Cycle on bike paths in the river valleys of the Inn and Adige rivers on this self-guided holiday from Innsbruck to Bolzano. This is a superb tour that combines scenic routes with rewarding cycling, and as buses are used for the climbs, the tour is suitable for most levels.
Enjoy a meandering route through orchards, vineyards and pretty towns, and past fortresses, castles and ruins before ending your tour in the town of Bolzano with its fascinating arcades and museum.
Day 1: Arrival in Innsbruck
Today there will be a welcome briefing. Rental bikes will also be distributed and bike fitting will be available. We recommend, for this afternoon, making a visit to the famous Innsbruck old town, with its City Tower and its “Golden Roof”.
Day 2: Innsbruck – Imst approx. 65 km
Today's route will take you on the former towpath of the river Inn, at the foot of Martinswand (mountain face), before leading you through little villages and market towns, to Stams (baroque Cistercian convent). Later, you will continue your tour via Haiming to Imst, the so-called “Merano of North Tyrol”.
Day 3: Imst – Burgeis/Mals approx. 50 km + bus transfer
On your second cycling day, you will continue to ride along the River Inn, past the monastery Zams, to Landeck. Once there you will then be a bus transfer to Nauders. From here, you will climb less than 100 metres in altitude, as you cycle uphill to the mountain pass Reschenpass. It is then a downhill ride to Lake Reschensee, where you will continue on minor roads to the town of Mals (which features many towers in its centre), or to Burgeis at the foot of the castle Marienburg.
Day 4: Burgeis/Mals – Merano approx. 65 km
Today will begin with a trip to Glurns (famous for its perfectly preserved medieval city walls). You will then cycle, via the Montani castle ruins, through Schlanders, down to Merano. As you ride, you will come across some pretty castles (mountaineer Reinhold Messner’s castle Juval) and you can enjoy spectacular views of the impressive mountain massif Ortlermassiv, and the mountain pass Stilfserjoch. The Venosta train (Vinschgaubahn) has been operating between Mals and Merano since 2004. It is almost always possible to take this train a part of your journey.
Day 5: Passeiertal/Merano approx. 40 km
On this ride, you will get to experience travelling through the Passeiertal valley to the Sandwirt inn (birthplace of the Tyrolean freedom fighter Andreas Hofer). If, however, you want a break from the bike, you can otherwise hike on the famous Tappeiner trail or go shopping at the famous arcades of Merano.
Day 6: Merano –Auer approx. 50 km
Today’s stage will take you via Lana (Schnatterpeck Altar), through numerous orchards and vineyards in the area of the South Tyrolean Wine Road. As you discover this area, you will pass many fortresses, castles, and ruins such as Hocheppan (famous frescos), on your way to Lake Kalterer See.
Day 7: Auer – Bolzano approx. 35 km
Today marks the end of your cycling adventure. On your final ride, you will leave charming wine towns behind you, as you embark on a flat route, either through the Adige valley or via the Montiggler lakes (scenic, but more demanding route), past Sigmundskron to Bolzano (arcades, “Ötzi” museum).
Day 8: Departure or extension
Wouldn’t it be wonderful end this holiday and discover more of Italy? If you want, you can combine this tour with another one to either Venice or Verona.
Difficulty: Medium
You cycle to and from the bakery, but only when the sun is shining. Cycling has to be fun, and is not just a method of fitness in your eyes. Nevertheless, gentle hills or longer sections on gravel tracks don’t pose any problems for you. You pedal along enjoying the lovely views in the countryside as you go.
You will cycle on bike paths in the river valleys of the Inn and Adige rivers. A bus will take you from Landeck to Nauders. From there you will cycle uphill, gaining 70 metres in altitude, before you reach Reschenpass (mountain pass). Afterwards, you can enjoy cycling downhill for more than 1,200 metres in altitude to Bolzano. In order to stay on calm roads, cycling some small climbs will be necessary.
Route Map (For guidance only):
Routes maybe subject to change or alteration. All route notes, maps and day-by-day information will be given to you upon arrival at the first hotel or at the welcome meeting. GPS/GPX Files are available for most our the cycling holidays we offer. Please ask us for details.
