Innsbruck to Bolzano
Cycle on bike paths in the river valleys of the Inn and Adige rivers on this self-guided holiday from Innsbruck to Bolzano. This is a superb tour that combines scenic routes with rewarding cycling, and as buses are used for the climbs, the tour is suitable for most levels.
Enjoy a meandering route through orchards, vineyards and pretty towns, and past fortresses, castles and ruins before ending your tour in the town of Bolzano with its fascinating arcades and museum.
Itinerary
Today there will be a welcome briefing. Rental bikes will also be distributed and bike fitting will be available. We recommend, for this afternoon, making a visit to the famous Innsbruck old town, with its City Tower and its “Golden Roof”.
Today’s route will take you on the former towpath of the river Inn, at the foot of Martinswand (mountain face), before leading you through little villages and market towns, to Stams (baroque Cistercian convent). Later, you will continue your tour via Haiming to Imst, the so-called “Merano of North Tyrol”.
On your second cycling day, you will continue to ride along the River Inn, past the monastery Zams, to Landeck. Once there you will then be a bus transfer to Nauders. From here, you will climb less than 100 metres in altitude, as you cycle uphill to the mountain pass Reschenpass. It is then a downhill ride to Lake Reschensee, where you will continue on minor roads to the town of Mals (which features many towers in its centre), or to Burgeis at the foot of the castle Marienburg.
Today will begin with a trip to Glurns (famous for its perfectly preserved medieval city walls). You will then cycle, via the Montani castle ruins, through Schlanders, down to Merano. As you ride, you will come across some pretty castles (mountaineer Reinhold Messner’s castle Juval) and you can enjoy spectacular views of the impressive mountain massif Ortlermassiv, and the mountain pass Stilfserjoch. The Venosta train (Vinschgaubahn) has been operating between Mals and Merano since 2004. It is almost always possible to take this train a part of your journey.
On this ride, you will get to experience travelling through the Passeiertal valley to the Sandwirt inn (birthplace of the Tyrolean freedom fighter Andreas Hofer). If, however, you want a break from the bike, you can otherwise hike on the famous Tappeiner trail or go shopping at the famous arcades of Merano.
Today’s stage will take you via Lana (Schnatterpeck Altar), through numerous orchards and vineyards in the area of the South Tyrolean Wine Road. As you discover this area, you will pass many fortresses, castles, and ruins such as Hocheppan (famous frescos), on your way to Lake Kalterer See.
Today marks the end of your cycling adventure. On your final ride, you will leave charming wine towns behind you, as you embark on a flat route, either through the Adige valley or via the Montiggler lakes (scenic, but more demanding route), past Sigmundskron to Bolzano (arcades, “Ötzi” museum).
Wouldn’t it be wonderful end this holiday and discover more of Italy? If you want, you can combine this tour with another one to either Venice or Verona.
Route overview
Difficulty: Moderate
You cycle to and from the bakery, but only when the sun is shining. Cycling has to be fun, and is not just a method of fitness in your eyes. Nevertheless, gentle hills or longer sections on gravel tracks don’t pose any problems for you. You pedal along enjoying the lovely views in the countryside as you go.
You will cycle on bike paths in the river valleys of the Inn and Adige rivers. A bus will take you from Landeck to Nauders. From there you will cycle uphill, gaining 70 metres in altitude, before you reach Reschenpass (mountain pass). Afterwards, you can enjoy cycling downhill for more than 1,200 metres in altitude to Bolzano. In order to stay on calm roads, cycling some small climbs will be necessary.
Route Map (For guidance only):
Routes maybe subject to change or alteration. All route notes, maps and day-by-day information will be given to you upon arrival at the first hotel or at the welcome meeting. GPS/GPX Files are available for most our the cycling holidays we offer. Please ask us for details.
What’s included
- Overnight stays in the listed category
- Standard Bike Hire
- Breakfast buffet
- Personal tour information
- Luggage transfer between hotels
- Excellently planned routes
- Detailed travel information (route maps or overview maps, route description, tourist attractions, important telephone numbers)
- Route signposting
- Bus transfer from Innsbruck to Brenner including bike
- Brixen card (free use of South Tyrolean public transportation, a roundtrip ride with the cable car Plose, free admission to Acquarena water park, free admission to nearly all South Tyrolean museums)
- Service hotline
Not included
- Flights to/from the start and finish
- Evening meals (unless stated)
- Local daily taxes (Payable at the hotel)
- Helmets
- Water Bottles
- Travel Insurance
- Bike Rental
- Bike Insurance (unless stated)
- Welcome Meetings (unless stated)
- Transfers (unless included)
Check Availability
We have put a calendar of events together that will provide you with some inspiration of what you can expect on your holiday, and when the best time to jet off is. Now’s your chance to travel further than you can by foot and be part of a memorable and exciting two-wheel journey with us.
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