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    MTB tours and trails

    Pure adrenaline in front of an impressive mountain scenery: MTB tours in South Tyrol offer fun for every biker. On the trail, get going! Explore the valley sides in Vinschgau as a freerider, discover the Alpe di Siusi, Europe's largest high alpine pasture, on two wheels or feel the wind on a flowing descent from Kronplatz. South Tyrol's MTB tours guarantee riding fun and nature experience. 

    Results
    Cycling
    Miri-Track
    San Martin /San Martino, Dolomites Region Kronplatz/Plan de Corones

    Easy route on quiet side roads through woods, meadows and fields. The whole track is tarmacked and therefore also suitable for touring and racing bikes.

     

     

    Difficulty: easy
    420 altitude up
    5.1 Km distance
    Cycling
    Kaltern Bike MTB-Tour: Steintal large
    Kaltern an der Weinstraße/Caldaro sulla Strada del Vino, The South Tyrolean Wine Road

    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.

    Difficulty: medium
    389 altitude up
    18.0 Km distance
    Cycling
    Kaltern Bike MTB-Tour: Eppaner Höhenweg
    Kaltern an der Weinstraße/Caldaro sulla Strada del Vino, The South Tyrolean Wine Road

    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.

    Difficulty: easy
    805 altitude up
    28.2 Km distance
    Cycling
    298a Tour San Giacomo-Rifugio Firenze
    S.Crestina Gherdëina/Santa Cristina Val Gardana, Dolomites Region Val Gardena

    A great tour with a mix of history, nature park landscape and breathtaking views. This tour, which is the clockwise version of the Regensburger-Hütte tour, is particularly suitable for bikers who are not yet very familiar with mountainbiking. Of course, it is still not a walk in the park, because you should have some uphill and downhill riding skills. The St. Jakob’s Church is the first highlight of the tour: the small church, the oldest in Val Gardena, is located in the middle of the forest and only the church spire towers above the trees of the Rasciesa Forest. The legend of Count Jakob and the wonderful view of the Sassolungo group lend this place something magical. The rest of the tour runs through the Puez/Geisler Nature Park: pure nature, a beautiful Dolomite landscape and numerous places to stop and enjoy the delicious South Tyrolean food in traditional mountain huts. Most of the route is on gravel roads, although some steeper sections uphill and especially downhill should not be underestimated.

    All in all, a great ebike and mountain bike package to enjoy!

    Difficulty: easy
    779 altitude up
    23.4 Km distance
    Cycling
    eMTB -Tour Marchkinkele/Cornetto di Confine (042)
    Toblach/Dobbiaco, Dolomites Region 3 Zinnen

    The Marchkinkele/Cornetto di Confine is a summit north of the village Toblach/Dobbiaco, on the border between South Tyrol (Italy) and East Tyrol (Austria).This MTB tour is one of the most demanding in the region.The efforts are quickly forgotten on the summit, as a 360 ° view offers an unforgettable panorama. In the south are the Dolomites with the Three Peaks and in the north the glaciers of Austria. Just below the summit is the Marchhütte hut, which invites you to make a break.

    Charging stations:
    Toblach/Dobbiaco center
    Hotel Union
    Dairy Three Peaks

    Charging possibility:
    Silvesteralm/Malga San Silvestro hut

    Difficulty: difficult
    1561 altitude up
    48.0 Km distance
    Cycling
    Kaltern Bike MTB-Tour: "Malga Romeno"
    Kaltern an der Weinstraße/Caldaro sulla Strada del Vino, The South Tyrolean Wine Road

    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.

     

    Difficulty: difficult
    2051 altitude up
    59.3 Km distance
    Mountain bike
    Altavia di Appiano & Forcolana
    Eppan an der Weinstaße/Appiano sulla Strada del Vino, The South Tyrolean Wine Road
    Intensive Mountainbike-Tour auf dem Eppaner Höhenweg. Erfahrene Biker kommen dank fantastischer Aussicht, aber auch spannender Trails voll auf ihre Kosten.
    Difficulty: easy
    736 altitude up
    15.7 Km distance
    Mountain bike
    S.Pietro - Pontives
    Lajen/Laion
    Start is in San Pietro at the church. Follow the road to the next fork, turn left and at the next intersection keep right in the direction of Rabanser Hof. From here turn right and follow the forest road until you reach the "Plankl Höfe". From there on the asphalted road in the direction of the Pontives craft zone.
    Difficulty: easy
    95 altitude up
    3.8 Km distance
    Cycling
    297 Mont de Seura Tour
    S.Crestina Gherdëina/Santa Cristina Val Gardana, Dolomites Region Val Gardena
    This tour scores with a leisurely ascent in an enchanted-looking forest and the breathtaking view of the Dolomite landscape at the top of Mont Sëura.
    Difficulty: easy
    873 altitude up
    25.5 Km distance
    Mountain bike
    Trodena-Anterivo-Trodena
    Truden/Trodena, Bolzano/Bozen and environs

