for bicycle racers, and boasts a terrific panoramic view of the Dolomites. Ritten, together with Oberbozen / Soprabolzano, are now both attractive recreational areas for the residents of the provincial capital. It's a great opportunity for them to take the aerial tram and float 1,000 meters up to escape the oppressive summer heat on the valley floor. But ambitious athletes won't take the lift. Instead, they'll take the road beginning at the northeastern edge of the city – there where the Eisack / Isarco River leaves Brixen / Bressanone and exits the narrow valley on its way to the Etsch River. At the beginning of this ascent, the bike path first proceeds from the Kellereistrasse in Kaltern / Caldaro down towards Bozen before running parallel to the banks of the Etsch River. Soon, it continues along the shores of the Eisack River northwards until you have practically left the city. Now you'll have to deal briefly with the motor vehicle traffic in the vicinity of the main train station, but soon you'll get onto the road winding its way up (with hairpin curves) to Klobenstein / Collalbo. At an elevation of 1,200 meters above sea-level, you'll have overcome 1,000 meters of altitude differential. You can now take the time for a little rest-stop – maybe for a meal, or for a short trip to the nearby "Earth Pyramids." In Klobenstein, a somewhat narrower road begins that proceeds over the alpine meadows – with a constant "up" and "down" and another 300 meters of altitude differential. And all the while, you can admire the fantastic panoramic view. You will now descend into the Sarn / Sarentino Valley and to a road rising from Bozen as you continue northward. You will breeze along through several tunnels towards Bozen. The lower section was expanded only a few years ago; you will now proceed over it through wide and well-illuminated tunnels where you can merge into the motor vehicle traffic. Nevertheless, we recommend that you keep your warning light flashing as you navigate the saddle. Once you've reached Bozen, the bike path will continue along the Talfer Brook (which comes from the Sarn Valley). The path soon merges again with the Eisack Valley Bicycle Trail. The route will now take you back on the same way, uphill to Kaltern – with another approx. 300 meters of altitude differential. If you have time to spare, you might consider stopping for a pleasant stay amidst the charming arcades of the provincial capital. But don't dawdle too long in Bozen! You should still plan to enjoy a glass of delicious wine once you get to the market square in Kaltern.

Another absolutely superlative tour in the vicinity of Kaltern / Caldaro: Almost 80 km in length and requiring a high level of physical fitness, this route leads – after arriving via the bicycle path from Kaltern to Neumarkt / Egna – along the old railroad tracks to Kaltenbrunn / Fontanefredde and then on to Truden / Trodena. As you proceed along the course of the former Fleims / Fiemme Valley railroad line, you will climb approx. 800 meters of altitude differential with a grade of no more than 6%. This railroad line – stretching from Auer / Ora to Predazzo – was built during World War I by Russian prisoners of war to transport men and matériel from the Etsch / Adige Valley to the Fleims / Fiemme Valley and towards the front. After the conclusion of the war, this small railroad transported chiefly wood and passengers until it was finally shut down in the 1960s due to shrinking profitability. All that remained was the perfectly established route which, today, serves as a gravel road called the "former Fleims / Fiemme Valley railroad line" or "ex ferrovia". Because the locomotives back then were unable to manage a grade of more than five or six percent, this route is perfect for cyclists – you will be able to gently ascend the slope. The old railway tunnels – which seem like gloomy holes when you first approach them – shouldn't startle you: motion detectors will sense your approach and automatically switch on the lights. As you approach Kaltenbrunn / Fontanefredde, you'll turn off of the railway route and proceed a short distance uphill along the road to Truden. This gravel road is not overly steep and so is easily managed, and will take you up to the Ziss Saddle; this represents the transition to Altrei / Anterivo. Continuing to pedal uphill. Shortly before your reach the Horn Alm, you'll be treated to a fantastic long-distance view eastwards. Now you can enjoy the entire Fleims / Fiemme Valley and the majestic craggy towers of the Pale di San Martino looming behind the Rolle Pass. At an elevation of about 1,700 meters above sea-level, the Horn Alm is a very popular destination for cyclists coming from Bozen / Bolzano and its vicinity. From here, you'll take a short ramp uphill before you pass by Lake Schwarz and Lake Weiss on a gravel path downhill towards Gfrill / Cauria. This charming little hamlet is situated high above the Etsch / Adige Valley and affords a breathtaking view of the magnificent Dolomiti di Brenta. You will first proceed along the old and partially paved rural paths through alpine meadows and then downhill via Trail No. 7 – a forest trail requiring a high degree of technical skill and with almost 1,000 meters of altitude differential that will take you to Laag / Laghetti. The return trip to Kaltern in the afternoon is especially pleasurable when the weather is fine because that's when there's a strong southly wind (the so-called "Ora") blowing through the Etsch / Adige Valley that will act as a tailwind, giving you a little extra "push." It's thus no problem to achieve a speed of 40 km/h on average. All in all, the Trudner Horn is a superlative tour featuring great panoramas. However, it requires a medium-good level of technical skill and relatively good physical fitness.

