Full Speed Ahead!

Walking is great, but what about a ride through the lush green natural Alpine landscape of Merano and Environs? Around Schenna alone, there are some 124 miles of marked cycling paths. So whether you're a recreational cyclist, on a cycling excursion, or interested in downhill cycling, fun and enjoyment are guaranteed.

If you don't have your own bicycle, the Hohenwart supplies mountain bikes (free of charge) and E-Bike Schenna rents out electric bicycles. Excursion programs for mountain biking and further information on mountain biking and route options are available at www.merano-suedtirol.it/en/scena/cycling/.

The bike excursions are a permanent feature of the Hohenwart Active Program, for all those in good physical shape and for habitual cyclists. In August, there are rides on the Sella Ronda Bike Tour led by Josef Mair. The 33-36 miles route passes through a spectacular backdrop of rocky slopes and steep peaks of the plateau-like mountain, leading up to the Sella Pass in four stages. Depending on your level of physical fitness, a section of the ride at altitudes of between 9,800 and 13,000 ft, may also be negotiated by mountain train. The fast descents are, for the most part, single trail.

On August each year, there is a traditional car-free day on the Stelvio Pass and Hubert, our long-serving receptionist invites you to participate in an exciting ride across the legendary Queen of the Passes. The route runs for 17 miles along winding roads, through the national park and climbing 9,055 ft right to the top of the Stelvio Pass. The spectacular views to be had from the highest mountain pass in all of Italy make it really worth the effort.

One word of advice: come and explore the South Tyrol with the Bikemobil Card. This is a multi-mode ticket enabling travel by bus, rail and includes bicycle rentals and is valid throughout the region. The Bikemobil Card can be purchased for a single day, 3 days or 7 consecutive days, utilizing all forms of public transport in the South Tyrol, without restriction including bike rental. Bicycles are available from a number of rental points at railway stations, titled Südtirol Rad-Alto Adige Bike.