Objevte krásy Jižní Tyrolsko Vinná cesta

You start in Kaltern / Caldaro. The tour will then take you over bicycle paths and forest trails between vineyards and fruit orchards until you come to the village of Lana, near Meran / Merano. You'll need a lot of stamina to master the 19-km-long ascent to the Gampen / Palade Pass (1,515 meters above sea-level). The road features almost now turns and curves as you proceed to the Gampen / Palade Pass, but you'll be treated to a wonderful panoramic view of the Etsch / Adige Valley. Once you've arrived at the top, you can take a rest-break before continuing on to Fondo and then taking the short ascent to the Mendel Pass. The Mendel is Kaltern's trademark mountain; its highest point is 1,363 meters above sea-level. You have now almost completed the 80-km-long tour. The last segment takes you along the pass road down to Kaltern. And what better way to conclude the day than by paying a visit to one of the many great restaurants here for a cool glass of Lake Caldaro wine.

Travel time: 4 h; level of difficulty: medium to high

Neuhaus Castle Ruins (Maultasch) Neuhaus Castle was probably built in the early 13th century as a double castle: today only the walls remain. These were carefully restored, so that visitors can imagine what life was like there, in early times.

From Andrian walk through the gorge of river Gaido to the ruins of Festenstein - the trail is very steep and requires attention - continue to the hamlet of Gaido (Moarhof). a short distance along trail no. 8, continue along trail no. 6 to the viewpoint Burgstalleck and descend via the Sattelweg trail to the Bittnerhof farm and back to Andrian.

The hike offers some beautiful viewpoints: take some time to rest and enjoy the view: at the ruins of Castelforte (Festenstein), at Payer's Peak (Burgstalleck) and above Andriano at Schlosspichl.

In the sports area called Rio Nero in Ora there is a ice-skating rink during the winter months.

The panoramic plateau of the Cisloner Alm affords visitors marvelous views of the magnificent "Unterland" district of South Tyrol and the stunning Dolomiti di Brenta – for this reason alone, this tour is a "must-have" for every cyclist vacationing in Kaltern / Caldaro. And then there's also the initial ascent along the former Fleims / Fiemme Valley railroad line, where you will overcome about 800 meters of altitude differential with a grade of no more than six percent. This railroad line from Auer / Ora to Predazzo was built during World War I by Russian prisoners of war to transport men and matériel from the Etsch / Adige Valley to the Fleims / Fiemme Valley towards the front. After the conclusion of the war, this small railroad transported chiefly wood and passengers until it was finally shut down in the 1960s due to shrinking profitability. The only thing that remained was the perfectly established route which, today, serves as a gravel road called the "former Fleims / Fiemme Valley railroad" or "ex ferrovia." Because the locomotives back then were unable to manage a grade of more than five or six percent, this route is perfect for cyclists – you will be able to gently ascend the meters of altitude differential. As you approach Kaltenbrunn / Fontanefredde, you'll leave the railway route and proceed a short distance uphill along the road to Truden. You'll then proceed along the short, steep and partially surfaced ramp up to the Cisloner Alm. This route will take you back to Truden / Trodena. Then you'll enter a narrow side valley through which the Truden Brook flows down towards the Etsch / Adige River. As you glide through historic villages and lovely vineyards down to Neumarkt / Egna, you can enjoy the fabulous vista of the Etsch / Adige Valley. At Pinzon / Pinzano, you'll again cross the former railroad and pass under the viaduct as you arrive at the medieval village of Neumarkt with its historical center. The return trip to Kaltern is via the bicycle trail – in the afternoon, a strong southerly wind often blows, helping you to speed back to your starting-point.

Variants: You can also follow the former railroad line and attack the "Jochgrimm" tour. In Truden / Trodena, you can take a left turn and enjoy the "Kanzel" or "Trudner Horn" tours.

Mustn't be missed: The bicycle path along the former Fleims / Fiemme Valley railroad line, the lovely alpine village of Truden, the long-range panoramic vista of the "Unterland" district of South Tyrol, Kaltern / Caldaro, the majestic Monte Roen, the fabulous Mendel, and the mighty Penegal.

This tour leads you through the Adige cycle path to the historic city of Trento.