Variants: In Truden / Trodena, you can decide whether you'd rather opt for the somewhat shorter and easier "Cisloner Alm" or "Kanzel" tours.

Mustn't be missed: The former Fleims / Fiemme Valley railroad line, Lake Weiss and Lake Schwarz, the villages of Truden / Trodena and Gfrill / Cauria.

This tour is like a journey through the history of the Etsch / Adige Valley. You will pass through historical villages on its sun-drenched eastern flank, though arcades and narrow lanes. And the highlight is a mystical, hilly landscape – an ancient cult site and important biotope that has lost none of its magical appeal. Castelfeder, situated in the "Unterland" district of South Tyrol between the villages of Auer / Ora and Montan / Montagna, is an ancient cult site on prominent display in the landscape. Extravagant geological formations and enormous boulders left behind by receding glaciers can be seen at various elevations. This wild and romantic hilly landscape exerts an unaccountably powerful attraction on every visitor. Castelfeder is the subject of numerous legends and stories. The so-called "Kuchelen" on the highest level are the remains of a ring wall dating back to the Early Middle Ages. The smoothly polished slide at its highest dome is believed to be associated with an ancient fertility cult. It was thought that childless women could get offspring by rubbing the stones dedicated to Mother Earth. The reasons for building the Fleims / Fiemme Valley railroad at the southern edge of the magic hill had less to do with pagan rituals, and more with practical necessity: It leads up from the foot of the Etsch / Adige Valley to the San Lugano Pass and into the "Val di Fiemme." In the 1960s, the railroad was mothballed. Today, cyclists are glad that they can use this old route as a bicycle path. It's a steep ascent over the eastern flank of the Etsch / Adige Valley. The trail takes you first through the magical labyrinth of Castelfeder. This ascent begins at the Etsch Bicycle Trail between Auer and Neumarkt / Egna. To get there, follow the bicycle route from Kaltern / Caldaro and past Lake Caldaro down to Auer and along the Etsch River to the south. After ascending through the mystical biotope, you will continue uphill into the historical center of the village of Montan. After that, you'll enjoy an unobstructed view of the Etsch / Adige Valley as you continue to the small hamlet of Pinzon / Pinzano and down to Neumarkt. In earlier days, Neumarkt was an important commercial center along the Etsch Valley Route; the charming arcades from its heyday are a reminder of its earlier importance. On the route from Montan and then back down into the valley, you'll encounter another visual marvel: The viaduct near the little village of Glen, a looped bridge which the engineers used to elegantly smooth out the necessary hairpin bend of the railroad in the somewhat steeper area of the slope. This roundtrip offers numerous photo-ops, so plan some extra time to stop and take a few snapshots. From Neumarkt, the route then returns you along the bicycle trail via Lake Caldaro up to Kaltern. You can now celebrate the completion of your tour with an espresso or a glass of delicious Caldaro wine.

Variants: This roundtrip tour can be taken in either direction. If you take it in reverse order, you'll begin in Neumarkt / Egna and visit the Castelfeder last. But because the route crosses the street between Neumarkt and Montan / Montagna, you can also limit yourself to looping backwards via Pinzon / Pinzano and Montan, or you can completely forgo this loop.

It's hard to believe that the Mitterberg / Monte di Mezzo – this oblong, heavily forested mountain situated between the Etsch / Adige Valley and lake Caldaro – is crisscrossed by more than 600 km of trails, but it's true! The network of bike trails here is so complicated that you'll have to take care to maintain your bearings. The expansive Stein Valley is actually only a shallow depression near the highest point of the Mitterberg – which has an altitude of about 650 meters, and at the summit of which there is a large antenna station. You begin the ascent by first cycling downhill from Kaltern / Caldaro on the bicycle path towards Lake Caldaro, but after a few meters, you'll have to take a sharp left turn into a forest trail which is asphalted at the bottom. At the beginning, there is an only slight uphill grade. But starting at the Montiggl Plateau, it becomes much steeper. When you've gotten a little farther, a gravel trail starts. This gravel trail is only slightly uphill, and will take you to the entrance to the expansive Stein Valley. The route through the Stein Valley is virtually level, so you'll encounter nothing requiring any significant technical skill. The big, moss-covered boulders in the forest will catch your eye; they are found on both sides of the forest trail, and give the valley its name. Once you've gotten to the other side of the Stein Valley, you'll have two options to pedal downhill: The following description applies to the easy asphalt trail (which is nonetheless off limits for motor vehicles). Once you've descended, you can pedal along the level road to the west of the Montiggl Lakes towards Eppan. From there, you should take the bicycle trail along the former railroad line and bike back to Kaltern. In the summertime, the Montiggl Lakes are a popular destination for outdoor swimming, and you can enjoy a slice of delicious, home-made pie and cake in any one of the beach cafes. But please note the large number of pedestrians and hikers you'll encounter along the way to the lakes when the weather is nice. All in all, the Stein Valley is an easy mountainbike tour and, because it will take you mostly through shadowy forest, is to be preferred on hot days.

