Bike tours

Da Bolzano è possibile raggiungere Merano grazie alla pista ciclabile che passa attraverso i meleti e segue il percorso del Fiume Adige. Il tour passa vicino a Castel Firmiano, Terlano e Gargazzone. Superato Postal si arriva a Sinigo e subito dopo a Merano.

You can reach Merano by bike thanks to the wonderful cycle path that runs thourgh the apple plantages and along the river Adige/Etsch. The tour also pass by Castle Firmiano/Sigmundskron, Terlano and Gargazzone. After Postal/Burgstall you will reach sinigo/Sinich and then Merano.

If you rent your bike at the “Südtirol Rad” rental point in Bolzano, you may give it back at that company’s rental point in Merano so you can return by train to Bolzano. For the latter option, you may want to purchase the Bikemobil Card, which combines two different offers: unlimited travelling on all of South Tyrol’s means of public transport and a day trip on a borrowed bicycle.
 
If you ride your own bicycle you can bring it with you on the train. The daily ticket for the bike costs € 7.

Begin in Andreas Hofer Strasse near Lana tourism association and ride to Tribusplatz square. Here turn right into Treibgasse and then left at the crossroads into Zollstrasse. Follow the signs for Bolzano (left). Cross the MEBO highway and the river Etsch and ride along the Bolzano-Merano cycle path towards Bolzano.

At the end of the cycle path in Terlano ride left over the rail crossing and then continue right into the center of Terlano. Go straight ahead at the roundabout and turn left near the Haus des Apfels building after Meltina. Follow this twisting road to the parishes of Verschneid and Versein before reaching Meltina.

There, after a steep sloping section turn left into Schlaneider Strasse as far as the crossroads to Paradeis. Turn left here and continue into Aschler Bachstrasse road, which opens out into Vöraner Strasse. Follow this road to Avelengo. Before entering the first tunnel ensure that you put on your reflective vest/strips! The descent towards Merano begins here. The route negotiates several reversements to Maia Alta; at the roundabout continue to Sinigo passing the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle. In Sinigo take the cycle path to Bolzano; leave the path in Postal on the bridge and ride back to the starting point.

Note: you will pass through a number of tunnels. Ensure that you have lighting for your bicycle.

From the village center in Schlanders on the cycle path to Holzbrugg, through fruit gardens following the river to the lake Goldrain.

This leg San Candido|Innichen - Lienz is simultaneously the third leg of the Pustertal|Val Pusteria Bike Route and the first leg of the Drava-Drau Bicycle Route which leads from Dobbiaco|Toblach (the source of the Drava) to Maribor in Slovenia. As the name suggests, the wide, secured bike path runs along the Drava River and is paved with a slight descent for nearly the entire route.  For this reason, this leg is especially popular with families with children and bicyclists who may not be in peak condition. The railway route which runs parallel to the bike route makes it possible to plan a trip very individually. And because the bike path receives sufficient use, the infrastructure of services and care is well developed along the route, leaving no wish unfulfilled for bicyclists.

The bike path passes many small villages in East Tyrol, the largest of which is Sillian. That is the location of the beloved Wichtelpark. Lienz, the City of the Dolomites, as it calls itself, has a great deal to offer and can look back on a long history. The settlement, which had been founded back by the Illyrians, was continued by the Romans and developed into the Roman city of Aguntum. 

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

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).

From the village center in Laas on the cycle path westwards through the orchards to Oris, through the Tschengls biotope further to Prad and over the "Prader Sand" to the fishing ponds.

From the MediterraneanfFlair of Salorno to the pictorial arbours of Egna and the bucolic alleys of Ora and the historical center of Bolzano.

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.

Begin in Andreas Hofer Strasse near Lana Tourist Information Office and ride to Tribusplatz square. There turn left into St. Agathaweg path and follow the road. At the end of St. Agathaweg turn right and cross the bridge over the MEBO expressway. Ride to the right to the Etschtal Valley cycle path and then right again towards Merano. At the dairy in Merano turn left into Schotterwerkstrasse and at the end turn left again into Katzensteinstrasse.

