STAGE 1: Reschen Pass – Silandro (49 km)

Technical description:
The route along the Adige Valley bicycle path begins at the Reschen Pass, on the border with Austria, at an altitude of 1,500 m above sea level. In this first section you pedal along the so-called Vinschgau Valley Cycle Path, which following the flow of the Adige River leads to the gates of Bolzano.

In the first stage, the route starts by skirting Lake Resia to the village of San Valentino alla Muta. Pedaling downhill along the right side of the Adige River, we then reach the towns of Burgusio, Clusio and Glorenza. From the latter small medieval village-which is definitely worth a stop-the route continues to Prato allo Stelvio, passing through a protected nature area where the Rio Solda joins the Adige. In this section the path is not paved.

Leaving the village, the bicycle path continues in the direction of the small towns of Cengles, Oris, and Lasa, passing through areas planted with orchards in the shadow of the arid Sonnenberg.
In the last kilometers, the route (on a dirt road) flanks the Adige in a gorge that has remained unspoiled and is part of the Stelvio National Park, then reaches Covelano and finally Silandro, the capital of this part of the valley and the final stage finish.

SOURCE: The bike path along the Adige River – Reschen Pass by bike – a cyclist’s paradise awaits (venosta.net)

Length: 49 km
Elevation gain: 230 m
Downhill elevation gain: 990 m
Highest point: 1516 m
Lowest point: 714 m
Type of surface: mixed

Technical tips:
Bicycles can be rented from the many stations or specialized centers in the area.

Place of departure: Curon Venosta
Starting location: Reschenpass
Municipality of arrival: Silandro
Place of arrival: Silandro

Recommended period: May to October

The Adige Valley bike path is one of the most beautiful and important in northern Italy. It is 300 km long and leads from the headwaters of the river near the Reschen Pass in Upper Vinschgau to its mouth in the Adriatic Sea near Rosolina Mare.

The entire route can be divided into several stages and is popular with cycle tourists. In fact, the route is almost exclusively flat, or downhill in its initial section, and the trail has an easily passable bottom.