    The classic itinerary of the region starts in Trodena. It leads downhill to the old sawmill and goes along a forest road with a pleasant incline through the "Kaltwassertal" up to the col Passo Cisa (1448m). We keep walking on this altitude and follow the way towards the Malghette, the highest point of the tour. In an easy descent, we reach Anterivo and San Lugano. We follow the old railroad track to Fontanefredde. The last gradient brings us back to Trodena.

    Advice: This tour can also be started from the town hall square in Anterivo

    Possible restaurant stops: Le Malghette - Krabes Alm, Hotel Restaurant Schönwies andHotel Restaurant Trudnerhof at Truden

     

    Difficulty: easy
    759 altitude up
    23.6 Km distance
    Cycling
    Connecting path no.5 to Stallwies
    Martell/Martello, Vinschgau/Val Venosta

    The picturesque snowfields of Selva and a stop at the Stallwies inn guarantee a mystical ambience with alpine background.

    Difficulty: medium
    1922 altitude up
    2.0 Km distance
    Cycling
    Aschbach Tour
    Partschins/Parcines, Meran/Merano and environs

    Route length in km: 22,6
    Vertical climb:
    ascent 922m – descent 897m
    Surface:
    asphalt,forest path, 1 short Single-Trail-section (Mohlboch-Trail)
    Required technical skills:
    S0/S1 – easy

    Difficulty: easy
    1041 altitude up
    22.0 Km distance
    Cycling
    MTB La Pli-Track
    Al Plan/San Vigilio, Dolomites Region Kronplatz/Plan de Corones

     

    Family-friendly route to Pieve di Marebbe with the pilgrimage church that is visible from afar and popular with visitors. The route is fully tarmacked and therefore also easily managed with ordinary touring cycles.

     

     

    Difficulty: easy
    137 altitude up
    4.4 Km distance
    Cycling
    Bike-Highline-Meran/o starting point Partschins/Parcines
    Algund/Lagundo, Meran/Merano and environs

    One reaches the Bike Highline Meran/o through various Uphills, or by utilizing either the Aschbach cableway or the shuttle service. From the Bike Highline Meran there are various single and also forest trails returning back down into the valley.
    The stretch between the Tablanderalm and Mauslochalm mountain pastures is technically challenging. All other routes are generally accessible & do not present complications.

    Difficulty: easy
    1098 altitude up
    44.7 Km distance
    Cycling
    Kaltern Bike MTB-Tour: "Monte" Roen
    Kaltern an der Weinstraße/Caldaro sulla Strada del Vino, The South Tyrolean Wine Road

    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.

    Difficulty: difficult
    1964 altitude up
    51.2 Km distance
    Mountain bike
    Trodena-Connection Cycle Route Adige
    Neumarkt/Egna, Bolzano/Bozen and environs

    Starting in the centre of Trodena on an asphalted street we drive down to Fontanefredde (1005m). Then we drive past the farm "Pausa" until we reach Montagna (672m). The track leads past Castelfeder (377m), between Ora and Egna we reach the connection to the Adige Cycle Route.

     

     

    Difficulty: easy
    56 altitude up
    20.3 Km distance
    Mountain bike
    Trodena-Lago di Stramentizzo-Trodena
    Truden/Trodena, Bolzano/Bozen and environs

    Starting in the centre of Trodena we follow the main road until we reach Fontanefredde and San Lugano, passing the old railroad. After a nice climb-down we arrive at Molina. With a panoramic view over the lake "Lago di Stramentizzo" we go uphill until Guggal, Anterivo and to the Passo Cisa (1448m). The tour continues with an uphill to the highest Point, the Malga Monte Corno. Then we follow the European long distance path E5 until we reach Trodena.