Beautiful, not difficult mountain hiking tour with some grades. Starting point: mountain station of the Mendel Cable Car. Final Point: pic Roen, 2116 meters. Duration of walking: about 3.5 hours. Different of altitude: about 750 meters. 

Route: from the car park at Kalterer See lake, continue north to the Geier restaurant. Behind the restaurant, a narrow trail leads to the north into the orchards. Walk along these and turn off to the right in an easterly direction following the markers. At the slope on the eastern side of the valley, turn right, passing by the hotel on the left to the Klughammer road. First follow this road, then continue on a trail above the road.

This trail ends at the southern end of the lake. Cross the road to join the Nature Discovery Trail (Naturerlebnisweg). At the end of this nature trail, turn right onto the so-called Kuchlweg trail, hiking to the vineyards on the western side of the valley. Just before the wine road, turn right into the trail through the field, following it until you reach the point where the wine road curves to the right. Cross over and now follow a trail through the field once more. Then follow the footpath next to the wine road to the church of San Giuseppe al Lago/St. Josef am See (Kirche St. Josef). Take the farm track to the right back to the starting point of the hike.

Not difficult path with some grades. Due to the countless spring flowers this hiking tour is especially recommended in the period end of February - beginning of March. Start- and final point: historical centre of Caldaro/Kaltern. Duration of walking: about 3.5 hours. Different of altitude: about 170 meters.

The Regglberg is a high-altitude plateau rising above the eastern shores of the Etsch / Adige River. If you choose to ascend from Leifers / Laives to Deutschnofen / Nova Ponente, you'll land in a landscape of alpine meadows. Here you'll find plenty of rest-stop options – too many, in fact, since you couldn't possibly stop for a break in every inn and cafe situated along this challenging and long tour.

This tour is challenging, but allows you to explore the east of the Etsch / Adige Valley, on the fringe of the foot of the Dolomites. The meadow landscape at the Regglberg between Deutschnofen and Aldein / Aldino resembles a verdant carpet stretching out in front of the impressive Latemar – from the perspective of Kaltern, the nearest outpost of the Dolomites, this most-prominent peak looms 2,842 meters above sea-level. But to approach it, you'll have to constantly pedal. The first milestone of your journey is the Mitterberg / Monte di Mezzo, accessible via the little Pass Road and the Kreither Saddle and then into the Etsch / Adige Valley. After a couple of relatively level kilometers, you'll reach Leifers / Laives, where the Branten Valley indicate the continued upward direction. At the upper end of the Branten Valley, you'll find the town of Deutschnofen / Nova Ponente perched on a high-altitude plateau. There is a path in the valley basin for your ascent, but the winding trails on the north flank of the valley offer more scenic beauty and are just as quick – besides giving you more panoramic views towards Deutschnofen. You will now proceed upwards into the rolling meadow landscape. You've mastered the steep uphill grade; now, it's a constant up and down. This route offers beauty and variety, and every couple of kilometers, you can take a rest-stop at one of the many charming inns and cafes along the way: the Laabalm, the Neuhütt-Alm, the Schmiederalm, or the Schönrast-Alm. In view of this wealth of options, you might be tempted to spend too much time here – but don't forget: The return leg is still ahead of you! The trail will first take you down into the Etsch Valley. But because the direct way from the Regglberg into the valley is possible only via very steep trails that are best traversed on foot, you'll have to instead take a slight diversion and follow the trail along the former Fleims / Fiemme Valley railroad, which displays a pleasant downhill grade at Montan / Montagna. And you'll be treated to spectacular scenery along the way: First, there's the unobstructed view of the valley, then the rolling terrain of the Castelfeder biotope with its mystical medieval cult site. Once you've arrived in Auer / Ora, you can traverse the Etsch River and quickly reach Lake Caldaro. On warm summer days, you could now take a pleasant dip at Klughammer. After a refreshing dip, you'll be ready to attack the final 200 meters of altitude differential from the lake up to Kaltern / Caldaro.

The tavern Bergjosl is located 600 meters above Terlan, but already belongs to the municipality of Mölten. The turnoff to the mountain restaurant is located halfway between Terlan and Mölten. The Mair family, owners of this Buschenschank, is supervising as well the only forest cemetery for animals in South Tyrol.