Total distance cycled: 305 km
Starting point of the cycling holiday: Innsbruck
Route Overview (For guidance only):
Stage | Kilometres | Special notes regarding the route |
Innsbruck - Imst | 65 km | The route starts off flat going along the River Inn. From the 50km mark, you should expect some short climbs. From the 50km point you can take the train from Ötztalstation if you prefer. |
Imst – Burgeis/Mals | 50 km | Before Landeck, there are two short climbs. From Nauders to Lake Reschensee another approx. 100m increase in altitude to be cycled |
Organisation: We recommend starting by 9am. Bus transfer to Reschenpass from Landeck (23.5km) to Nauders takes approx. 70 min. From 11:50am your tour representative will be at Landeck train station. The bikes need to be loaded onto the trailer. Be there by 11:55 at the latest. Departure time is 12:12 (bus number 4218 to Nauders). Any changes to this will be announced at the welcome briefing. | ||
Burgeis/Mals - Merano | 65 km | Today is mainly downhill (700m altitude difference). You can shorten this stage by using the Vinschgau train. |
Excursion Passeier Valley | 40 km | Today you travel along a cycle path following the Passer River through the orchards to St. Leonhard and return the same way to Merano.Large parts of today’s stage are on easy to cycle on gravel paths. |
Merano – Auer | 50 km | There is a climb between km 35.0 and km 41.0. Between km 27 and km 35 the route description doesn‘t match with the map. Please follow the official cycle path signs. |
Auer – Bolzano | 35 km | Two options to Bolzano: Along the Adige dam (approx. 25km) or via the Montiggler lakes (approx. 30km), this is the more demanding (several climbs) but also more beautiful route. |
We recommend flying to Innsbruck airport to reach the starting point of this cycling holiday.
Flights are available with a number of airlines to your required airport or you can travel to the start using alternative methods such as rail or road.
We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best flight prices by date or for European rail travel. There is customer car parking available at most hotels for a supplement. Please contact us for more details.
Please use local transport to arrive at the starting point or call us on 0161 703 8161 for more specific travel advice.
You do not need to go back to the starting point of the cycling holiday as all hire bikes are left at the final hotel.
Important: Please book your flights only after the cycling holiday has been confirmed by invoice or email. Flights and transfers are not included in the advertised holiday price.
The Innsbruck to Bolzano cycling holiday includes the daily transfer of luggage to the next hotel and local support if required.
Included Services (Subject to confirmation)
Not Included
About the Rental Bikes
This cycling holiday uses quality crossbar and unisex hybrid bikes based on KTM frame technology, Selle Royal saddles, Shimano components and puncture-proof tyres to ensure that you have an enjoyable cycle tour. The bikes feature modern V-brakes, aluminium frames with mudguards, comfortable saddles and a rack for a supplied waterproof pannier.
You will also receive a handlebar bag and map holder for easy navigation when riding your daily itinerary. Prices advertised on the website include standard bike hire (unless stated). Colour and specification may vary from the image shown.
Unisex Bike (Colour may vary)
Men's Bike (Colour may vary)
Electric Bike (Colour may vary)
Rental Bike PLUS
For 2020, there is an additional bike rental option available for a supplement. The PLUS hybrid bike now available on most cycling holidays is sportier with higher quality brakes (Magura HS 11) and better specification gears (Shimano Deore XT). The riding position is designed to have a slightly sportier sitting posture and a high quality Suntour suspension fork gives smooth riding on most surfaces. All accessories are compatible with the new PLUS bike rental option.
Accessories
If you would like GPX files for a suitable device, please request them at the time of booking. Devices are not provided and please make sure that you bring along with you any fittings required to attach the Garmin (or similar) to the handlebars. You might want to download maps onto your phone to avoid data charges when roaming.
All bikes are provided with standard flat pedals. You can bring your own cycling pedals, but ensure that you have the correct tools to remove the pedals if the tour does not have a welcome meeting. You may also not be able to travel through airports with the tools if you are carrying hand luggage only.