At the crossroads turn left into Dante Alighieri Strasse and follow this until Brunnenplatz square in Obermais/Maia Alta. There cross the square and ride straight on into Virgilstrasse. Then turn left onto St. Georgenstrasse and at the end turn right. After approx. 100 m you will reach the Passeiertal Valley cycle path on your right-hand side. Follow this for 18 km.

At the end of the cycle path follow the signposts for Merano center and ride along Sommerpromenade to Sissi Park. Here cross the road and pedal alongside the river Passer to Merano Thermal Baths. There turn right into Giosuè Carducci Strasse and over the bridge to Theater Platz square. Turn left into Carducci Strasse and follow this to the crossroads. Again turn left and follow the signs to the Bolzano cycle path. The return journey is via the same route from the Lana-Postal exit.

Sights along the route: the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, Passeier Museum, Sissi Park in Merano, Merano Thermal Baths

A bike ride past the main sights of the town and its surroundings

The beginning of our Bolzano bike-tour is the Talvera/Talfer bridge. We follow the cycle-lane along the left-hand bank of the river, going northwards, passing idyllic Castle Mareccio/Maretsch, nestling in the vineyards, up to Sant'Antonio/St. Anton, where the valley begins to narrow, and on to the fairy-tale Castle Roncolo/Runkelstein with its amazing frescoes. After visiting the castle (leave your bike in the bike-park below, before walking up the short but steep path to the castle), you make your way back to the Talfer bridge. At the Piazza Vittoria/Siegesplatz you could visit the new museum-display entitled "BZ 18-45" in the crypt of the Victory Monument. Then we cycle down the Corso Libertá/Freiheitsstrasse to the square of Gries, formerly a village-municipality in its own right and an internationally-renowned spa. The square is dominated by the massive baroque parish church and Benedictine monastery. Nearby is the old parish church of Gries with its romantic cemetery outside and a gem of Gothic wood-carving inside, the beautiful altar by Michael Pacher. From Gries we take the Vittorio Veneto street westwards. For the first 100 metres you will really need to pay attention to the traffic until you hit the cycle lane again. You then pass farms and vineyards before you come to the hospital.  Here the cycle lane forks and you head for the Via Druso/Drususstraße. At the big roundabout follow the signs for Appiano/Eppan as far as the bridge, then take the cycle lane to Castle Firmiano/Sigmundskron and the Messner Mountain Museum. The way back follows the bank of the Isarco/Eisack river, passing below several bridges. After the swimming pool complex we turn left just before the yellow iron bridge, now following the Talvera river until we come opposite the futuristic glass cube of the Museion modern art gallery. We are now back in the town centre, but we have to watch out: the Via Museo/Museumstraße, the Piazza Erbe/Obstplatz and the Piazza Walther Platz are pedestrianized and closed to cyclists, so that means pushing the bike. If you still have got some energy left, you could visit the Ötzi Museum, the Civic museum or the Natural History Museum.

The Brunico|Bruneck to Fortezza|Franzensfeste leg is rich in cultural and historical treasures that make the route unique. The settlements, fortresses, and historical monuments from Roman times through the Middle Ages line the bike path along the Rienza|Rienz, offering interesting insights into the history of the valley.

This leg of the Pustertal|Val Pusteria bike route is also hilly, as it forms the connecting point between the Central Val Pusteria and the Isarco|Eisack Valley. From Brunico, it continues in the direction of S. Lorenzo|St. Lorenzen to the former Roman road station, Mansio Sebatum. Excavations and a museum offer the opportunity to learn more about the Romans in the Pustertal. The petting zoo at Wildberg Manor is a pleasant change of pace for both young and old and not to forget the Castel Sonnenburg. Things continue on quietly through landscapes of forests and meadows toward Casteldarne|Ehrenburg (Castel Ehrenburg) and Chienes|Kiens. Those who enjoy cheese will be in for a treat at the Gatscher farmhouse cheese dairy. The trip then proceeds to S. Sigismondo|St. Sigmund and Vandoies|Vintl. At Lodenwelt, which is located there, the adventure museum devoted to the subject of loden felt can be visited, as can an animal reserve and the fine Capriz cheese dairy. Those who enjoy the finer things in life certainly won’t come up short along this route! After passing Vandoies, the bicycle trail passes by the Rio Molino|Mühlbach Gap, a former valley and road block from the twelfth century, continuing on to Rio Molino. At this point, it is possible to return by train. But for all those who have some energy and motivation left, continuing on to visit the fortress in Fortezza is certainly worthwhile.