For used hikers this tour can start at the center of Terlan by walking along the Kirchgasse until reaching its end. Here you can find the last farm „Klaus in der Mühle" with its old mill. On the right starts the path to the weather cross (no. 3 A). You will reach the street to Mölten in front of the subway; take the way on the left and turn emediately right, in order to not pass the subway. From here take the left path after the second bend.

An other version of this way would be along the Weiler „Montigl" – „Grunerhof" and then through the scottish pine wood along rock faces to a panoramic view point. From here you can already see the "Buschenschank Bergjosl" and you reach it on a firstly slight descending path then go right.

From the small village of Buchholz, you will then continue on to Gfrill. Right after Buchholz, the Truden Faultline becomes especially noticeable. This boundary is visible not only on the basis of the different geological strata (dolomites and porphyry), but also due to the change in vegetation. The trail is steadily uphill until you come to the ruins of the walls of an old cableway. You continue along the old cableway trail, steadily uphill, until arriving in Gfrill, an alpine village surrounded by plenty of natural beauty.

When you take this extra segment, you will begin from Gfrill, which is located at approx. 1,300 meters above sea-level, and continue to Buchholz at 560 meters above sea-level. At first, you'll have a pleasant, relaxing stroll downhill until you come to Unterstein. You can then continue along the old aerial lift trail until you reach the vestiges of an old cableway. The trail then goes downhill until you come to the brook where the Truden Faultline is especially noticeable. This boundary is distinctly visible not only on the basis of the different geological strata (dolomites and porphyry), but also due to the abrupt change in vegetation. You can then continue to the small village of Buchholz.

The hike starts at the Altenburg Church above Kaltern. From here, a narrow yet easy-to-walk forest trail with a gentle incline leads to a panoramic viewpoint offering stunning views over the Adige Valley. The path is varied, passing through shady mixed forest – for some sections, a good head for heights is recommended.

At the viewpoint, turn left onto the St. Peter Trail and follow waymark no. 2. The trail winds downhill in serpentine curves through a small gorge and across a suspension bridge. Soon you’ll reach the ruins of the three-nave Church of St. Peter, an important relic of early Christian architecture. It is considered possibly the oldest church in Tyrol, believed to have been founded in the 6th century by Saint Vigilius of Trento. Fragments of frescoes by Thomas Egnolt from around 1400 are still visible – well worth a short stop.

From the ruins, the route continues toward the Rastenbach Gorge – an exciting highlight of the hike with dramatic views into the canyon. The trail descends into the gorge, where you enter at a junction and then follow it uphill. Sturdy footwear is essential here, as the stairs can be damp and slippery.

At the upper end of the gorge, you arrive at “Müllereck,” cross the road, and follow the trail to the left, leading back toward Altenburg. The return path takes you leisurely through meadows and forest until you arrive once again at the Altenburg Church – the starting point of this circular hike.

The ice rink called Würtharena in Egna is ideal for ice skating during the winter months.

Info and opening hours: https://www.sportarena-unterland.com/wurtharena/offnungszeiten.html /  +39 0471 813 614

The Peace Trail (Friedensweg) in Caldaro was created between 1995 and 2000 by an action group led by Georg Reider. It leads from the Sportzone St. Anton car park across the cultural and natural landscape through the Kardatschertal valley or the wild Rastenbachklamm gorge to St Peter’s Church in Castelvecchio/Altenburg.

Seven stations invite hikers and pilgrims to pause and reflect. Artists have interpreted the five themes of “Moderation, Wisdom, Justice, Belief and Hope,” artistically applying them to the environment. The sixth station (Courage) is the Rastenbachklamm gorge. The seventh, Love, is represented by the ruins of the early Christian St Peter’s Church in Castelvecchio, probably the oldest church ruins in Tyrol.

Sturdy footwear is recommended for the hike and sure-footedness is also essential in some places.

This leisurely stroll follows a country road through the vineyards to Tramin. At the halfway mark, in the tiny hamlet of Rungg, there is a farmer's inn offering drinks and snacks where you can rest (closed Wednsedays). After a visit to Tramin, we follow the same road back to Kurtatsch.

This is a wild and demanding gravel tour which will take you across the "Green Line" of the South Tyrolean forests and down to Lago Santo ("Lake Heilig") in Trentino. You'll proceed along winding forest trails and curving paths – requiring a good command of your gravel bike on earthy terrain.

