3rd ROUTE: Merano – Bolzano (32 km)

The Adige Valley bike path is also called the “apple bike path,” and during this stage you can see why. Indeed, one pedals among numerous orchards, in which the eternal apple orchards stand out, set in a very picturesque river landscape.

On this section of the route, which leads from Merano to Bolzano, the course of the river is followed entirely. The mountain slopes that are mirrored in the Adige River are rich with churches and ancient castles, in a history-nature combination that makes for a particularly pleasant trip.

Technical description:
The Adige River Cycle Path continues through orchards without presenting any particular difficulties.
Before reaching Bolzano, it is possible to detour in the direction of Kaltern and Eppan, crossing the bicycle bridge, or to continue straight for 1 km and reach the junction between the city-bound bicycle path and the track leading to Bassa Atesina.

Length: 32 km
Height difference in ascent: 40 m
Downhill elevation gain: 90 m
Highest point: 310 m
Lowest point: 236 m
Type of surface: mixed

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

Place of departure: Merano
Starting location: Merano
Municipality of arrival: Bolzano
Finish location: Bolzano

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.