The best cycling routes in South Tyrol

South Tyrol offers a vast network of touring cycling routes. On komoot, you can find over 3,300 routes, catering to various skill levels, from easy valley paths to more challenging mountain climbs.

South Tyrol enjoys a mild climate with around 300 days of sunshine annually, making for a long cycling season. The best time for touring cycling is generally from March well into late autumn, with spring and autumn being particularly vibrant for exploring vineyards and apple orchards.

Yes, South Tyrol is very family-friendly. Many valley paths, such as the route Follow the Drau cycle path – the source in Dobbiaco to the sunny town of Lienz, are designed with gentle gradients, making them ideal for relaxed touring with children. The region's extensive network of well-maintained cycle paths often follows riverbeds, offering mostly flat or downhill terrain.

South Tyrol's touring cycling routes showcase a stunning diversity of natural features. You'll encounter the majestic Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with their iconic peaks, as well as picturesque valleys like Val Venosta and Val Pusteria. Many routes pass through expansive vineyards and fragrant apple orchards, and you can also find serene glacial lakes such as Lake Caldaro and Lake Dobbiaco.

Absolutely. South Tyrol's cycle routes frequently pass through charming medieval towns like Glurns, Klausen, Brixen, and Sterzing. You can also discover numerous castles and manor houses. For example, the route Mit dem Fahrrad durch die Geschichte – Entdecke die Kulturschätze von Klausen und Bozen offers a cultural journey. You can also visit highlights like the Historic Old Town Glurns / Glorenza or view Tirolo Castle.

Yes, South Tyrol is well-equipped for combining cycling with public transport. Train connections that accommodate bikes are available, making it easier to plan multi-day tours or to cover longer distances without cycling the entire way back. This flexibility enhances the touring experience, especially for those exploring different valleys.

While many routes are point-to-point, you can easily create circular tours by utilizing the region's excellent public transport system or by planning routes that loop back through different valleys. For instance, you could cycle a section of the Adige Valley cycle path and return via a parallel route or train.

South Tyrol offers a wide range of difficulty levels. You'll find over 700 easy routes, nearly 900 moderate routes, and over 1,700 difficult routes. Valley paths are generally easy and flat, while routes through mountain passes like the Stelvio Pass offer exhilarating climbs for advanced cyclists. An example of a moderate route is In the footsteps of Lake Caldaro and Gewürztraminer – Überetsch wine cycle route to Lake Caldaro.

Yes, you can find routes that take you directly into the heart of the Dolomites. The Dolomites cycle path from Dobbiaco to Cortina d'Ampezzo is a prime example, offering stunning views of the iconic peaks. While many valley routes provide a backdrop of the Dolomites, this route immerses you in their grandeur.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 64,000 reviews. Reviewers often praise the region's diverse landscapes, from the dramatic Dolomites to the serene valleys, as well as the extensive and well-maintained cycling infrastructure. The blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and bike-friendly amenities makes it a top destination.

Yes, the historic Via Claudia Augusta is a notable route in South Tyrol. A section of this ancient Roman road, particularly from Reschensee Lake to Merano, offers mainly flat or downhill terrain, making it ideal for relaxed touring. You can explore a part of it on the route Auf den Spuren der Römer: Erkunde Glurns und den Vinschgau entlang der Via Claudia Augusta.

Absolutely. The South Tyrolean Wine Road is specifically designed for a 'gourmet experience,' allowing cyclists to combine scenic rides through picturesque vineyards and quaint villages with opportunities for wine tours and tastings at numerous wineries. The region's apple orchards are also a beautiful sight, especially in spring and autumn.

While many touring routes stick to valley floors, some areas offer access to natural wonders like gorges. For instance, the Passer Gorge Trail is a highlight in the region. You might also find viewpoints near waterfalls, such as the Rastenbach Gorge Waterfall, which can be incorporated into a cycling trip with a short walk.