You'd better have an adventurous spirit if you want to undertake this tour. In the border area between South Tyrol and the province of Trentino, you'll be passing through seemingly endless forests radiating an enchanting quality. There are many reasons to undertake this tour: You'll love the unparalleled peace and quiet – in part on earthy trails where you can have some fun. And idyllic "Lago Santo" is certainly a worthwhile destination. You'll first proceed at a quick pace via Lake Caldaro and down into the Etsch / Adige Valley. You'll start your ascent on the valley's left flank near Auer / Ora. The trail along the former Fleims / Fiemme Valley railroad will afford you splendid views of the "South of South Tyrol." Once you've passed the last few hamlets, you'll be leaving civilization and ascending on forest roads to the Gfrill Saddle. After a short ascent, you'll arrive in the hamlet of Gfrill / Cauria, 1,000 meters above the Etsch Valley, the last small outpost of South Tyrol before you pass over the provincial border to Trentino. You'll enter into this wild forest and proceed along earthy trails on your way to Lake Heilig. But the adventure isn't over yet! First, there's an exciting descent where you'll come out in Salorno / Salurn, on the shores of the Etsch River. The Etsch Bicycle Trail is the quickest connection back to Lake Caldaro where you can perhaps take a refreshing dip and maybe enjoy a snack near Klughammer. The real end of this tour is only after you have accomplished the final 200 meters of altitude differential on your way to Kaltern / Caldaro. But you'll already have rest-stop options along the way – e.g., at the Albergo Lago Santo or in Salurn. Neumarkt / Egna is likewise worth a side-trip. The bicycle trail will lead you right to it.

Variants: This tour can also be taken in the reverse order. However, when cycling from Salorno / Salurn up to Lake Heilig, you'll have to overcome slight ramps.

Route: from the car park at Kalterer See lake, continue north to the Geier restaurant. Behind the restaurant, a narrow trail leads to the north into the orchards. Walk along these and turn off to the right in an easterly direction following the markers. At the slope on the eastern side of the valley, turn right, passing by the hotel on the left to the Klughammer road. First follow this road, then continue on a trail above the road.

This trail ends at the southern end of the lake. Cross the road to join the Nature Discovery Trail (Naturerlebnisweg). At the end of this nature trail, turn right onto the so-called Kuchlweg trail, hiking to the vineyards on the western side of the valley. Just before the wine road, turn right into the trail through the field, following it until you reach the point where the wine road curves to the right. Cross over and now follow a trail through the field once more. Then follow the footpath next to the wine road to the church of San Giuseppe al Lago/St. Josef am See (Kirche St. Josef). Take the farm track to the right back to the starting point of the hike.

From the main square of Kurtatsch we take the Obergasse, a street that starts steeply up to the small square, where we turn right. At the next intersection - near the fountain - we follow the Schiessstandweg, which continues as a narrow street through the woods (Trimm-Dich-Pfad). This road takes us past Kastelaz to the southern limits of Tramin. We return to Kurtatsch over the street to Rungg, to the right just before the Elena Walch winery.

Forest path with a steep but not difficult ascent. At the car park, follow the signpost marked no. 18.Leuchtenburg Castle, originally the seat of the Lords of Rottenburg, was first mentioned in a document in 1286. It was probably built around the year 1200 on the foundations of a prehistoric rampart castle. Sparse frescoes still exist. Beautiful views of Lake Kaltern, the South Tyrolean Wine Road and the Adige Valley.

The Kalterer Höhenweg runs almost constantly at about one third of the height of the Mendel slope and with only a few ascents from the Kalterer Höhe (northernmost point) to the Ziegelstadl above Altenburg and on to the Gummererhof above Tramin (southernmost point). Some of the access routes are difficult. Do not hike these in summer during the hot midday hours! The Kalterer Höhenwanderweg trail is connected to the Eppaner Höhenweg trail by the Matschatsch hiking trail (signpost no. 9). Shortly before the Gummererhof farm, the Traminer Höhenweg trail (marker no. 9) continues southwards.

