Tyrol Cycling Holidays: Innsbruck to Bolzano
Explore Tyrol in two countries: from the Austrian north to the sunny Italian side of the Alps
Visit Innsbruck’s old town and the famous Golden Roof
Follow the route over the Reschenpass, the border between Austria and Italy
Take a refreshing dip in Kalterer See, one of the warmest lakes in the Alps
Discover majestic castles and palaces in Merano’s elemental wonder of nature
Try Bolzano’s autochthone wines, such as Lagrein and S. Maddalena
Begin your adventure in Innsbruck
Visit the famous Golden Roof
Freshen yourself up at the Reschensee
Discover majestic forts and castles
Relax in Merano's majestic gardens
Take a swim in Kalterer See
Try Bolzano's indigenous wines
Enjoy the lively streets of Bolzano
Take a cable car to Soprabolzano
Itinerary
Your cycling adventure begins in Innsbruck, the vibrant capital of Tyrol. Upon arrival, you can take time to explore the city’s famous old town, a charming blend of medieval and baroque architecture. You can visit the City Tower, which offers stunning views, and check out the iconic “Golden Roof,” a 15th-century gilded landmark. Another highlight is the Bergisel Ski Jump, an architectural marvel offering breathtaking city vistas and surrounding peaks.
Hotel in Innsbruck
You will follow the former towpath along the Inn River, offering a comfortable and scenic ride at the foot of the striking Martinswand mountain. As you pedal through villages and bustling market towns, you will reach Stams, home to the impressive baroque Cistercian Abbey Stift Stams, which has its own schnapps distillery. Finally, you will arrive in Imst, known as the “Merano of North Tyrol.” You can explore the Rosengarten Gorge or take an adrenaline-filled ride on the Alpine Coaster, the world’s longest Alpine roller coaster.
65 km and 400 m of elevation gain / 180 m of elevation loss
Hotel in Imst
You will continue along the Inn River, passing the picturesque village of Zams, home to a historic monastery. Eventually, the route becomes a bit more varied as you pedal through hilly terrain, alternating between open valleys and forest paths. When approaching Pfunds, the landscape becomes even more magical, with towering peaks of the Alps framing your path.
Note: If you wish to avoid the climb to Reschenpass on Day 4, you can catch a bus from Landeck to Nauders and cycle straight to Burgeis, thus shortening the entire tour by a day.
55 km and 500 m of elevation gain / 310 m of elevation loss
Hotel in Pfunds
The route gradually ascends and climbs almost 900 meters to reach the top of Reschenpass, where Austria transitions into Italy. A rewarding downhill ride from the pass will take you into the heart of the Italian Alps, with the magnificent Lake Reschensee as your next highlight. The descent continues along quiet, minor roads through idyllic alpine landscapes, leading to the historic town of Mals, known for its many medieval towers. Your destination, Burgeis, lies at the foot of the majestic Marienburg Castle.
45 km and 860 m of elevation gain / 610 m of elevation loss
Hotel in Burgeis
Your day begins with a visit to Glurns, a town renowned for its well-preserved medieval city walls. The route will then lead you further, passing the Montani castle ruins and the charming town of Silandro. Along the way, you will encounter numerous castles, fortresses, and monasteries. You will be treated to spectacular views of the Ortlermassiv mountain range and the legendary Stilfserjoch mountain pass. The stage ends in Merano, known for its Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, offering a stunning view of the 80 different garden landscapes.
65 km and 130 m of elevation gain / 1050 m of elevation loss
Hotel in Merano
Today, you will ride along the scenic Adige River cycle path, passing through blooming orchards and endless vineyards along the South Tyrolean Wine Road. You will discover numerous historic landmarks, including fortresses, castles, and the renowned frescoes of Hocheppan Castle. You can even treat yourself to a swim in the refreshing Kalterersee, known as the warmest bathing lake in the Alps. Capping off your day, you will continue cycling to the cozy wine village of Ora.
45 km and 350 m of elevation gain / 450 m of elevation loss
Hotel in Ora
You are in for a relaxed ride today, following the flat paths through the picturesque Adige Valley surrounded by vineyards, leading you to the vibrant capital of South Tyrol – Bolzano. Upon reaching it, you can spend the rest of your day exploring its famous arcades, visiting the Archaeology Museum to meet Ötzi the Iceman, and unwinding with a caffè macchiato at Waltherplatz, the city’s lively central square.
20 km and 80 m of elevation gain / 20 m of elevation loss
Hotel in Bolzano
To make the most out of your last day of the journey, you can take the nearby Renon cable car to the 1221-meter-high Soprabolzano. From there, you can enjoy stunning views of the Dolomites and surrounding valleys before you wrap up your holidays and return back home.
Self guided
Included in price
Optional Extras
Description
The Tyrol Cycling Holidays offer a rich and diverse journey through one of Europe’s most picturesque regions, beginning in Innsbruck, Austria’s vibrant “Capital of the Alps,” and guiding you across the scenic Reschenpass to the sunny side of the Alps – the Italian South Tyrol.
The valleys of the Inn and Adige rivers will lead you through vineyards and past fortresses, castles, and medieval ruins. The region itself is every cyclist’s dream, with its mild spring climate, blooming orchards in summer, and the charm of grape harvests in autumn.
