Character
With the connection of several signposted cycle paths, the Alps can now be crossed almost traffic-free over the Brenner Pass. With the exception of the ascent of the main Alpine ridge, the gradients on this route are limited. However, those with normal training should plan two days for the Hall/Brenner section alone. From Bad Tölz to Lake Kaltern, a total of around 310 kilometres and 3500 metres in altitude have to be covered. The cycle paths are not asphalted throughout. For short, sometimes steep gravel sections, a good gear ratio and all-terrain cross tyres are recommended.
Route
Bad Tölz in Upper Bavaria is a good starting point. The town can be easily reached by train. Here, the "Via Bavarica Tyrolensis" cycle path leads over the Achen Pass into the Inn Valley. Sporty cyclists are recommended to take the variant via the Sylvensteinspeicher reservoir, while a more leisurely route leads via Bad Wiessee towards Austria. In the Inn Valley, follow the cycle path to Hall, then take the old Roman road up to Steinach and continue on the side road (300 metres in altitude) via Nösslach to Gries/Brenner. From Brennero/Brenner, take the cycle path via Gossensass and Sterzing to Bolzano/Bozen. In Bolzano, cycle along the old railway line to Kaltern.
Web info
You can find the best information on all four cycle routes on the Internet: http://www.via-bavarica-tyrolensis.com ;
http://www.tirol.gv.at (cycle touring);
http://www.suedtirol-it.com (South Tyrol South cycle path);
Best time to travel
The Brenner Pass is 1374 metres high. Crossing the Alps from May to October is therefore usually possible without snow. Dates around 15 August (Ferragosto) should be avoided.
Overnight stay
There are more than enough places to stay along the centuries-old trade route. Pre-booking is recommended, but not essential. Even in the high season, there are usually empty beds within a reasonable distance for cyclists. Tip: If possible, book your accommodation in the morning through the local tourist office at your destination. Then you can enjoy all the highlights along the way without any worries or time pressure.
Recommendable organiser
We were on the pilot tour with the Munich-based tour operator ALPS Biketours. This company specialises in Alpine crossings by trekking bike and places great importance on high standards when selecting hotels. The "Transalp Trekking Tirol" starts in Murnau and ends south of Lake Kaltern in Tramin. One week including guide, luggage transfer, return transport and accommodation/board costs 965 euros.
ALPS, Tel. 089/5427880, http://www.go-alps.de
Literature/Maps
These three cycle maps cover the tour perfectly: Upper Bavarian Alpine foothills, Tyrol-Eastern lowlands, South Tyrol. All Esterbauer, 1:75,000, 6.90 euros each, http://www.esterbauer.com .
The "Munich-Verona Cycling Guide" by Paul Bickelbacher, Galli Verlag, 11.90 euros, is highly recommended. With useful short explanations, map sections and telephone numbers of the most important tourist offices along the way. http://www.galli-verlag.de
