For many active people, experiencing the Alps on two wheels provides the ultimate rush to the senses. The route partly runs along bumpy mountain pasture paths or, as here on the Stilfs mountain pass, on steep hairpin bends 2758 metres up into the world of King Ortler, at 3905 metres the highest peak in the South Tyrolean Alps. Whoever has conquered these 48 hairpin bends with a great sense of purpose, can truly be proud and enjoy the marvellous massiveness of the mountain with the glittering Stilfserjoch glacier at the end of the breathtaking climb.

For those to whom the steep hairpin bends proof too much excitement and exertion, you can also enjoy the more relaxing Vinschgau cycle route on the “Via Claudia Augusta” between the Resia pass and Merano

Hardly 30 km away from the White Horse Inn a culinary experience awarded with one star and 16 crests awaits the cycling friends of the "Via Claudia Augusta”. The star chef Jörg Trafoier is in charge of the kitchen of the hotel restaurant Kuppelrain, dating back to the Jugendstil (art nouveau) period, and with his wife (the wine hostess) celebrates a superior culinary experience, an unforgettable gourmet evening. The perfect occasion for a stylish and pleasant finale to an active day.

Hotel Goldene Rose, Schnalstal/Val Senales: Enjoy traditional South Tyrolean hospitality. Previous experiences develop into new ideas. In our modern hotel we place great emphasis on the traditions of the past. Prepare yourself for a relaxing holiday in elegant surroundings at the Hotel Zur Goldenen Rose. A central meeting place where locals drop in for a regular glass of wine. The relaxed atmosphere creates an ideal place for our guests to experience real South Tyrolean hospitality. An aperitif at the bar, Soul & Blues playing in the background. Here many a sporting day has come to an end with a last espresso and soft piano tunes.

The historic Weisse Rössl (White Horse Inn, anno 1480) in Lichtenberg near Prad offers cycling enthusiasts an all-inclusive cyclist's special, from a light active menu to a hearty breakfast to kick-start a successful day of cycling. However, if culinary pleasures are more what you are after, then you are welcome to it in the Rössl, where the young chef Dario Di Pietrantonio is known for his tantalising menu creations. Who would not be attracted to the Weisse Rössl when knowing that the head of the establishment takes his place in front of the piano and sings for the guests? The Rössl landlord Bernhard Tschenett is also known as “Bennett”, the South Tyrolean Soul Pop singer with the powerful voice. The combined enjoyment of good food and good music is an experience to be enjoyed.

After cycling the Via Claudia Augusta on the route between the Resia pass and Merano, you can decide on a more relaxing return trip (including bicycle) by means of the Vinschger train, which links all the towns on this route. A tip at this point. Choose the quieter days of the middle of the week for your cycling tour along the Via Claudia Augusta and avoid Sundays, which unfortunately means full trains!
You will find a route map at our partner hotels (see link above)

Bicycle rental at all Vinschger train stations.