Variants: This tour can also be combined with the "Girlan / Cornaiano" tour.

Mustn't be missed: The Montiggl Lakes.

The Mendel Pass is the backyard mountain for bike racers from Kaltern / Caldaro, and many just ride up and down it for training purposes. But when you descend on the far side, you'll enter into the Non Valley – also known as the "Apple Basket" of the province of Trentino. It's sun-drenched slopes are crisscrossed by numerous paths and trails through pleasant little villages on your way to Cles, the valley's economic center. It is the ideal node of a loop for different expeditions offering plenty of variety. This is a tour from the vineyards to the apple orchards, from the South Tyrolean Etsch / Adige Valley into the Non Valley of Trentino. The Mendel Pass demarcates the boundary between the two provinces, and in the course of this tour, you will climb it twice – the long, sunny ascent from Kaltern / Caldaro in the fresh early morning, the short ascent from the Non Valley in the afternoon when the forest provides refreshing shade. Even the midday summer heat won't scorch you here because you can speed downhill to Kaltern with the wind to your back while enjoying the fabulous panorama. After the Mendel Pass, your exploration of the Non Valley will take you at first quickly along the shortest path to Cles. The villages of Brèz, Clòz, Romallo, and Revò are strung like pearls on a necklace stretching along the edge of the valley until you finally reach the shores of the reservoir, the Lago di Santa Giustina, the valley's main town, with its many cafes and restaurants where you can pause for a rest and refreshment. Once in Cles, you'll probably want to "fuel up" with a hearty meal. That's because you'll be returning to the Mendel Pass along a higher level. The road will take you up into higher elevations dominated by apple orchards to the town of Rumo. Afterwards, you will exit the apple-growing area and enter a world of wonderous alpine beauty. You will now continue climbing and pass into the Ulten Valley – one of South Tyrol's most pristine and authentic valleys. But you will be passing along only its outermost stretches. That's because you'll soon be taking a hard right turn into Laurein. You will now ascend to the Brezer Joch, an inconspicuous pass at 1,398 meters above sea-level which also marks the highest point of this tour. The route will now curve through partially denser pine forests – with occasional clearings – providing pleasant shade you'll appreciate after the sun-drenched segment through the Non Valley. After a short but exciting descent requiring a degree of concentration, the Non Valley Loop is now nearing its close. You will now proceed over a moderately steep end-spurt with about 500 meters of altitude differential to the Mendel Pass. You might want to leave the main road and cross the village of Ruffrè on the parallel provincial road. You can now breeze along the downhill road and enjoy the ride. Or stop and take a breather to admire the extraordinary view over Kaltern, the lake, the Etsch / Adige Valley, and the Dolomites.

Variants: The loop through the Non Valley can be taken in either direction. If you still have enough stamina, you can take the Gampen / Palade Pass from Fondo. By the end, you'll have clocked about 130 km and approx. 3,400 meters of altitude differential. And you'll feel that in your leg muscles!

The Regglberg is a high-altitude plateau rising above the eastern shores of the Etsch / Adige River. If you choose to ascend from Leifers / Laives to Deutschnofen / Nova Ponente, you'll land in a landscape of alpine meadows. Here you'll find plenty of rest-stop options – too many, in fact, since you couldn't possibly stop for a break in every inn and cafe situated along this challenging and long tour.

This tour is challenging, but allows you to explore the east of the Etsch / Adige Valley, on the fringe of the foot of the Dolomites. The meadow landscape at the Regglberg between Deutschnofen and Aldein / Aldino resembles a verdant carpet stretching out in front of the impressive Latemar – from the perspective of Kaltern, the nearest outpost of the Dolomites, this most-prominent peak looms 2,842 meters above sea-level. But to approach it, you'll have to constantly pedal. The first milestone of your journey is the Mitterberg / Monte di Mezzo, accessible via the little Pass Road and the Kreither Saddle and then into the Etsch / Adige Valley. After a couple of relatively level kilometers, you'll reach Leifers / Laives, where the Branten Valley indicate the continued upward direction. At the upper end of the Branten Valley, you'll find the town of Deutschnofen / Nova Ponente perched on a high-altitude plateau. There is a path in the valley basin for your ascent, but the winding trails on the north flank of the valley offer more scenic beauty and are just as quick – besides giving you more panoramic views towards Deutschnofen. You will now proceed upwards into the rolling meadow landscape. You've mastered the steep uphill grade; now, it's a constant up and down. This route offers beauty and variety, and every couple of kilometers, you can take a rest-stop at one of the many charming inns and cafes along the way: the Laabalm, the Neuhütt-Alm, the Schmiederalm, or the Schönrast-Alm. In view of this wealth of options, you might be tempted to spend too much time here – but don't forget: The return leg is still ahead of you! The trail will first take you down into the Etsch Valley. But because the direct way from the Regglberg into the valley is possible only via very steep trails that are best traversed on foot, you'll have to instead take a slight diversion and follow the trail along the former Fleims / Fiemme Valley railroad, which displays a pleasant downhill grade at Montan / Montagna. And you'll be treated to spectacular scenery along the way: First, there's the unobstructed view of the valley, then the rolling terrain of the Castelfeder biotope with its mystical medieval cult site. Once you've arrived in Auer / Ora, you can traverse the Etsch River and quickly reach Lake Caldaro. On warm summer days, you could now take a pleasant dip at Klughammer. After a refreshing dip, you'll be ready to attack the final 200 meters of altitude differential from the lake up to Kaltern / Caldaro.

