South Tyrol is one of the most popular residential areas in Europe: it is both alpine and Mediterranean and you will find both Dolomites and vineyards. Bridging its cultural differences, it is trilingual: German, Italian and Ladin. South Tyrol is about enjoying yourself and feeling connected to nature. South Tyrol is boundless freedom. Anyone who experiences South Tyrol will love it.
An extensive network of cycle paths between cities, challenging trails and the zigzagging mountain passes provide a unique panorama and make cycling with a trekking bike, e-bike, mountain bike, gravel or road bike one of the most popular activities in South Tyrol.
On the Etsch Cycle Path along the Via Claudia Augusta, you cycle on the old Roman road through Venosta Valley/Val Venosta, via Meran/Merano and Bolzano/Bolzano further south. On the cycle routes in the Isarco Valley/Valle Isarco and Pustertal/Val Pusteria, you can combine urban charm with views of the Dolomites.
Whether it’s a refreshing ride over mountains and through valleys, a bike tour through the region or a gravel ride through the refreshing coolness of the forest, you are guaranteed to enjoy your next bike adventure.
Gravel Tour South Tirol: To the Stoanernen Mandln (hard, 109 km, 2.603 alt).
Stoanerne Mandln, stones piled up to form little men, are very popular in many places. Southeast of Merano, in the Sarntal, there are such things in a very special place: at a good 2,000 meters above sea level, on the Schöneck, there are around 100 stone men of different sizes. Depending on which story you believe more, a special place of power, a cult site of the Celts or a place of witch dances and devil celebrations has existed here for centuries. But one thing is certain: the view here is breathtaking.
The route
It starts in Kurtatsch, from where you head towards Bolzano. You leave the town on the right on beautiful, flat cycle paths and pass the Gargazon natural pool – a good way to cool off on hot days. Shortly afterwards you reach the cable car that takes you from Burgstall to Vöran. Then it’s a continuous climb, first on asphalt, then on gravel paths and finally a short stretch on trails. Once you’ve arrived at Schöneck, it’s time for a long break, during which you can take in the Stoanernen Mandln and great views.
Now a long descent awaits you, which initially leads on wonderful gravel paths and in the second half on asphalt down to Bozen.
After you’ve crossed the town once, you’ll return to Lake Kaltern on wonderful cycle paths. Here you can end the tour in a relaxed manner – be it with a cool drink or a dip in the lake.
About Bolzano.
The provincial capital of South Tyrol awaits you with impressive art and cultural treasures. The historic city centre, and in particular the Lauben (arcades) – the city’s main shopping street – was for centuries the meeting point for commercial travellers from Italy and Germany. Today, the street is the lively and modern centre of the city in which tradition and modernity blend harmoniously.
Stays in Bolzano
A family-run bed and breakfast, a chic design hotel or an apartment with a roof terrace. Choose your favourite accommodation and enjoy the extraordinary mix of tradition, modernity and South Tyrolean hospitality.
Information/accomodations around Bolzano: https://www.suedtirol.info/nl/nl/regios/steden/bolzano—bozen
Images: IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Komoot