Possible variations along the route:

• Val Badia Bike Route from Brunico to San Vigilio or to San Martin – 23 or 24 km (14.5 or 15 miles)
  Getting to know the Ladin culture and language.
• Valli di Tures and Aurina|Tauferer Ahrntal Bike Route from Brunico via Campo Tures|Sand in Taufers to S. Giacomo|St. Jakob – 36 km (22 miles)
  On two wheels through the realm of more than seventy three thousand meter (ten thousand foot) peaks.
• Bike Route Brennero-Bolzano from Fortezza|Franzensfeste toward Brennero|Brenner (45 km/28 miles) or in the direction of Bolzano|Bozen (43 km/27 miles).

Begin in Andreas Hofer Strasse near Lana tourism association and ride to Tribusplatz square. Here turn right into Treibgasse and left at the crossroads into Zollstrasse. Follow the signs for Bolzano (left). Cross the MEBO highway and the river Etsch and ride along the Bolzano-Merano cycle path towards Bolzano.

In Gargazon turn left and access the natural swimming pool via an underpass. Return to the starting point via the same route. Gargazzone natural swimming pool offers a natural water landscape and uses absolutely no chemical additives for cleaning the water. The secret of the natural, clean water is in its plant life.

Opening times natural bath Gargazon: middle of May to early September, daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Evening opening: Tuesdays and Fridays until 8 p.m. (middle of June to mid-August)

Sights along the route: Lana-Postal electric locomotive

The circular bike tour leads through some of the most famous and beautiful historical wine villages along the South Tyrolean Wine Road, Cornaiano/Girlan, Appiano/Eppan, and Caldaro/Kaltern, well-known for their Pinot Blanc wine.

From Bolzano follow the bike trail that leads to Cornaiano, a historical wine village featuring underground cellars that take up more space than the village itself. The next stage is San Michele/St. Michael, the actual centre of the Appiano castle region. A visit to the wineries in this outstanding wine region is really worthwhile. The wine route now leads back to Caldaro by the lake, famous not only for the wine named after the Kalterer See, but also because it is one of the most well-known wine villages in the province. The route then leads to the village Ora/Auer and from here returns to Bolzano following the Adige/Etsch river.

This easy family tour begins at the market place in Klausen (parking area nearby) near the north entrance to the town. The cycle path runs directly from here. Head north, mostly along the Eisack, right into Brixen town centre. When you get to the Adlerbrückengasse in Brixen, turn left towards the town centre and on the Domplatz square. Brixen has a wealth of art and architecture, and a good walk through the town is a must. One absolute must-see is the Diocesan museum in the Hofburg castle, which houses countless artistic treasures. For the homeward route, take the same cycle path back to Klausen

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

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

This variation of the bike path continues from Brunico in the direction of S. Lorenzo|St. Lorenzen to the former Roman road station, Mansio Sebatum. Excavations and a museum offer the opportunity to learn more about the Romans in the Pustertal. The route goes from San Lorenzo to San Vigilio or to San Martin – 23 or 24 km (14.5 or 15 miles).

Visit the Bassa Atesina and go in for a beautiful bike tour alomg the Südtiroler Weinstraße/Strada del Vino. The pictorial arbours of Egna, the contemplative Village Cortaccia and the romantic historical center of Termeno are waiting for you!

This tour leads you to the breathtaking GardaLake with its Mediterranean flair and pictorial villages.

This variation of the Pustertal|Val Pusteria bike route starts in Valdaora di Sotto|Niederolang end ends in Valdaora di Sopra|Oberolang.

