South Tyrol: round trip with charming hotels

Visiting South Tyrol

Enjoy this tour of South Tyrol, on new bike paths through unspoilt nature with rushing rivers, legendary mountains and idyllic lakes. Get to know all that what constitutes the uniqueness and the special atmosphere of this region: a living tradition and culture in a country whose history has left numerous traces, the acclaimed Tyrolean hospitality, hearty 'Brettljausen', a good drop South Tyrolean wine, a pleasant climate on the sunny side of the Alps. Discover on wonderful cycle paths away from traffic the eastern Pusteria, the world of the Dolomites, the state capital Bolzano, the Kalterer Lake, the picturesque spa town of Merano and the sunny Vinschgau. The double nights in Brixen, Bozen and Meran make this round trip a true delight.

1. day Brixen Arrival

Brixen is reached quickly! It has a picturesque old town with arcades and magnificent cathedral.

2. day Excursion Hochpustertal 65 km

In the morning there will be a transfer high up into the Hochpustertal, in the heart of the Dolomites to Toblach, where you get your bikes. Look forward to the well-developed Pusteria bike path. You cycle through the famous Prags Valley, along the Olanger reservoir and follow the river Rienz to Bruneck. Take a stroll through the picturesque streets of the city with its colorful facades and neat shops, treat yourself with a delicious Italian ice and marvel at the ancient castle on the Schlossberg. Back on the bike you continue your tour rolling on through the Pusteria Eisacktal. Shortly before Brixen it is worth to visit the Augustinian Abbey of Neustift, with historic monastery garden and quaint monastery cellar. Try the wines, brandies, the apple and elderflower juice or herbal. In the monastery shop attracts visitors with South Tyrolean bacon, homemade jams, smoked sausages, local cheeses ... Again you spend the night in the beautiful Brixen.

3. day Brixen - Bolzano 40 km

Today you follow the Eisacktal bike trail from Brixen to Bolzano. The vineyards of the famous white wine region lining the path and lure for some breaks. But also the picturesque town of Klausen, with its narrow streets and houses is waiting for you and of course the state capital of South Tyrol, Bozen. Stroll through the Bolzaner Lauben, you won't stop being atonished: exclusive boutiques and charming shops, cafes, delicatessens and nice bars line the streets. Visit the famous fruit market, visit "Ötzi", the "oldest Tyrolean" in the Archaeological Museum or simply enjoy a cappuccino in one of the many cafes on Piazza Walther.

4. day Round trip Kalterer lake 45 km

Today you will start to an eventful round trip to the wine growing area. You cycle past Castle Sigmundskron to Eppan, the largest wine community in South Tyrol. Numerous vineyards, many castles, manor houses, churches and courtyards shape today's image. If you wish, you can take a short detour at St. Michael to the idyllic Lake Montiggl. It is a wonderful place to have a refreshing swim. After that the small village of Kaltern lures with the South Tyrolean Wine Museum. From here you cycle along the idyllic Lake Kalterer to the Etsch bike path that takes you back to Bolzano.

5. day Bolzano - Meran 35 - 40 km

Today you will cycle along the "Wine Route" through the largest fruit growing area of South Tyrol. A plantation joins to the next and everywhere wonderfully fragrant apples grow. The oldest winery in South Tyrol Andrian is on your path as well as the pretty villages Terlan and Nals. In Lana you will marvel about the number of churches, chapels and monasteries that are scattered throughout the municipality. Look forward to Meran, where you will be spoiled by a gentle Mediterranean climate, which was already appreciated by Empress Sissi. Flowering parks and promenades with exotic plants, picturesque arcades and numerous Art Nouveau buildings give the town its special charm. How nice that you spend 2 nights here. That gives you plenty of time for the remarkable gardens of Palace Trauttmansdorff which is located slightly above Merano.

6. day Vinschgau Excursion 60 km

Today the Vinschgerbahn brings you always slightly uphill from Merano to Malles Venosta. Since you have already made your altitude, you can start cycling in good humor. On the Etsch cycle path which features wonderful orchards, you cycle slightly down hill 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 middle of the sun-drenched orchards.