    Possible restaurant stops: Malga Monte Corno, Hotel Restaurant Schönwies and Hotel Retaurant Trudnerhof at Trodena

     

    Difficulty: easy
    1155 altitude up
    31.5 Km distance
    Mountain bike
    Ötzi Flow Trail
    Naturns/Naturno, Meran/Merano and environs

    The Ötzi Flow Trail is the final stretch of the Ötzi Trail. While the Ötzi Trail is a constantly steep descent (S2-S3) from the Bike Highline Meran/o, down in the valley the Ötzi Flow Trail makes the crowning conclusion to the route. It unwinds through 1,000 m of wide hairpin bends and flowing S-1 stretches down to the Waldschenke restaurant. The Ötzi Flow Trail can also be tackled as a short trail in its own right, starting from the forest road above the Waldschenke.

    Difficulty: easy
    753 altitude up
    12.7 Km distance
    Cycling
    424 Schlern-Rosengarten Ronda counterclockwise
    Welschnofen/Nova Levante, Dolomites Region Eggental

    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.

    Difficulty: easy
    2517 altitude up
    88.3 Km distance
    Cycling
    Kaltern Bike MTB-Tour: Trodena
    Kaltern an der Weinstraße/Caldaro sulla Strada del Vino, The South Tyrolean Wine Road

    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.

    Difficulty: easy
    1904 altitude up
    74.8 Km distance
    Cycling
    299 Rifugio Firenze Tour Alternative
    S.Crestina Gherdëina/Santa Cristina Val Gardana, Dolomites Region Val Gardena

    This variant leads to one of the most famous photo spots since the advent of social media. The ascent is only for really fit bikers and even with an ebike, the slope is only suitable for trained legs. But at the summit you are rewarded with a wonderful view of the Odle peaks, the Sella massif and the Sassolungo. But beware: if you cycle up the steep gravel roads, you also have to cycle down on them, and that requires a lot of strength, both uphill and downhill.                                                          

    Difficulty: easy
    399 altitude up
    2.9 Km distance
    Mountain bike
    Laion - Restaurant Stern
    Lajen/Laion
    Start in Laion - Restaurant zur Sonne down to the right and at the crossroads keep left along the road. Pass the Tantscherhof on the left and follow the trail to the intersection of the main road Chiusa- Pontives. After crossing the main road, continue along the forest road in the direction of Restaurant Stern.
    Difficulty: easy
    17 altitude up
    3.8 Km distance
    Cycling
    297a Mont Sëura Tour Variante (alternate route)
    S.Crestina Gherdëina/Santa Cristina Val Gardana, Dolomites Region Val Gardena

    The ascent to the Comici Hut is sweaty, but the biker is spared the remaining metres in altitude thanks to the Gran Paradiso chairlift. The absolute highlight of the variant are the flow trails: from the highest point of the City of Stones, which is reached thanks to the chairlift, the Paravis Trail, which lives up to its name, leads to the mountain station of the Piz Seteur cable car. From there, you can choose between the flowy Family Trail or the adrenaline-pumping Easy Jump Line. From Plan de Gralba, a last trail leads to the left side of the stream to Selva Gardena and via the valley cycle path you finally reach the starting point in S. Cristina.

    Difficulty: easy
    199 altitude up
    9.3 Km distance
    Mountain bike
    Fontana Trail
    Kastelbell-Tschars/Castelbello-Ciardes, Vinschgau/Val Venosta
    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.
    Difficulty: easy
    0 altitude up
    5.0 Km distance
    Cycling
    Kaltern Bike MTB-Tour: "Penegal"
    Kaltern an der Weinstraße/Caldaro sulla Strada del Vino, The South Tyrolean Wine Road