Begin at Lana Tourist Information Office in Andreas Hofer Strasse and ride to Tribusplatz square. There turn left into St. Agathaweg path and follow the road. At the end of St. Agathaweg turn right and cross the bridge over the MEBO highway. Ride to the right to the Etschtal Valley cycle path and then right again towards Merano. In Sinigo turn left (signposts to the Vinschgau Valley) and follow the white/green signage.

After passing the racecourse in Merano turn right. Continue to follow the signs for Vinschgau (Note: within Merano, the signage is green). Ride along the right-hand bank of the Etsch to Lagundo. The climb to Tel begins on Schwimmbadweg path. At the start and end of the climb there are places to stop for a rest and a drink of water. Continue to ride to Tel and cross the main road there. Then turn right and follow the cycle path as far as Naturno. Here cross the river, ride approx. 3 km to Stava and cross back over the river. At the junction for the cycle path to Passo Resia pass turn right and follow the trail until you have crossed over the river.

Then turn left into the cycle path and ride to Coldrano past Lake Goldrain. At the end of the cycle path turn left to Martello. Follow the main road until you eventually reach the Church of Maria in der Schmelz. The ride can be extended with a detour to the Zufrittsee reservoir, which is approx. 8 km away (1,850 m - ramp with 20% incline).

Sights along the route: dam on the Tel, Prokulus Church in Naturno, Culturamartell Stilfserjoch National Park.

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.

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

The Adige cycling path along the Via Claudia Augusta is a cultural experience through gardens and architecture. The cycling path leads you through the beautiful landscapes of the Etschtal Valley from the Vinschgau Valley to Merano/Meran and to the south to Bolzano/Bozen and Caldaro/Kaltern. Here is the description of the tour from Stava/Staben near Naturno/Naturns to Nalles/Nals, which leads you to Merano and further south. Without any big efforts you can explore the wide valley. The tour is ideal for families and bikers who want to take it slow.

https://maps.merano-suedtirol.it/en/etschradroute

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.

Begin at the Lana Tourist Information Office in Andreas Hofer Strasse and ride to Tribusplatz square. There turn left to Falschauer bridge. Follow the signposts to Merano (right) and cross the bridge over the MEBO expressway. Drive on the transregional cycle path towards Merano. In Sinigo follow the signposts for the Vinschgau Valley. After passing the racecourse in Merano turn right. Continue to follow the signs for Vinschgau. (Note: within Merano, the signage is green).

Ride along the right hand bank of the river Etsch to Lagundo. The climb to Tel begins at the swimming baths. At the start and end of the climb there are places to stop for a rest and a drink of water. At the end of the climb you will also be rewarded by a wonderful view. Continue to ride to Tel and cross the main road there, turn right and follow the cycle path to Naturno past the public playground.

Here cross the river and ride along the left bank after approx. 2 km to the Erlebnisbahnhof (adventure railway station) which is reached via the underpass. (Note: the adventure station is only open on Sundays from 2-6 pm from May to the end of October). The return journey is along the same route as far as Sinigo; from there continue towards Bolzano. Just after the exit for Lana, there is a restored locomotive to the right of the rest point that is well worth seeing. Your ride can be concluded with a visit to Lana open air pool.

Sights along the route: dam on the Tel, Prokulus Church in Naturno, Rablà railway museum.

Begin in Andreas Hofer Street near Lana tourism association and ride to Tribusplatz square. There turn right into Treibgasse and then left at the crossroads into Zollstrasse. Follow the signposts to Bolzano (left). Cross the MEBO highway and the river Etsch and ride along the Bolzano-Merano cycle path towards Bolzano.

In Ponte d’Adige follow the signposts to Appiano. Passing Sigmundskron Castle, turn right onto the Bolzano-Appiano cycle path. In San Michele/Appiano follow the signposts to Caldaro. At the end of the cycle path in Caldaro (near the winery) ride along the main road to the junction of Klughammer/Ora cycle path. The route takes you through vineyards to Lake Kalterersee.

