Lots of sunshine and the highest accessible crossings in the Alps
Vinschgau is in the west of South Tyrol. It is surrounded by the mountain ranges of the Sesvenna Group and the Ötztal and Ortler Alps. You can already imagine that this is the perfect starting point for many road bike tours on impressive pass roads. The most breath-taking of them is surely the road crossing the Stelvio Pass. With 48 curves and 1,869 altitude metres is this one of the highest-situated accessible crossings in the Alps. There is a reason why this road is firm part of the Giro d’Italia.
Tips for road cycling tours in Vinschgau
But this region offers something for leisure bikers too. Panorama cycle tracks through the valley are a great alternative or complement the challenging routes uphill to the surrounding passes. One of those tours is the Etschtal Cycle Track along the ancient Roman trade route Via Claudia Augusta. The route is 80 kilometres long and leads from the Reschen Pass through historic villages to the spa town of Merano.
Vinschgau also scores highly when it comes to cultural aspects. A mixture of tradition and innovation makes this region also interesting for culture lovers. The bell tower peeking out of Lake Reschensee, the already mentioned Via Claudia Augusta or the two Messner Mountain Museums are an absolute must.
Roadbike highlights of the region
- Stelvio Pass road
- Three-country tour: Italy, Switzerland, Austria
- Martell Valley - On the trail of the Giro d'Italia