It usually leads gently downhill through forests and fields, sometimes tarmac, sometimes gravelled. It is particularly beautiful in April and May when the many thousands of apple trees are in bloom. The tours into the side valleys, such as the Martelltal or Langtauferer Tal, are usually much more challenging.
Character:
The trails and tours on offer in the Venosta Valley range from easy to very challenging. The Venosta Valley cycle path from Malles/Mals to Merano/Meran with an outward or return journey by train is ideal for families. The challenge for experts is the breathtaking serpentine ride up the Stilfserjoch, ideally on a car-free day at the end of August/beginning of September (3.9.2011!). Tip: The South Tyrol Bikepass allows you to hire bikes at favourable rates (from 20 euros/day) in combination with public transport (for information call 0039-0473/201500).
Tour tip:
Around Lake Reschen, 41 km, medium difficulty: The route, which is signposted in various ways, leads along country lanes and country roads from Mals via Dörfl to St. Valentin auf der Haide, then around Lake Reschen via Graun and Reschen, back via Burgeis and Schleis to Mals.
GPS data:
Tour recommendations (e.g. tour 63909 Vinschgau Valley cycle path) on http://www.gps-tour.info
Best time to travel:
May to October
Journey:
There are direct Deutsche Bahn trains from Germany to Merano, from there you can continue on the Venosta Valley railway. Cyclists can call the railway hotline on 01805/99 66 33 (14 ct/min. from landlines, max. 42 ct/min. from mobile phones). Bike & Train works very well with the Vinschgerbahn railway between Meran and Mals http://www.vinschgauerbahn.it
Bike service:
Bike hire and workshops can be found in several towns, such as Silandro/Schlanders, Prato allo Stelvio/Prad am Stilfserjoch, Malles/Mals, Burgusio/Burgeis and San Valentino/St. Valentin auf der Haide.
Bike hotels:
There are several special cycle hostels, e.g.
Residence St. Johann in Prad am Stilfserjoch http://www.st.johann.it
Active and wellness hotel Matillhof in Latsch http://www.matillhof.com and Hotel Winkler in Kastelbell Tschars http://www.hotelwinkler.com
Maps/literature:
Compass map WK52 "Vinschgau - Val Venosta" 1:50,000, 7.95 euros. Bikeline "Radatlas Südtirol", cycle tour book and map 1:75,000, 180 pages, 12.90 euros.
Information (general):
Vinschgau Valley Tourist Board, Kapuzinerstr. 10, I-39028 Schlanders, Tel. 0039-0473/620480, Fax 0039-0473/620481
Internet:
http://www.vinschgau-suedtirol.info (good cycling tips and everything important for travellers)