7. day Meran - Jaufenpass/ Sterzing – Brixen 35 - 50 km

Today you get transferred high up from Merano to the Jaufenpass (2092 m) and on to Sterzing. Are you attracted by fast descent? Then get on your bike already on Jaufenpass and whiz down to Sterzing. But you can also enjoy the magnificent panorama during a convenient transfer by bus to Sterzing. From Sterzing you cycle over scenic routes from the upper Eisacktal the former customs station to Fortezza and continue to Brixen. Take a refreshing afternoon swim break at lake Vahrner and look forward to your last evening in Brixen.

8. day Brixen Departure

Today your bike trip ends in the South Tyrolean mountains. Of course you can also book extra nights.

Worth knowing about your bike trip in South Tyrol

Below please find more information about your bike trip in South Tyrol. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact us by phone: 0049 - (0)6421-886890.

Arrival by car

On the Brenner motorway (A22) to Brixen or over the Felbertauern road to Lienz in Eastern Tyrol (Austria) and then on through the Pusteria Valley on the SS49 to Brixen. 

Arrival by train

Bressanone can be reached by train via Munich, Kufstein, Innsbruck and Brenner. The best way to get to the partner hotels in Bressanone is a short taxi ride from the train station. Current timetable information and pricing information can be found at:

Train schedule information Deutsche Bahn

Train schedule information ÖBB

Train schedule information Trenitalia

Arrival by plane

From Düsseldorf, Berlin and Hamburg you can fly non-stop with the airline Sky Alps to Bolzano, from there it is approx. 45km to Brixen. Alternative destination airports are Innsbruck (approx. 83km), Verona Villafranca (approx. 191cm), Treviso (approx. 228km) and Venice Marco Polo (approx. 313km).

Skyscanner

Sky Alps

Austrian Airlines

Parking facilities at the start hotel

Our partner hotels in Trier always provide parking possibilities. Hotel garage: about 60 euros per week, € 10.50 per day, parking Hotel Residence Gasser: about 40 euros per week, no reservation possible; Payable on spot directly at the hotel.

Condition of the cycle paths

A cycling trip for everyone. In the last few years, the network of cycling trails has been very well developed in South Tyrol's valleys. Although South Tyrol is mainly known for its unique mountain scenery, here you will find many simple, flat valley bike trails without great slopes. Only on the rides down the Pustertal and the Eisacktal down from Sterzing to Brixen are some opposites to be overcome. Also from Bozen to Eppan it goes uphill, but on an old railroad track with moderate gradient. This cycling tour is also suitable for families with children aged 14 and over.

If you want to go down the Jaufenpass by bike, a little caution is necessary! It is a classic Alpine pass with some steep slopes, hairpin turns and 15 km long. In addition, depending on the season and the weather is not insignificant car and motorbike traffic. For experienced bikers it's big fun!

Available rental bikes

21-speed ladies and gents bikes as well as unisex electric bikes (on request, limited number) are available for this trip. Please reserve the bikes as early as possible to guarantee availability. Simply state your bike requirements when booking.

Touring information and rental bikes

The personal route information with rental bike takes place on the first biking day after the transfer to the Hochpustertal. Any changes will be announced upon arrival at the reception.

Costs which are not included in the travel price

Since the beginning of 2011 guests have to pay a tourism tax in many italian towns. The costs are 3-4 euros per person and night. This tourism tax is not included in the tour price.

7 days hotline service

In case of chain breakdown, flooding or other bad surprises that makes a continuation of your tour impossible: no problem, we also work during weekends and you can reach us 7 days a week in case of emergency.

Passport and visa requirements, health regulations

For EU citizens, there are no special passport or visa requirements and no health formalities to be considered for this trip.

Corona travel information:
Before booking your trip, please inform yourself about the measures in place to contain the Corona pandemic.

An up-to-date overview of applicable measures and travel and safety advice regarding Covid-19 for all countries in the EU and Switzerland can be found here:
https://reopen.europa.eu/en/

You can also find more information on our website at:
Corona virus and holiday planning

Travel insurance

The tour price already includes the statutory insolvency insurance. In addition, we recommend that you take out travel cancellation insurance upon receipt of your travel confirmation in order to protect yourself against financial disadvantages in the event of travel cancellation, interruption of travel, illness or accident.

Bressanone

The municipality of Bressanone is literally in the heart of South Tyrol and is embedded in a wide valley. The village is surrounded by grapevines and orchards that thrive magnificently thanks to the mild climate of the middle Eisack valley. Brixen is a fascinating city - the historic bishop's town has a rich cultural offer, while the surrounding villages and the Plose mountain offer a wonderful retreat to escape the city life and immerse in nature.

