Via Claudia bike tour self-guided

Itinerary of the self-guided bicycle tour

Every Saturday from May 1st to September 15th 2020 – Special dates available on request

Day 1 (Saturday): Individual journey to Augsburg

Visit of the Roman provincial capital„ Augusta Vindelicorum

Day 2: Augsburg – Landsberg – 50 km / 31 miles

The place name Augsburg derives from the Roman name of the town „Augusta Vindelicorum“, which was founded in 15 B.C. under the rule of Emperor Augustus. Augsburg’s popularity however, was established with its role as a Fugger town. Therefore, a visit of the Fuggerei, which is the world’s oldest project for social housing still in use today, is almost a must. The stage to Landsberg is thought to be a comfy „run in“ on almost flat terrain.

Day 3: Landsberg – Schongau – 45 km / 28 miles

On the horizon you can already see the Alps but you get to enjoy the beauty of the region Pfaffenwinkel first. Schongau features a picturesque old town and almost completely preserved town walls.

Day 4: Schongau – Füssen/Schwangau – 40 km / 25 miles

Having left the old town of Schongau the cycling path along River Lech takes you into the Tyrol. Before heading over the border from Germany to Austria the beautiful fairy tale-like Neuschwanstein castle awaits you.

Day 5: Füssen/Schwangau – Imst – 40 km / 25 miles – without transfer 70 km / 44 miles

Today the tour takes us from Füssen to Reutte. From there our transfer brings you across Fern Pass in a comfortable way. From Fernstein castle you cycle past Nassereith and through the picturesque Gurgltal Valley to Imst. A “beery” adventure awaits you at the microbrewery at Starkenberg castle.

Day 6: Imst – Region Reschensee & Obervinschgau  – 55 km / 34 miles – without transfer 105 km / 66 miles

After a hearty breakfast you cycle from Imst to Landeck. From there we take the shuttle up to Nauders. Soon afterwards you cross the border to Italy at Reschen pass and with it the main Alpine ridge. You cycle downwards towards Malles past eschenstausee reservoir with the sunken church tower of Altgraun, one of the most famous photo motifs of Italy. Enjoy the first evening on South Tyrolean soil and enjoy strolling through the old alleyways of the town.

Day 7:  Region Reschensee & Obervinschgau – Merano – 65 km / 41 miles

Today you cross the entire Val Venosta. The route leads from an altitude of more than 1,000m down to the town of Merano that is located at an altitude of 350m. Most of the route follows the course of River Adige. From your starting place this pleasant cycling stretch leads down to the smallest town of the Alps, the town of Glorenza. Past the marble town of Laas you get to Naturns and eventually – past the impressive Kastellbell castle – to the spa town of Merano. Enjoy an evening walk through town along the “Passer” promenade surrounded by subtropical flora.

Day 8: Merano – Bolzano – 40 km / 25 miles

There is plenty to see along this route: Niederlana’s famous Schnatterpeckaltar, the largest Gothic wing altar in the Alpine area, the highest church tower of the South Tyrol in Terlan and a great number of fortresses and ruins on both valley slopes. The region also offers plenty of culinary delights: asparagus in Terlan, tasty chestnuts in Nals and last but not least excellent regional wines. As you reach the pedestrian zone of Bolzano you’ll soon realise the southern flair of the city.

Day 9: Bolzano – End of self-guided bike tour or extension

Individual departure or extension of your stay.

Dates & Price for 2022 cycle tours (Special or Sporty)

• Every Saturday from 1st May to 15 September classic tour 9 days/8 nights
  
• Every Sunday from 1 May to 15 September sporty tour 8 days/7 nights – Special dates available on request
• Accommodation in carefully selected 3-star hotels
• Special: 9 days / 8 nights
• Sporty: 8 days / 7 nights
• Mostly paved cycling paths and rural roads as well as less travelled back roads and village roads
• Shuttle transfer to conveniently manage two challenging mountain passes as of Reutte and Landeck
• Additional extra nights in Merano are also available
• Also for children from the age of 10 (high amount of cycling enthusiasm required)

What’s included in the self-guided cycle tour?