You can rent a men's bike with a crossbar, unisex/female bike with a sloping tube or an electric bike for a supplement.
Gears
7 speed bikes are equipped with a Shimano Nexus gear hub and 21 speed bikes have a Shimano Alivio derailleur. We request 21 speed bikes for all cycling holidays (when available).
Frame Sizing
When you make a booking with us, we take your height(s) and the appropriate bike size is matched up accordingly. Unisex frame 21-gears with freewheel. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 / 43 cm. Unisex 7-gears-bikes with back pedalling brake. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 cm. Men’s speed bikes 21-gears with free wheel and crossbar. Sizes: 64 / 60 / 56 "sloping" cm. Helmets are not provided and you will need to bring your own to use.
We always recommend wearing a helmet when on your cycling holiday!
Bike Hire Insurance
This cycle tour benefits from bike insurance against rental bike theft and damage in the holiday price. Please make sure you lock up the bike, leave it where told by the hotel and treat your hire bicycle as if the bike was your own. Any negligent treatment of the bike will exempt you from cover. We advise you to ensure that you have adequate travel insurance for your cycling holiday prior to arrival.
Electric Bike Hire
Why not upgrade your cycling experience to an E-Bike (Electric Bike)? Using a power assisted bike is a great way to go on a cycling holiday and will help you smooth out inclines or longer days in the saddle. Each E-Bike features an LCD display, removable batteries for easy charging and assistance up to 25 km/h with a range of around 120 km for each full charge depending on usage.
E-Bike upgrade prices vary per tour, but if you require any more information about bike hire and electric bikes, please get in-touch with us on 0161 703 8161.
This cycling holiday stays in good quality hotels with private facilities carefully selected for their proximity to your cycle route and comfort. If you wish to know specific information about the hotel facilities, Wi-Fi and upgrades used on the holidays, please contact us on 0161 703 8161 for more information.
Please note that the hotel list is subject to change and should be used as a guide only.
We will confirm the exact hotels prior to arrival.
Innsbruck to Bolzano | sample hotel LIST |
Innsbruck | Austria Trend Congress **** |
www.austria-trend.at | |
Imst | Hotel Hirschen *** |
www.hirschen-imst.at | |
Burgeis/Mals | Garni zum Hirschen *** |
www.hotel-hirschen.it | |
Merano | Hotel Flora *** |
www.hotelsmerano.it/en/hotel-flora-merano | |
Auer | Bio-Hotel&Residence Kaufmann *** |
www.hotelkaufmann.it | |
Bolzano | Hotel Scala Stiegl **** |
www.scalahot.com |
You will receive your final hotel list approximately 4 weeks prior to your arrival date detailing the hotels used on your cycling holiday. If you wish to know more about the hotels prior to completing a booking form, please contact our Customer Services team via email or by phone.
You can find out more about this cycling holiday by calling 0161 703 8161 to speak to one of the team.
You can now book this cycling holiday online using our secure booking engine. Book online here >>
Season | Date Band | Arrival Day |
Season 1: | 24.04.-07.05.2021 | 25.09.-09.10.2021 | Saturday and Wednesday |
Season 2: | 08.05.-18.06.2021 | 11.09.-24.09.2021 | Saturday and Wednesday |
Season 3: | 19.06.-10.09.2021 | Saturday and Wednesday |
Season | Prices per person excluding bike hire |
Season 1: | £820 |
Season 2: | £870 |
Season 3: | £905 |
Half Board Upgrade (7x): | £190 |
Single Room Supplement: | £210 |
Electric Bike Upgrade: | £180 |
Rental Bike PLUS: | £125 |
Category Type | Accommodation Overview |
Category A: | 3* / 4* hotels. |
Location | Price DBL/BB | Single Supplement Price SGL/BB |
Innsbruck: | £65 | £95 |
Bolzano: | £70 | £130 |
Date From | Date To |
---|---|
24 April 2021 | 09 October 2021 |