    On the western side of the Etsch / Adige Valley, the glaciers from the last Ice Age left an almost vertical cliff up to 600 meters in height demarcated in the north by the Gantkofel / Monte Macaion and in the south by the Monte Roen. In the middle, there's the Penegal, with its transmission station visible from afar. The only suitable trail for cyclists from Kaltern / Caldaro to this summit takes about an hour, and is via the Mendel Pass Road. This route displays an average grade of only six to eight percent, thus allowing cyclists to adopt a nice, regular rhythm. However, if you want, you have the choice of instead taking the convenient Mendel / Mendola funicular. Once you've gotten to the pass, you'll still have to overcome the narrow, low-traffic road up to the summit – that'll take about half an hour. But then you're in for a handsome reward: A terrific panorama of Lake Caldaro and the entire "South of South Tyrol!" Now comes the challenging descent to Bait del Prinz. Some stretches of Trail No. 500 are bumpy, rocky, with roots growing across it; the trail leads mostly downhill, but there are also several short, exciting ascents. Once you've reached the Prinz Hut, you'll turn into a gravel trail veering downhill to the left and taking you to the Regole di Malosco – an alpine hut with a bill of fare boasting a variety of delicious Trentino specialties. Then proceed uphill for a bit along the gravel trail and then downhill to the Hotel Paradiso. From there, you should then take the road uphill to the Mendel Pass. After a short descent to the road, you'll turn into the New Mendel Ascent which has been especially established for cyclists. This trail is a relatively broad gravel forest path suitable for cyclists of all levels. It includes a couple of winding segments that will take you to the Boos Forest Road. At the bottom of the Forest Road, 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 and the Kardatsch Hiking Trail, all the way down to Lake Caldaro. From here, you will still have to manage another 180 meters of altitude differential back to the starting-point, but this descent is still quite rewarding. The trails down to the lake have a perfect "flow" and are not difficult to manage. All in all, the tour to the summit of the mighty Penegal represents a real highlight for cyclists with a good level of fitness, and boasts a heavenly panorama. The comfortable flow trail does not require a high technical level.

     

    Variants: The tour can be combined with the Malga Romeno tour.

    Mustn't be missed: The transmission station on the Penegal, the "Regole di Malosco" alpine hut, the fabulous panorama of Kaltern and Lake Caldaro, the "Unterland" district of South Tyrol, the Dolomites, and the mountains of the Non Valley.

     

    Difficulty: difficult
    1906 altitude up
    55.6 Km distance
    Cycling
    Kaltern Bike MTB-Tour: "Kanzel"
    Kaltern an der Weinstraße/Caldaro sulla Strada del Vino, The South Tyrolean Wine Road

    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.

     

    Difficulty: medium
    1371 altitude up
    62.8 Km distance
    Cycling
    Kaltern Bike MTB-Tour: Girlan
    Kaltern an der Weinstraße/Caldaro sulla Strada del Vino, The South Tyrolean Wine Road

    The tour to Girlan / Cornaiano is a relatively short and easy mountainbike tour for novices and bikers with less stamina. Yet it still has a lot to offer. Girlan is a little wine village belonging to the neighboring community of Eppan / Appiano, and is situated on the northern part of the Mitterberg / Monte di Mezzo. There are several lookout spots along this trail where you'll enjoy a beautiful view over the provincial capital of Bozen / Bolzano and the Etsch / Adige Valley. The bike tour to Girlan is characterized by the visual splendor of the "Unterland" district of South Tyrol, with its handsome vineyards and orchards. From Kaltern / Caldaro, you'll first roll along the asphalt bicycle path towards Eppan. This bicycle path takes you along the now-defunct railway line that used to connect Bozen with Kaltern. This fact guarantees you that the grade will remain gentle throughout (because the old locomotives weren't able to overcome grades of more than 6%). Today, the only vestige of that wonderful bygone era is the vintage steam engine standing on the tracks at the exit of Kaltern. Especially on weekends, when the weather is nice, you will encounter lots of foot traffic along the bike trail, including other cyclists, families, children, and dogs – so we recommend that you remain alert at all times. After about five kilometers, you'll reach Eppan. From here, you'll take the narrow asphalt trail at the right, and proceed uphill towards Girlan. Afterwards, you'll continue along technically easy and shady gravel trails and forest paths over the Mitterberg / Monte di Mezzo, past the crossroad at Purzelmoos and the Montiggl Lakes. In summer months, you might want to stop and take a refreshing dip before proceeding downhill via the village of Montiggl and the Montiggl Plateau towards Kaltern.

    Variants: You can follow the bicycle path straight towards Bozen and follow the "Mitterberg" tour in the opposite direction.

    Mustn't be missed: The bicycle path along the former Fleims / Fiemme Valley railroad line from Kaltern to Sigmundskron / Firmiano, the Montiggl Forest, as well as the Montiggl Lakes.

