The Haus Pass, a 1,363-metre-high staple of the Bolzano cycling scene, stands out as a clearly visible notch in the almost vertical rock face of the Mendel Ridge. This mountain ridge stretches 35 kilometres southwards, running parallel to the Adige Valley. You really have to be standing right at the foot of this 2,000-metre-high mountain in Eppan or Kaltern to believe that a road actually winds its way up this sheer face: 15 hairpin bends – some of them quite tight – pile up here on the way up to the Mendel Pass. The whole route features a comfortably rideable average gradient of 6–7 per cent (with the steepest section at 12 per cent). The 850 metres of elevation gain from Eppan or Kaltern is spread over a distance of 13 to 14 kilometres. Naturally, the panoramic view expands with every bend. First, a bird’s-eye view of Lake Kaltern and the surrounding vineyards flashes into view between the trees; later, the unobstructed vista stretches beyond Bolzano all the way to the Dolomites.
Instead of the smell of exhaust fumes, there will be the scent of grapes
The perfect setting, then, for a leisurely day’s cycling along the mountain pass – an occasion which the South Tyroleans will, of course, be celebrating in style to mark the 20th anniversary: On Saturday 19 September, the Mendel Pass road will be closed to car and motorbike traffic from 9 am to 4.30 pm. Cyclists of all levels will instead be making their way up the hairpin bends. And as the grape harvest will already be in full swing by then, the scent of grapes will waft up from the valley. Experience shows that this makes you hungrier than usual, which is why there’ll be various food stalls and live music acts waiting for you in Matschatsch and at the Mendel Pass. Whether you let yourself be tempted by a glass of Kalterer wine in these festive surroundings is up to you.
However, there are also a few lovely options for extending your tour around the Mendel Pass:
- We’d also recommend taking a detour to the 1,727-metre-high Penegal (an extra 4 km and 465 metres of elevation gain), as the view from the top is even more impressive.
- A long combined route featuring a descent via a mountain pass into the Val di Non in Trentino, followed by a crossing of the 1,518-metre-high Gampen Pass. However, the pass will not be closed to traffic on 19 September. Total distance: 80 km / 1,800 metres of elevation gain.
- Mountain bikers can continue climbing from the Mendel Pass up to Monte Roen, at an altitude of 2,116 metres. That’s another 800 metres of elevation gain – an extremely steep climb up to the Romeno Alm. But where else can you find a summit cross offering a 360-degree panorama?
- A tour of the elegant, historic villas at the Mendel Pass. It is said that even Empress Sissi, Gandhi and several popes once stayed up here because of the fresh air.
The best way to make the most of this anniversary public holiday is to combine it with a Törggelen weekend in Kaltern, Eppan or Tramin. That way, the trip really becomes a proper harvest festival.
Information on the 20th Car-Free Day at the Mendel Pass:
- Date: Saturday 19 September 2026, 9.00 am – 4.30 pm
- Starting points: Eppan, Kaltern (east side) and Fondo (west side, 11 km / 495 hm)
- Tour length: 14–15 kilometres (depending on the starting point) and approx. 850–900 metres of elevation gain
- Average gradient: 6–7 per cent
- Accommodation: bikehotels.it
- Information: kaltern.com
Gitta Beimfohr
Editor
