Cyklistické trasy v jižním Tyrolsku

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.

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).

#franzthetrail

Franz is awesome and a bit reminiscent of Little Canada. Together with Hans, it is among the first completely hand-built trails at Kronplatz and absolutely not suited for newbies. And quite frankly, some of its sections will even make most pros break a sweat. Today, Franz is one of the coolest trails at Kronplatz – and a MTB dream come true for many riders. Where to find it? It branches off from the Herrnsteig trail a little above the Herzlalm inn.

Length: 978 m

Difference in altitude: 207 m

Level: difficult

Freeriding is one of the most adrenaline-pumping ways to ride a bike. Mountain bikes are used to descend mountain paths with bumps, jumps and various natural obstacles such as roots, stones and bushes.
In the Gardenaccia Freeride Bike Park, starting from the mountain station of the Gardenaccia chairlift at an altitude of 1,750 m, two routes have been created:

•  the first one, more difficult, is for bikers who already have good riding skills, looking for strong emotions
• the second is easier and suitable for less experienced bikers.

The start of the bike park can be reached by taking the Gardenaccia chairlift from La Villa.
At the Gardenaccia chairlift there is the possibility to rent freeride bikes.

Mountainbiketour to the alp and the top of the Glurns mountain (2.395 m)

You start in Kaltern / Caldaro. The tour will then take you over bicycle paths and forest trails between vineyards and fruit orchards until you come to the village of Lana, near Meran / Merano. You'll need a lot of stamina to master the 19-km-long ascent to the Gampen / Palade Pass (1,515 meters above sea-level). The road features almost now turns and curves as you proceed to the Gampen / Palade Pass, but you'll be treated to a wonderful panoramic view of the Etsch / Adige Valley. Once you've arrived at the top, you can take a rest-break before continuing on to Fondo and then taking the short ascent to the Mendel Pass. The Mendel is Kaltern's trademark mountain; its highest point is 1,363 meters above sea-level. You have now almost completed the 80-km-long tour. The last segment takes you along the pass road down to Kaltern. And what better way to conclude the day than by paying a visit to one of the many great restaurants here for a cool glass of Lake Caldaro wine.

Travel time: 4 h; level of difficulty: medium to high

Challenging hut-tour in Tiers am Rosengarten.

This tour, which is especially recommended for e-bikers because of its 800 meters of altitude difference, leads past alpine huts which offer refreshments. The tour offers a fantastic view of the Rosengarten massif with the impressive Vajolet towers.

A mtb route runs as a ring route between the railstation Klobenstein to Lengmoos and from there to the Ritten Arena or the nearby starting point of the tour.

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.

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.

The tour runs easily from Karer See/Lago di Carezza partly through the forest and along the street Schönblickweg/Via Bellavista to the Tschein Panoramic Chairlift.

This pleasent tour takes you from Ortisei over the passo Carezza to Passo Sella.

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 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!

This challenging MTB tour takes you around two majestic mountains in the South Tyrolean Dolomites: the Rosengarten | Catinaccio and the Schlern | Sciliar.

On 88 km and 2,500 metres of ascent, the full-day tour offers a breathtaking panorama of picturesque alpine meadows, dense forests and imposing, rugged rock faces as well as peaks that rise steeply into the sky.

Moderate E-Bike Tour. Basic fitness required. Mostly paved paths. No special skills necessary. The starting point of the tour is accessible by public transportation.

Kastelruth, idyllically located at the foot of the Dolomites, captivates with its historic village center and the distinctive Kastelruth church tower. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. This place, steeped in history, is truly a gem of the region.

The bike tour takes you down into the Eisack Valley, where you’ll ride through a partly mountainous landscape while enjoying stunning views of forests and meadows. At your destination, Sterzing, you’ll discover a charming old town with splendid townhouses and Gothic churches that highlight the city’s medieval atmosphere. Sterzing is not only a historical treasure—it also offers numerous cultural attractions, such as the impressive Reifenstein Castle.

Kaltern - Bolzano - Colle - La Costa - Pineta - Bolzano - Kaltern
Level of difficulty medium

The Fontana Trail starts just below the Schartegg parking lot. The first section is a wooded trail and isn't technically demanding (S1), following the same route as the Wolf Trail. However, as from the Wolf Trail/Fountain Trail intersection the path becomes more challenging (S2). Closer to the valley the trail gradually increases in difficulty (S3). The trail has various points of access.

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.

Easy tour once around the valley floor between Prad am Stilfserjoch and the medieval city of Glurns.

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.

 

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.

The 3-country Enduro Trails combine a globally unique scenic experience with imposing views, cosy alpine pastures, beautiful lakes, history and culture - interwoven through mountain bike trails. Since mountain biking was discovered and promoted by locals more than 25 years ago, there is a lively mountain bike culture in the villages around the Reschen Pass and you can literally feel you are welcome as a mountain biker.
Moreover, even in midsummer, temperatures in the Reschen Pass are usually pleasant. In addition to jumping into the Reschen lake, further natural lakes in the forests around the Reschen Pass also provide cooling.

 

Trail descents of the finest quality from almost 2,500 metres above sea level make "runs" with more than 1,000 metres in decent at a time is possible! From flowing to technically demanding, but mostly natural, the trails offer everything an enduro heart desires. On a trail day in the border triangle, you will also pass by important landmarks, such as the 3-country border stone, Nauders mountain castle or the Reschen lake with its striking sunken church tower. Due to the vast size of the area, all types of mountain bikers are spread out inconspicuously throughout the terrain. By the end of the trail, all trails are guaranteed to lead you directly back to your starting point.

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.

A enjoyable racing bike side trip through the Lower Engadine and the "Oberes Gericht"

This cycling tour takes you along a marked cycle trail from San Candido (or from Villabassa/Niederdorf or Dobbiaco/Toblach) via Versciaco/Vierschach and Prato Drava/Winnebach along the Drava (Drau) river to Lienz and is suitable for all types of bikes.

Characteristics: The route goes from San Candido in Italy to Lienz in East Tirol. This part of the Drava cycle trail was the first to be developed and is currently the best maintained section. You can also start in Villabassa or Dobbiaco, which would make the tour longer accordingly. The section from Dobbiaco to Sillian is downhill. The cycle trail is almost always away from the road on the other side of the river and, because of its width and gradient, is also suitable for families with young children. Along the way there are several bus stops so that sections can be shortened if necessary. The route is well signposted and asphalted throughout. There are many opportunities for rest and refreshment along the way.

Starting points: Villabassa/Niederdorf (52,5 km), Dobbiaco/Toblach (47,8 km), San Candido/Innichen (44,8 km)

This tour is also suitable for e-bikes.

flyer & train information

The „Eisacktal Valley-Dolomites region Seiser Alm link trail“ connects the valley cycle path with the Seiser Alm/Val Gardena biking region and its villages Kastelruth, Seis am Schlern, Völs am Schlern, Tiers am Rosengarten and Seiser Alm.

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.

New in summer 2022 in the Bike Park Kronplatz is the "Dragon Trail": the trail, over 2 kilometers long, winds along the hillside from the summit to the middle station of the Olang 1+2 lift. The highlight is definitely crossing the Dragon's Head and the Dragon's Tail, where you have a beautiful panorama of the surrounding Dolomites at the same time.

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.