Merano is a perfect starting point for tours, as the second largest city in South Tyrol spreads out in a basin surrounded by exciting touring areas. On one side, the 3337 metre high Texel Group towers into the sky, on the other side of the Etschtal Valley the Dolomites await and the trail paradise of Latsch in the Vinschgau Valley is just a few stops away on the Vinschgau cable car. Each area has its own character, which is what makes the Merano region so diverse. Touring bikers, trail fans and families with young bikers can pedal off in all directions here. And after the tour, it's back to Merano's old town centre. On the piazza under the palm trees, all you have to do is decide whether you want an Aperol Sprizz, a cappuccino or a real Italian pizza.
What's new in the Merano region in 2016?
"In collaboration with the Naturno, Parcines, Castelbello and Laces tourism associations, we are currently finalising a new map with all the official routes. This will be available free of charge from the tourism associations and bike businesses (bike hotels, bike schools and shops) from spring 2016. In Naturno, there will also be a bike folder containing all additional information for bikers: Shuttle services, mountain railways and tour suggestions, categorised into enduro, cross country/marathon, family tours and, of course, new tours especially suitable for e-MTBs. It also lists the Ötzi Bike Academy programme, the bike board (bike-friendly restaurants serve a special menu) and bike rental addresses." (Klaus Nischler, bike guide and school director)
The 9 best panoramic, trail and family tours around Merano/Meran
The 3 best panoramic mountain bike 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 has an audience. These are the three most beautiful panoramic tours in Merano - including the five coolest huts in the region.
- Panorama tour 1: To the Naturnser Alm - 47 km, 1700 metres altitude, 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 metres difference in altitude, medium
The highest of feelings: 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. Make sure you do it!
- Panorama tour 3: To the Knottenkino - 33 km, 350 m elevation gain, medium
Far-reaching views from the cinema seat: the Knottenkino is both a work of art and a vantage point. The path to the cinema is paved with roots, making the short climb longer than expected.
Technical fillet pieces: the three 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 sensational 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 demanding.
- Trail tour 2: Relay hut tour - 33 km, 1000 m elevation gain, medium
The Staffel Hut alone is a worthwhile destination. It's nice that there are also a few kilometres of trails on the way there and the panorama is not to be sneezed at ...
- Trail tour 3: Vigiljoch trails - 22 km, 1450/800 altitude metres, difficult
The network of trails 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. A dream come true for technical riders!
Very cosy: the best family tours
It's great when your offspring take off and learn to control their own bike 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 shouldn't miss in Merano and Environs.
- Family tour 1: Vigiljoch tour - 20 km, 450 metres altitude, easy
The moderate family version over the Vigiljoch. The gondola keeps the tour relaxed, but offers plenty of panoramic views and the Schwarze Lacke is the ideal place to stop for refreshments.
- 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 m elevation gain, easy
This tour takes you up the Tomberg, the local mountain of Castelbello in the Venosta Valley. You cycle comfortably along the cycle path to Naturns and then climb the flanks of the Nörderberg.
All information about the tours including maps, altitude profiles and GPS data can be found at here
Information for mountain bikers in Merano and Environs
Arrival By car via the Brenner motorway to the Bolzano exit. Then continue on the main road to Merano. From Munich: 310 kilometres. More scenic: from Sterzing over the Jaufen Pass (2094 m) and through the Passeier Valley. From Lake Constance/Allgäu, the quickest way to Merano is via the Reschen Pass and Vinschgau Valley.
By coach from Munich (Hackerbrücke): "Meraner Land Express", from 5 March to 5 November every Wednesday and Saturday, return fare: 75 euros. Info: Tel. 0039/0473/200443, www.meran.eu
By train: www.bahn.de
Maps "Merano and environs", compass map no. 53 (1:50000), www.kompass.at or more detailed: the Tabacco map no. 011 (1:25000), www.tabaccoeditrice.com
Tour info Further GPS data and roadbooks to download: www.mountainbiker.it, www.sentres.com, www.suedtiroler-mountainbikeguide.com, www.bike-gps.com, www.trails.de
Guided tours Ötzi Bike Academy Naturns, Klaus Nischler, Tel. 0039/347/1300926, www.oetzi-bike-academy.com
Bike Academy Meraner Land, Scena/Schenna, tel. 0039/340/4890532, www.bikeacademy-meranerland.com
Bike shops
"Bike and More", Reichstraße 50/D in Merano-Sinigo, tel. 0039/0473/244612, www.bikeandmore.bz
S.S.38 Bike, Meranerstr. 3 in Lana, tel. 0039/347/5172970, www.ss38-bike.it
Sportler Meran, Lauben 270, Tel. 0039/0473/211340, www.sportler.com
Bike Point Gruber, Laubengasse 337 in Merano, tel. 0039/0473/237733, www.bike-point.com
Lifts/cable cars
Hirzer mountain railway in Schenna, www.hirzer.info
Taser cable car (Schenna), www.lana.info
Merano 2000 cable car, www.meran2000.net
Lana-Vigiljoch cable car in Lana (no bike transport from 10-12 am), www.vigilio.com
Tip
The Venosta Valley railway is a good way to reach tour starting points outside Merano (e.g. Laces or Naturno). Info: www.vinschgerbahn.it
Accommodation
Tip: Design Hotel Tyrol****
Susanne and Boris: The two of them are a real dream team. She, a true ray of sunshine with an exceptionally good eye for design and guest care, he, a technology geek and a bike pro through and through. Together they run the Design Hotel Tyrol**** in Parcines/Partschins. A true Garden of Eden in the centre of an up-and-coming bike region.
Info: www.tyrol-hotel.it, Tel. 0039/0473/967654
Further accommodation, tours and information can be found at www.bikehotels.it.
Gitta Beimfohr
Editor