This bicycle tour – connecting two of Kaltern's prettiest neighboring communities – offers a cornucopia of cultural impressions. This tour will first take you past Lake Caldaro to Tramin / Termeno, the home of the Gewürztraminer variety of grape. This charming wine village with its crooked lanes, historic buildings, and authentic wine cellars is nestled on the side of the Etsch / Adige Valley. The village square rises approx. 50 meters above the river flowing just three kilometers to the west, towards the Po Valley. Visitors to Tramin who want to get more than just a superficial impression of the regional culture should consider going to the Hoamet Museum at the village square, where they can embark on a mental journey backwards in time. In any event, you're sure to become a lot more familiar with South Tyrolean history in the course of this tour. Below on the Etsch River, you'll find Neumarkt / Egna, one of the most-beautiful places in South Tyrol and rich in history.

During the Renaissance Era, the market experienced an economic boom as draymen transporting their goods along the heavily-trafficked Brenner trade route needed a relay station for their horses every 30 km or so. After more and more goods were shifted to the increasingly important railroad, the village diminished in importance. Away from the rail line between the provincial capitals of Bozen / Bolzano and Trento, this commercial center no longer served that purpose. The village became impoverished, young people emigrated, and renovations slowed. But the alleged poverty of Neumarkt was simultaneously its selling point. In the 1980s, a cultural curator recognized the value of the place, with its neglected but unchanged and historically valuable center, and suggested that the center be completely restored in its original style. The restoration work was arduous and time-consuming – but done with care and attention to detail. Consequently, today's Neumarkt with its handsome houses and historic arcades is a true jewel. In some of the inner courtyards, you may still stumble upon original Renaissance frescos. All these aspects make Neumarkt an especially worthwhile destination in the beautiful "South of South Tyrol." The easy bike tour from Kaltern / Caldaro to Neumarkt will take you through the fruit orchards of the "Unterland" district of South Tyrol to the no-traffic zone of central Neumarkt. You can escape the hectic activity of the modern era and immerse yourself in the medieval atmosphere, with its charming old manors, charming lanes, and ancient monuments. There is an abundance of cute little boutiques and shops, and when it comes to dining, you can choose from many different little restaurants. We recommend that you stop by the little Andreas Hofer Museum or in the Museum for Everyday Culture. Andreas Hofer was a hero of Tyrolean history; after he was sentenced to death, he was transported to Mantua and, in doing so, spent a night in Neumarkt. He was kept in a house basement and, according to the story, told his guards: "Keep a good eye on me! Because if I run away, you'll be executed in my place." With a backpack full of pleasant memories and impressions, you can now continue your journey on the Etsch Bicycle Route towards Auer / Ora and finally undertake the 180 meters of altitude differential back to Kaltern – it'll get your heart pumping and so help you develop a little appetite for dinner in one of Kaltern's many nice restaurants.

Variants: This tour can be combined with, e.g., the "Mitterberg / Monte di Mezzo" tour.

Mustn't be missed: Tramin / Termeno with the Hoamet Museum. Neumarkt / Egna with its historic center and the Andreas Hofer Museum and the Museum for Everyday Culture in Neumarkt.

From Kurtatsch we cycle to Margreid, a village with many old arches and fountains and the oldest vineyard in South Tyrol. From there we continue to Kurtinig, where we can sit in the beautiful village square and enjoy a drink in the glorious sunshine. Our next destination is Salurn, possibly with a visit to the Haderburg (closed on Tuesday/Wednesday), although the last stretch to the Haderburg is a bit steep. After visiting the Haderburg, the route continues via Salurn to Laag, Neumarkt and Auer. The route passes through all the villages, leaving plenty of time for sightseeing. From Auer you return to Tramin and Kurtatsch.