     

    Difficulty: easy
    264 altitude up
    16.4 Km distance
    Cycling
    Kaltern Bike MTB-Tour: "Jochgrimm"
    Kaltern an der Weinstraße/Caldaro sulla Strada del Vino, The South Tyrolean Wine Road

    This tour combines an easy but long ascent along the former railroad line with a stunning view of the Dolomites – including the Latemar and the Rose Garden – and with a wonderful, relatively gentle and fluid downhill trip that speed demons will love. There are practically no difficulties requiring a high level of technical skill, and there are certainly no segments where you'll have to dismount and push your bike. So if you have a high level of physical fitness and if you start out early, you will certainly complete this 90-km marathon – especially since you can breeze along almost 40 km in both directions on dedicated bicycle trails. From the starting-point at the parking lot in the Kellereistrasse, you first proceed along the bicycle trail to Auer / Ora and on to Neumarkt / Egna. After a short and relatively steep ascent through vineyards, you come to the village of Montan / Montagna. The trail then follows the incline along the former Fleims / Fiemme Valley railroad line. You'll climb approx. 800 meters of altitude differential with a grade of no more than 6%. Shortly after you reach Kaltenbrunn / Fontanefredde, you'll turn off to the left via a couple of wooden staircases and then continue along the narrow, low-traffic road to Radein / Redagno and from there along a wide, gently inclined gravel road up to the Jochgrimm. Once you've reached the Jochgrimm Inn (at an elevation of 2,000 meters above sea-level), you'll be rewarded with a fantastic view of the Dolomites: The mighty chain of peaks extending from the Latemar and Rose Garden with the Vajolett Towers is a visual feast – an unforgettable view. There is a beautiful, somewhat wider trail about 10 km in length, always slightly downhill, over alpine meadows and all the way to the Weissenstein Monastery along these imposing mountain cliffs. This ascent is highly enjoyable. You can enjoy this fluid downhill trip, and there are practically no difficulties requiring a high level of technical skill. From the Weissenstein Monastery – a well-known place of pilgrimage – a gravel road first leads you down a steep downhill grade. Just before Deutschnofen / Nova Ponente, you'll have to then accomplish a short opposing climb before descending into the marvelous Branten Valley. You will then proceed at first down a steep gravel trail and in part over streamlets paved with jagged stone (Attention: plenty of flat stones) into a narrow gorge with in part vertical cliff walls. The trail will take you down to Leifers / Laives in the Etsch / Adige Valley. This is a unique experience – not only because of the giant cliff walls, but also because it is pleasantly cool in this valley even on hot summer days. Once you've arrived in Leifers, you have two alternatives to get back to Kaltern: You can either take the bike trail to the south around the Mitterberg / Monte di Mezzo and then past Lake Caldaro, or proceed to the north towards Bozen / Bolzano and then along the bike path towards Meran / Merano and Kaltern. You should base your decision on the wind direction: In the afternoon (especially when the weather is fine), it will be blowing relatively strong from the south. The route towards Bozen is a little bit longer, but quicker when you have a southerly wind to your back. Especially ambitious bikers are free to take the "Coyote Pass," allowing you to accumulate another 150 meters of steep uphill meters of altitude differential.

    Variants: Via Truden / Trodena, you can reach the "Cisloner Alm", "Kanzel," and "Trudner Horn" routes.

    Mustn't be missed: The former Fleims / Fiemme Valley railroad line, the Maria Weissenstein place of pilgrimage, the village of Deutschnofen / Nova Ponente, a beautiful panoramic view of the Weisshorn and Schwarzhorn, the Latemar, the Rose Garden, and the Schlern / Sciliar.

    Difficulty: medium
    3808 altitude up
    91.4 Km distance
    Cycling
    298 Rifugio Firenze Tour
    S.Crestina Gherdëina/Santa Cristina Val Gardana, Dolomites Region Val Gardena

    There are rarely so many facets to a tour: the Via Crucis from the Vallunga to Daunëi, the gravel path to the Juac Hut with its wonderful panorama, the gravel road that leads to the Regensburger Hut accompanied by the imposing rock faces of the surrounding Dolomites, the wonderful view from Col Raiser and Seceda. The descent on gravel roads from Seceda towards S. Cristina should not be underestimated on this tour, as they demand a lot of driving skills and strength.

    Difficulty: easy
    780 altitude up
    24.4 Km distance
    Mountain bike
    Tour to Alp Schlinig
    Mals/Malles, Vinschgau/Val Venosta

    Do not fall in love with the high valley of Schlinig - former stopping place of smugglers on the way to Switzerland.

    Difficulty: easy
    867 altitude up
    23.2 Km distance
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