Bressanone

Val Pusteria

Tradition, culture, architecture - the Val Pusteria does not only offer a unique natural landscape, but also places that are particularly worth to be carefully examined. The sunny side of the Alps, that is to say Val Pusteria with all its side valleys, does not only offer an impressive natural landscape castling a spell over all its visitors, but also several sights that are worth taking a closer look at. History, culture and architecture are united in unique manner in many buildings such as castles or churches, offering lasting impressions to fill your luggage, ready to be taken home. Experience the green valley with all its treasures.

Val Pusteria

Bolzano

The city of Bolzano is above all known for its historic centre. The arcades, the alleys, the lovely corners of the city and the varied programme regarding culture in the heart of the city attract a large number of visitors. Bolzano is by the way also the seat of the provincial government and of the most administrative departments. Soak up the enchanting atmosphere of the city while shopping in the arcades or while you have a cup of delicious Italian Caffé Macchiato on Piazza Walther.

Also culture is of utmost importance in the city, the offer ranges from museums to theatre and concerts, there is something for every taste. And even if you are in the heart of the city, there are several “green oases”, such as the Prato Talvera, a meadow in the middle of the city which in warmer months is meeting point number one.

Bolzano

Lake Caldaro

The basin of Lake Caldaro is part of the former riverbed of the Adige river. Lake Caldaro is not only the warmest lake for bathing in the Alps, but also one of the largest lakes in South Tyrol, which in general is rather poor in lakes. Bathing in this lake is possible from May to September. This lake is about 1.8 km long and 0.9 km wide and comprises an area of about 155 hectares. Moreover it is about 4 m deep and it is located 216 m a.s.l. Campi al Lago on the left lakeside is one of the most sunny localities round the lake, while canes characterise the southern lakeside. The west and east end are meant for bathing and offer a bathhouse, lawn for sunbathing as well as a swimming pool and excellent restaurants.

Lake Caldaro

Meran, Tappeiner Promenade

One of the most famous paths in Merano is doubtlessly the Tappeiner Promenade (Tappeinerweg), which takes promenaders from the city centre along the hillside of Monte di Merano (Küchelberg). Moreover it is one of the most beautiful high promenades all over Europe, offering a mixture of Alpine and Mediterranean vegetation, combined with a fantastic panoramic view. Pines, cedars, olive trees, eucalyptus, bamboo, magnolias, agaves, aloes and prickly pears astonish promenaders.

Tappeiner Promenade

Naturno San Procolo chapel

Valuable treasures of history can be found in Merano and surroundings, one of which is the San Procolo chapel near Naturno, dating back to the 7th century. The little church near Naturno is undoubtedly a historical treasure. This chapel features the oldest frescoes found in the German-speaking area, as well as Gothic frescoes from the 14th century AD. Only a stone’s throw from the chapel, there is also the Procolo Museum, which has been inaugurated in 2006. The museum is allocated subterraneously and takes visitors into the history of human beings. Four time-space showrooms take you across late antiquity, Middle Ages and early modern times. Moreover in the museum you can admire the Gothic frescoes which have been taken down from the walls of the church.

Naturno San Procolo chapel

Jaufenpass

The Jaufenpass (ital. Passo di Monte Giovo) connects the Eisack valley in the east with the Passeier valley in the west. Starting point in the east is Sterzing (ital. Vipiteno), end point of the pass road is Saint Leonhard (ital. San Leonardo). Starting that tour in Sterzing the pass road winds itself through green meadows and some smaller forests up. The road itself is very narrow with lots of curves. After you have reached the timber line, the view opens up and you have a beautiful picture down into the Eisack valley.

Jaufenpass

City of Vipiteno

The former Fugger city of Vipiteno is one of the most beautiful small towns of Italy. Its emblem is the Torre delle Dodici tower. Vipiteno, the northernmost city of Italy located at 948 m a.s.l., used to be a mining centre in the Middle Ages. In these days the Augsburg family of the Fugger owned the silver mines that brought the city wealth and prosperity. In the course of time, “Vipitenum” repeatedly used to be residence for emperors and kings. Today, however, it is characterised by a Mediaeval atmosphere combined with modernity, without neglecting its origins. Lovely bays and gables as well as colourful facades adorn the main road, which is at the same time the shopping mall of the city.

City of Vipiteno