A good fitness level is recommended for the ascent to Reschenpass, but the effort is surely repaid with its amazing panorama.
Along the way, you will explore historic cities like Innsbruck, Merano, and Bolzano, each blending medieval charm with modern attractions, such as Innsbruck’s iconic Golden Roof, Merano’s Mediterranean-style arcades, and Bolzano’s famous Ötzi Museum.
You can also treat yourself to a swim in Kalternsee, one of the warmest lakes in the Alps. Additionally, the culinary delights are not to be ignored either, from the hearty spinach dumplings to the classic apple strudel, perfectly paired with indigenous wines of the Alto Adige Region.
Carefully designed for a hassle-free experience, the tour includes a fully mapped route with detailed directions, prearranged accommodations, convenient luggage transfers, and our reliable customer support.
This journey provides a fantastic opportunity to fully experience Tyrol, exploring its stunning landscapes from the Austrian side to its southern reaches in Italy.
Location
Things to know
Self-guided cycling tours provide a personalized and flexible approach to cycling holidays. You can explore at your own pace and adapt your route or schedule as you see fit. Our team arranges all details, such as logistics, accommodations, detailed itineraries, GPS routes, and 24/7 support. Thus, you can enjoy a stress-free, immersive experience that offers independence, customization, and authentic encounters with local culture.
Our tours are rated on a difficulty scale from 1 to 5 to help you choose the right adventure:
1/5 – Short daily distances of approximately 30 km. Easy, flat terrain suitable for everyone, including those with no prior sports experience.
2/5 – Daily distances up to 40 km. Some light uphill sections, up to 200 m, but not every day. Suitable for anyone in good health.
3/5 – Daily distances around 50 km. Daily altitude gains of up to 500 m. On days with less altitude, distances may be longer. Ideal for recreational cyclists in good physical condition.
4/5 – Daily distances of 60 km or more. Daily altitude gains of 500 m or more, with some stages reaching up to 1000 m. Designed for well-prepared amateur cyclists who are comfortable with uphill riding.
5/5 – Challenging stages with steep climbs and long distances. Suitable for experienced road cyclists seeking a demanding adventure along with breathtaking scenery.
We continuously strive to find the perfect fit for you. We work with multiple accommodation providers that meet our standards, but their availability can vary, especially during peak season. We can also tailor your holiday according to your preferences and budget, ensuring we find the most suitable solution for your taste.
We recommend booking as early as possible. Many of our tours pass through popular tourist destinations with limited accommodation options. The best-selling tours are often fully booked for the summer before spring arrives.
The ease of accommodating dietary restrictions depends on their severity. Vegetarian options are usual in Austria, but vegan dishes can be challenging in rural areas or smaller towns. Please note that lunch stops are often at traditional establishments that may struggle to cater to special requests outside their standard menu. Keep this in mind during your trip.
Generally, late spring (May) and early autumn (September) are the ideal times for cycling, depending on the tour. Summer is also a fantastic choice because Austria has a milder climate, especially in the Alps.
Most tours can proceed even in light rain, provided you dress appropriately. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the peak months of summer, so early starts are recommended. If the weather appears to be particularly unfavorable, we can adjust the tour beforehand. You will be in contact with our support in case last-minute changes are necessary.
Our tours cater to different cycling preferences, whether you prefer road, gravel, or mountain biking. Our cycling experts will consider your experience, preferences, and group dynamics to provide tailored recommendations. Additionally, e-bikes are always an option. If there’s a significant difference in fitness levels among group members, some can choose an e-bike while others opt for a regular bike.
The most versatile option is a gravel bike, even if you are coming on a road cycling holiday. Gravel bikes maintain excellent road performance while allowing you to explore scenic backroads that may be less maintained than main routes. They also tend to offer greater comfort, enhancing your overall experience.
If you’re not bringing your own bike and equipment, we can arrange a rental for you. We offer a wide range of bikes, including road, gravel, mountain bikes, and e-bikes, to suit your tour needs. Simply provide us with your usual bike size and any specific preferences, and we’ll ensure you have the perfect bike for a comfortable ride.
Our bike rentals include the agreed-upon bike, delivery before your tour, and pickup afterward. Additional equipment is also provided, such as a helmet, an extra chain, a basic repair kit, and pedals if needed.
We always pick locations and starting points which are reachable by public transport. Our travel agent will extensively advise you on the most optimal option.
All our tours take place in well-developed areas, ensuring you are always close to essential infrastructure and never isolated. Additionally, our agent is available by phone every day to assist with any emergencies. Your travel materials will also include a list of bike repair workshops with contact information, so you can easily access expert assistance for issues like flat tires and other repairs.
Each morning, you will leave your luggage at the hotel reception, where it will be collected by our taxi service and delivered to your next hotel. Your luggage will typically arrive by late morning or early afternoon. For your convenience, your travel materials will include the contact details and schedules of the taxi services handling the transportation.
Most of our tours are recommended for individuals aged 12 and older who have some cycling experience. However, the Drau Cycle Path is a family-friendly option, as it features mostly flat terrain and dedicated cycling paths away from main roads. That said, younger participants should be confident cyclists, and parents are encouraged to assess whether this tour is suitable for their family.
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