CURVES AND CONTRASTS IN THE SOUTH OF SOUTH TYROL
Road bike vacations between vineyards and mountain passes
When you hop on your bike, you’ll quickly realize that your vacation starts with the very first pedal stroke. Well-trained cycling tourists will quickly fall in love with the south of South Tyrol. Here, where charming wine villages nestle against sun-drenched slopes and the passes are no less impressive than the views, you can feel the joy of cycling grow with every pedal stroke. Between the provincial capital of Bolzano and the border with Trentino, a region unfolds that is made for road bikes – full of contrasts, culture, and winding moments of happiness. From quiet valley bike paths through apple orchards to classics such as the Mendel or Gampen Pass. And by the time you’re enjoying a cappuccino in one of the historic town centers, you’ll know that the south of South Tyrol is more than just a backdrop for training—it’s a way of life.
Landscape, wine & far-reaching views
The south of South Tyrol is a region full of contrasts – and that’s exactly what makes it so appealing. Alpine landscapes alternate with Mediterranean influences here. The most beautiful tours through the South Tyrolean lowlands start right on your doorstep and take you along the South Tyrolean Wine Road to Bolzano and Merano and to the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites. A beautiful road bike tour to start with is the one through the asparagus and wine region of Trentino – all the way to the provincial capital Trento with a stop for your first gelato. The tour along the old Montana railway line, on the other hand, offers beautiful views of the lowlands. Cycling to the Sarca Valley and Lake Molveno, with a detour to Lake Garda, is also a highlight of the program.
A relaxed roll-in on & off the road
With its mild Mediterranean climate, the region offers a wonderful cuvée for road cyclists and gravel bikers, consisting of the imposing Mendel Mountains, alpine terrain, flat valley cycle paths, and steep pass roads. Around the many charming villages in the south of South Tyrol, we cycle at altitudes ranging from 200 to 2,000 meters. The Mendel Pass (1,363 m) is one of the highlights. Also worth doing is a ride over the San Lugano Pass and along the Fiemme and Cembra valleys, before climbing back up to Lake Fennberg.
The south of South Tyrol is not only a paradise for road cyclists, but also for gravel bikers. On the provincial and language border with Trentino, where contrasts have always been a feature of life, we also find exciting gravel bike tours. The lower-lying forest roads in particular have the advantage of being mostly snow-free from mid-February to mid-November.
Another interesting fact: the Trudner Horn Nature Park is the most species-rich nature park in South Tyrol and is home to around 60 species of orchids.