At the end of an alley turn right and ride along the Kalterer Moos road to the roundabout. Take the third exit. Cross the highway and the river Etsch and ride along the Bolzano-Trento cycle path for approx. 16 km to Bolzano. There, at the turnoff for Überetsch/Oltradige take the Bolzano-Merano cycle path and return to the starting point on this path.

Sights along the route: Lana-Postal electric locomotive, Caldaro Wine Museum, MMM Firmian in Sigmundskron, Lake Kalterersee habitat.

We ride on the Etsch cycle path from Terlan in the direction of Bozen to the Sigmundskron train station. Here we take the main road, cross the Etsch bridge on the right and then drive towards Girlan. After a short ascent, we come back to the bike path, which leads in a moderate incline and with a wonderful view of the Adige Valley to the village of St. Michael / Eppan. Here we always stay on the bike path and continue to the village of Kaltern, where we come to the “New Cellar”. There we have to cycle back a short distance and then come right downhill through the orchards into the Lavason valley. We ride downwards and enjoy the wonderful view of Lake Kaltern. At the crossroad to Kaltern we stay left towards Klughammer. Here the lake is on our right. We continue to Gmund and keep left, past some houses, pass under the motorway, onto a bridge and immediately turn left onto the cycle path towards Bozen. Along the Etsch river it goes to Bozen Süd, where you turn left towards Sigmundskron and Terlan.

On the San Candido|Innichen to Brunico|Bruneck leg, the green color of the meadows, fields, and forests dominates the view. Along the railway route, sometimes through inhabited areas and sometimes through an undisturbed natural landscape, the bike path runs with a constant up and down from village to village as far as Brunico, the economic center of the Pustertal|Val Pusteria. 

After the start in San Candido, the absolute first destination that is reached is the village of Dobbiaco|Toblach, the highest point of the entire leg. Following the Rienza-Rienz down the valley, the cyclist will then continue on to Villabassa|Niederdorf and Monguelfo|Welsberg. Anyone who would like to enjoy a game of golf can do so here in the newly built miniature golf course. For all culture lovers, a visit to Welsperg Castle is recommended. From Monguelfo, it is not far to Valdaora|Olang. Riders will pass by all three parts of the village, namely Valdaora di Sopra|Oberolang, Valdaora di Mezzo|Mitterolang, and Valdaora di Sotto|Niederolang, and the only problem will be too many choices as to whether there should be a detour to the Kinderwelt (“Kid’s World”) of Valdaora, a visit to the Kron Arc Adventure Park, or a trip to the restored Venetian “Lipper Säge” (Lippa Sawmill).  From Valdaora, the bike path continues downriver through undisturbed nature until the small medieval city of Brunico is reached. Towering high above the roofs of the city is Brunico Castle, while further down on the via Centrale|Stadtgasse, a lively hustle and bustle is going on in the charming shops and the many cafes, inns, and restaurants. In Brunico, there are a whole variety of museums and art treasures to experience. Of particular significance is the Folklore Museum in Teodone|Dietenheim, the Messner Mountain Museum MMM RIPA which is housed in Brunico Castle, and the newest museum, the MMM Corones. The latter is located at an elevation of 2,275 m (7,464 ft.) on the summit of the Kronplatz|Plan de Corones, and it can be reached from Riscone|Reischach by cableway.

Possible variations along the route:

• Valle di Casies-Gsieser Tal Bike Route from Monguelfo to Santa Maddalena-St. Magdalena – 15 km (9.5 miles)
  Experience the rural lifestyle.
• Valle Anterselva-Antholzertal Bike Route from Rasun-Rasen to Anterselva di Mezzo-Antholz Mittertal – 13.5 km (8.5 miles) 
  On the route to one of the most beautiful high mountain lakes in South Tyrol-Südtirol.
• Val Badia Bike Route from Brunico to San Vigilio or to San Martin – 23 or 24 km (14.5 or 15 miles)
  Getting to know the Ladin culture and language.
• Valli di Tures and Aurina-Tauferer Ahrntal Bike Route from Brunico to S. Giacomo-St. Jakob – 36 km (22 miles)
  On two wheels through the realm of more than seventy peaks of three thousand meters (ten thousand feet).

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.