Cycling along the Alto Adige Wine Road

Our tour to Bolzano starts in Cortaccia. We first cycle through the orchards to Laag, where we then take the tarmac Adige cycle path to Bolzano. At Piazza Walther we can enjoy the sun and relax with a drink before cycling along the Überetscher cycle path (former railway line) to Eppan and Kaltern. On the way you can plan time to visit the Messner Mountain Museum in Frangart (departure in Frangart). From Kaltern we then cycle through the Lavason Valley to Lake Kaltern and Tramin. In Tramin, a narrow, panoramic road leads via Rungg to Kurtatsch.

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.

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.

This tour leads you through the Adige cycle path to the historic city of Trento.

The Mitterberg Round in Auer/Ora offers a unique cycling experience through the picturesque vineyards and orchards of South Tyrol. This 40 km route leads you along paved paths and is particularly suitable for touring bikes, city bikes, and mountain bikes. With only 200 m of elevation gain, the route is rated moderate and is ideal in spring, summer, and autumn.

This route crosses four villages of the Val d'Adige by orchards, vineyards, along the forest and also provides some viewpoints. The route is easy to ride, since no large height differences have to be overcome. There are several places of interest which invite you to linger. The route leads not only past designated bike paths, but also to non-busy routes. Very easy to ride with the bike.

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.

 

During this gravel tour you'll be speeding along the western fringes of the Etsch / Adige Valley. You'll be biking along paths and trails offering a variety of cycling experiences, via Altenburg and Graun all the way up to Lake Fennberg, through to Tramin / Termeno and then back to Lake Caldaro.

In the "South of South Tyrol," the Mendel Ridge rises majestically above the Etsch / Adige Valley. At first glance, it looks as though, between the various wine villages dotted across the valley and the mighty summits, there were only forest. But if you are adventurous at heart, you might want to explore this hidden landscape offering a variety of views and experiences. From the Altenburg Sports Center, forest paths wind their way along the slopes to the Gummererhof Alpine Inn and on into the little hamlet of Graun. From here, you can admire the fabulous view of some of the communities strung along the Wine Route like pearls on a necklace: Tramin / Termeno and Kurtatsch / Cortaccia. You can now remain up high on this balcony and continue rolling to Lake Fennberg. An idyllic scene that – when viewed from below – you wouldn't expect. The lake and the church over its shores is hidden on a small saddle, shielded from the prying eyes of the busy valley, which is why it radiates a special sense of peace and quiet. When taking the return trip, you'll first proceed down the same route, but will the soon leave this balcony and roll down into the Etsch Valley. From Tramin via Lake Caldaro, vineyards will again dominate the landscape. If you have the time, there are numerous eateries and inns along the way where you can stop for refreshments. But there's no reason to not forge on ahead until you get to the market square in Kaltern / Caldaro, where you can toast your success with a glass of delicious Lake Caldaro wine. Or you can interrupt your tour to go for an invigorating dip in the lake.

Variants: You can simply take this tour back and forth. If you choose this option, when getting to Graun on the return leg, you can also divert and proceed to Altenburg. From here, the road will then take you straight back to Kaltern.

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.

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.

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.

 

South Tyrol's first cycle path: from Bolzano to Salurn on the Wine Route

To the north of Bolzano/Bozen the Claudia Augusta route is divided into variation 1, which follows the valley basin along the Adige/Etsch River, and variation 2, leading through the wine villages and the Überetsch region.

 

The route is easy to ride, because there are no special height differences to be overcome. Attractions in Lana: the Schnatterpeckaltar in the parish church of Niederlana and the South Tyrol Museum of Fruit-Growing at Brandiser Waalweg No. 4 (near the golf course).

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.

 

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

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.

The route leads from Marlengo/Marling via Lana and Nalles/Nals to Andriano/Andrian. Change to the Etschtal Cycle Path, which leads to Bolzano/Bozen. One of the most ‘castle rich’ regions in all of Europe begins south of Merano/Meran. Worth mentioning are Hocheppan Castle in Missiano/Missian, Appiano/Eppan, Maultasch Castle (Burg Maultasch) near Terlano/Terlan and Sigmundskron Castle (Schloss Sigmundskron) near Firmiano/Firmian, Bolzano.

The route leads along the western edge of South Tyrol's capital city Bolzano (the best way to enter is to follow the Eisack river). The villages south of Bolzano have been historically strongly shaped by the navigable Etsch river. Of particular historical importance are the medieval village of Egna/Neumarkt with South Tyrol’s only proven Roman staging post, Endidae, and Salorno/Salurn, located on the language border at the Salurner Klause, the name of this narrow valley section.

The South Tyrolean portion of the Via Claudia Augusta, leading to Ostiglia near Verona or Quarto d’Altino near Venice, ends at Salorno.

Tip: interactive Via Claudia Augusta route planner available online at www.viaclaudia.org

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 route is easy to ride, there are no special height differences to be overcome. Three bike service areas invite you to have a rest: one stop at Vilpian shortly after the Etsch Bridge, a short drive further in Gargazon and one stop at Burgstall/Lana (via the "Old Railway Bridge").

Attractions in Lana:

• The Schnatterpeckaltar in the parish church of Niederlana
• Museum of Fruit-Growing at Brandiser Waalweg No. 4 (near the golf course).

This tour requires good physical condition.

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).

The mystical Haderburg Castle in Salorno is majestically enthroned on a ledge and offers a breathtaking view over the whole valley.

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 the car park at Piazza H. Schweiggl in Cortaccia, the route leads to Penone and then to Hofstatt and Corona. From here, you will reach the Giogo di Coredo, where there is a wonderful panoramic view near the Kuhlegerhütte hut (not run). From there, continue on to Malga Rodezza (open in summer). After a break, climb up to the Sella di Favogna saddle to enjoy the splendid view of the nearby Val di Non. From the Sella di Favogna, the trail climbs to Favogna and from there back to Penone and Cortaccia. A strenuous hike with panoramic views.

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!

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

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.

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.

 

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.