Piazza under palm trees and on tour with the Dolomites and Stubai Alps in front of you. This unique combination can only be found in Merano and Environs in South Tyrol. The mild climate makes the "Nice of the North" the perfect place to start the bike season as early as April. Until late autumn, you can cruise along the trails at an altitude of 2000 metres and then enjoy an ice cream in the old town.
We take you to the sun-kissed Merano region and show you the nine top tours in the region. The best thing is that you can download the GPS data for all of the following tours free of charge at the end of the article.
Clear the stage for the best panoramic tours
Whether you cruise across the wide plateau of Merano 2000, take on the challenge of the Vigiljoch or swing up to the local mountain Hirzer: every single metre of altitude is rewarded with a great panorama. Either striking peaks of the Dolomites come into view or King Ortler gives you an audience. We show you the three most beautiful panoramic tours of Merano and the five coolest huts.
- Panorama tour 1: To the Naturnser Alm - 47 km, 1700 m elevation gain, difficult After a crisp ascent to the Naturnser Alm, the Texel Group spreads out on the horizon. The snack tastes twice as good with a view of the 3000 metre peaks. Then a creamy trail downhill!
- Panorama tour 2: Merano 2000 - 28 km, 820 m elevation gain, medium The highest of emotions: from the high plateau above the spa town you can enjoy an unobstructed view of the Dolomites, but it gets even better on the way to the Stoanernen Mandln.
- Panorama tour 3: To the Knottenkino cinema - 33 km, 350 m elevation gain, medium View from the cinema seat: The Knottenkino cinema is both a work of art and a vantage point. The path to the cinema is paved with roots, which makes the short climb longer than expected.
Technical fillet pieces: the best trail tours
Trail fans don't have to look far in Merano and Environs. Technical, sometimes steep descents await under the Hirzer and on the Vigiljoch. On the plateaus of Merano 2000, narrow alpine trails wind their way down to the valley. Combined with the marvellous views, such a tour experience is hard to beat. In addition to the three most exciting trail tours, we show you the ten best off-trail spots.
- Trail tour 1: Tablander Alm - 32 km, 1370 metres altitude, difficult Long uphill, challenging downhill: Trail no. 5 from the Mauslochalm down to Tschirland is one of those typical South Tyrolean forest trails: crisp, steep, always exciting.
- Trail tour 2: Staffel hut tour - 33 km, 1000 m elevation gain, medium The Stafell hut alone is a worthwhile destination. All the better that you can take a few kilometres of trails with you on the way there and on the descent. Although it would also be a panoramic tour ...
- Trail tour 3: Vigiljoch trails - 22 km, 1450/800 metres altitude, difficult The trail network on the Vigiljoch is branched. You have to know which path leads to trail bliss. This one cruises first to the Schwarze Lacke, then down to the quarry path.
Very cosy: the best family tours
It's great when your offspring take off and learn to control their own tour handlebars. This makes it all the more important to choose tours with manageable climbs and a great adventure factor. Two disciplines that the Merano region masters perfectly. In addition to the most beautiful family tours, we have another ten things in our programme that you should definitely not miss in Merano and Environs.
- Family tour 1: Vigiljoch loop - 20 km, 450 metres in altitude, easy The moderate family version over the Vigiljoch. The gondola keeps the tour relaxed, but offers plenty of panoramic views and the ideal refreshment stop at the Schwarze Lacke.
- Family tour 2: Haflinger tour - 15 km, 530 metres in altitude, easy Stroke a Haflinger, the typical sturdy horses with straw-coloured manes, named after their place of origin. This family tour takes you round the high plateau.
- Family tour 3: Over the Tomberg - 17 km, 530 metres in altitude, easy This tour takes you up the Tomberg, the local mountain of Castelbello in Val Venosta/Vinschgau. You cycle comfortably along the cycle path to Naturns and then climb the flanks of the Nörderberg.
The big tour special Meraner Land with all information can be found as Free e-paper to browse through and as an extra issue in BIKE 5/2014.
Buy more exciting travel specials digitally now for just 1.99 euros.
Either read the issue in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or in the DK shop reorder:
