South Tyrol: round trip with charm hotels

Bressanone (Brixen), is quickly reached! Look forward to a worth seeing old town with leafy alleys and impressive cathedral.

In the morning, take the train to Fortezza, where the first stage of your cycle tour begins. This takes you through an impressive Alpine landscape to Bruneck, the lively centre of the Pustertal Valley. You cycle to the foot of Kronplatz, a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts and hikers. On the way, you pass the idyllic village of St. Lorenzen, which exudes a special atmosphere with its Roman roots and historical remains. Finally, you return to Brixen, where you can explore the charming historic centre with its characteristic arcades and the impressive cathedral square. You will spend the evening back in beautiful Bressanone.

Today you follow the Eisacktal cycle path from Bressanone to Bolzano. The vineyards of the famous white wine region line the path and tempt you to make many a stop. But the picturesque town of Chiusa with its alleys and narrow houses awaits you and, of course, South Tyrol's capital, Bolzano. Stroll through the arcades of Bolzano, you will not be able to stop looking and marveling: noble boutiques and pretty stores, cafes, delicatessens and nice bars are lined up next to each other. Linger at the famous fruit market, visit "Ötzi" in the archeology museum or enjoy a cappuccino in one of the cafés at Waltherplatz.

Today you start on an eventful round tour to South Tyrol's most famous wine-growing area. You cycle past Sigmundskron Castle on an old railroad line up to Eppan, the largest wine-growing community in South Tyrol. Numerous vineyards, many castles, manors, churches and farms characterize today's picture. If you wish, you can take a short detour to the idyllic Montiggler See lake near St. Michael for a refreshing swim before the small wine town of Kaltern with the South Tyrolean Wine Museum beckons you to visit. Cycle along the idyllic Lake Kaltern to the Adige Cycle Path, which will take you back to Bolzano.

Along the "Wine Road" you cycle today through the largest fruit-growing area in South Tyrol. One plantation follows the next and wonderfully fragrant apples grow everywhere. The oldest winery in South Tyrol in Andrian is on your way, as are the pretty towns of Terlan and Nals. In Lana, marvel at the multitude of churches, chapels and monasteries scattered throughout the municipal area. Look forward to Merano, because here you will be spoiled by a gentle Mediterranean climate, which even Empress Sissi appreciated. Blooming parks and promenades with exotic plants, picturesque leafy alleys and numerous Art Nouveau buildings give the city its special charm. How nice that you spend 2 nights here. So you have plenty of time also for the worth seeing gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle just above Merano. Alternatively, you can cycle along the completely flat Etschradweg along the river directly to Merano.

Today the Vinschgau Railway takes you ever so slightly uphill from Merano to Mals in the Vinschgau Valley. Since you have already climbed today's altitude, get on your bike in good spirits. On the wonderful Etsch cycle path through orchards you roll ever so slightly downhill through the Etsch valley back to Merano. Take a break in Glurns, the smallest town in South Tyrol, which is full of surprises and historical treasures, as well as in Schlanders in the midst of sun-drenched orchards.

Today a transfer will take you from Merano to the Jaufen Pass (2092 m) or on to Sterzing. Are you tempted by a fast descent? Then get on your bike already at the Jaufenpass and whiz down to Sterzing. You can also enjoy the magnificent panorama as far as Sterzing in the comfort of the transfer bus. From Sterzing you cycle along wonderful cycle paths, which today also have one or two climbs in store, from the upper Eisack Valley to the former customs station in Franzensfeste and on to Brixen, where you will end your last evening in peace.

Today your bike tour in the South Tyrolean mountains ends. You can, of course, book additional nights.