Follow the forest path that begins at the starting point, which is also the high trail, in a southerly direction (signpost ‘Altenburg’) (marker no. 9). Cross the funicular railway and continue along the forest road to the Ziegelstadl. There, immediately after the bridge, turn left down to Altenburg (signpost no. 9F). Alternative: From the Ziegelstadl, continue along the high-level trail to the Gummererhof (marker no. 9 G). From there, take the dirt track downhill and soon follow the signpost ‘Marking 4B’. Continue along a forest path to Altenburg (walking time for this variant approx. 1 ½ hours).

The South Wine Route then runs about 40 km in a long circuit to Salorno / Salurn, the southernmost community of South Tyrol. Along the way, you'll pass through the charming wine villages of Tramin / Termeno, Kurtatsch / Cortaccia, Margreid / Magrè, and Kurtinig / Cortina all’Adige as you glide along the Wine Route.

The South of South Tyrol: Bicycle tour

This tour begins at the square in front of the large winery cooperatives (Kellerei Kaltern and Erste + Neue). From here, the bike trail will lead you through the vineyards and down to Lake Caldaro and past its eastern shore (by Klughammer) towards Auer / Ora. You'll pass the reeds and the biotope on the southern banks of the lake before the route enters the Auer-Tramin Bicycle Trail. There, it also bends into the South Wine Route. You can ride on it in either direction. In other words: There are two paths to the southernmost point in Salurn.

If you now take the right turn, you'll first proceed on the South Tyrolean Wine Route and enter into the historic wine village Tramin / Termeno. The Gewürztraminer variety of grape – which is indigenous to this locality and is used to make some of the finest wines available – is named after this village. The route continues to the south through the historical wine village of Kurtatsch / Cortaccia and past the famous "original grapevine" grafted here in the year in Margreid / Magrè. From here, you will proceed to Kurtinig – often referred to as "Little Venice" by the locals because it is flooded so often. It's only now that the route crosses the Etsch River. Salurn is located on its eastern side. You can take the short side-trip to the Haderburg – which was established here on a rocky prominence in the 11th century as a fortress.

On the return trip back to Kaltern, you will encounter the villages of Neumarkt / Egna and Auer / Ora on this side of the valley. In Neumarkt, you ought to visit the centuries-old and impressive leafy arcades in the center (which is closed to motor traffic). It's a wonderful opportunity to exit the hustle-and-bustle of modern times and immerse yourself in the Middle Ages. You can admire the handsome old manors, enjoy the coolness of the arcades, and explore the village's shopping options.

Farther to the north, the bicycle trail will take you past the Castelfeder biotope – an ancient cult site located on a wild, romantic hilly landscape abounding with fascinating geological formations and enormous boulders left behind by receding glaciers, and that has lost none of its magical appeal. If you wish, you can now pay a visit to Auer before continuing across the Etsch River to Lake Caldaro and up to Kaltern.

A fitting conclusion would be, e.g., a visit to the wine house at the starting-point / finish line of this tour. Or at the market square. The "Punkt" wine house there carries a wide assortment of wines from the Lake Caldaro area.

Variants: At Margreid / Magrè and Neumarkt / Egna, there are two additional bridges over the Etsch River which you can use as short-cuts. There is also rail service between Salorno / Salurn, Kurtinig / Cortina, Margreid, Neumarkt, and Auer – a great way to save yourself a few kilometers (www.suedtirolmobil.info).

General information about these three wine village tours:

Biking along the South Tyrolean Wine Route is always a very special experience. Mild temperatures and about 300 days of sunshine per year make the oldest Wine Route of Italy an ideal place for active vacationers and pleasure-seekers wishing to explore the vicinity by bike. The three pleasure cycling routes of the low-traffic South Tyrolean Wine Route offer a wealth of options to experience the vineyards, visit the wine cellars, and explore the castles. The three wine routes (North, Middle, and South) display almost no significant grades – and they can be cycled throughout the year, both individually and in combination.

Steep, but not difficult mountain trail. Starting point: Caldaro S. Nicolò/St. Nikolaus. Endpoint: mountain station of the Mendel Cable Car. Walking time: about 2.5 hours. Difference in altitude: about 800 meters.

From Andrian along the Gaider Gorge to the ruins of Festenstein Castle - the path is only recommended for experts - on to the hamlet of Gaid (Moarhof), then down the Larchsteig to the Bittnerhof and back to Andrian.

The ropeway path leads from Gfrill/Cauria to the historic ruins of the ropeway station for material and wood transport.