Image © IDM Südtirol/Daniel Geiger
Italy’s northernmost region of South Tyrol, is the country’s best-kept secret. With the spectacular backdrop of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dolomites, and the added delights of some of the world’s finest cuisine, it’s the perfect destination for cyclists.
South Tyrol enjoys the sunniest bike season in the Alps with 300 days of sunshine a year - and with mile upon mile of trails criss-crossing the region, there’s something for every kind of rider, and the cycling doesn’t have to be all hard work.
This is a region where the food and wine are on a par with the scenery. The South Tyrol Wine Road is a truly memorable experience that takes in quaint villages with plenty of wineries along the way. Add in a network of 36 bike hotels working together to provide a seamless cycling experience for guests - even transferring your luggage while you ride - and you have everything you need for the perfect cycling holiday.
Cycle Touring
Exploring South Tyrol by bike is easy and relaxing on well laid-out valley cycle paths.
Image © STUDIO MIERSWA-KLUSKA
Central Wine Route: Pinot Blanc and Schiava
For the complete South Tyrolean experience, take part in one of three gourmet tours along the Wine Road, packed with wine tours and tastings. The circular 23km central route is the shortest of the three and leads you through beautiful and historic villages.
Via Claudia Augusta Part 1: Reschensee Lake to Merano/Meran
The 80km Val d’Adige Cycle Path (Etschradweg) leads along the scenic Via Claudia Augusta, an ancient Roman road, with mainly flat or downhill terrain. The fantastic bike trail network in the Val Venosta makes for wonderfully relaxed biking routes.
Road Cycling
The many mountain passes are extremely popular tour destinations for bike racers.
Bike Tour to the Gampenpass
Enjoy breathtaking views over the Val d’Adige during the 19km ascent to the Gampen Pass (Passo delle Palade). The road runs continuously along the mountain, rising higher up to the pass with no bends.
The Stelvio Pass
The iconic 48 bends of the Stelvio Pass are a siren call for road bikers. As the highest road pass in Italy, reaching an impressive 2,758m, cyclists will be treated to outstanding views.
Sella Ronda Road Bike Tour
A long-time winter favourite, the twisty Alpine roads of this circuit at the foot of the Dolomite peaks are ideal for racing cyclists looking for a moderately difficult tour.
Mountain Biking
Miles of trails, a variety of specialised bike hotels, and bike-friendly lifts await riders.
Image © Vinschgau Marketing/Kirsten-J. Sörries
MTB and e-bike Tour: Sellaronda Clockwise
Five mountain cable cars make this tour possible by reducing the almost 4,000m in altitude difference to a tolerable 800m, turning the impossible for the average biker into an unusual dream tour with unforgettable panoramas of the world-famous Dolomites Sella massif.
Old Railway Line Bike Tour
This bike tour in Bolzano/Bozen follows the trackbed of a former railway built during the First World War, and leads through the beautiful mountain landscape of the Trudner Horn Nature Park. You’ll also be treated to wonderful views of the South Tyrolean Unterland region.
Star-studded food & wine
Image © IDM Südtirol/Florian Andergassen
With 25 Michelin stars distributed amongst 19 local restaurants, South Tyrol features the highest density of top-honoured chefs and is the most decorated province in all of Italy. Hearty South Tyrolean fare, or classic Cucina Italiana - you can enjoy both.
Rural, down-to-earth tastes spiced with Mediterranean charm are the ingredients for creating distinctive flavours. Spinach dumplings and apple strudel are typical South Tyrolean classics.
For more information about the wonderful cycling opportunities in South Tyrol, go to suedtirol.info
