The Via Claudia Augusta in South Tyrol

The road of the Roman Empire across the Alps

The Etsch Cycle Path along the historic Via Claudia Augusta takes you from the Resia Pass to the spa town of Merano – 80 kilometers of nature, culture, and history on two wheels. Once a trade route used by Celts and later expanded by the Romans, today it's a favorite for road cyclists, e-bikers, and families exploring the Vinschgau Valley actively.

Route highlights: From Roman roads to Alpine charm
Your journey starts at Reschensee lake near the Austrian border. From there, the path leads you to Burgeis/Burgusio and the majestic Marienberg Abbey – the highest Benedictine monastery in Europe. Ride on to Mals/Malles, famous for its seven towers, and to the medieval town of Glurns/Glorenza with its intact city walls. Pass through the marble village of Laas/Lasa, continue through the orchards of Kastelbell/Castelbello, and stop in Naturns/Naturno to visit the early Christian Proculus Church. The final stretch takes you through the narrow Töll/Tel gorge down into Meran/Merano. Expect sweeping views, historic sites, and delicious South Tyrolean cuisine along the way.

Bike rental & mobility: Ride freely with South Tyrol’s one-way system
Whether using your own bike or a rental, you’ll enjoy flexible and eco-friendly mobility in the Vinschgau region. Thanks to the convenient “one-way” system – offered by services like “Südtirol Rad” or “Papin Sport” – you can rent a bike at one station and return it at another, without needing to backtrack. Many stations are equipped with e-bike charging points and offer easy access to trains and buses, making it simple to plan spontaneous trips or combine cycling with public transport.

Good to know: Route updates and detours
Please note: As of September 2, 2025, the Martinsbrucker Road on the Austrian side is temporarily closed to cyclists. A detour via Altfinstermünz and the Bierweg (a gravel road, unsuitable for racing bikes) is possible. Alternatively, bike shuttles and public transport are available. For bike transport, contact:
Schmid Reisen: +43 (0)664 121 70 50 / info@bus-taxi.tirol
SFL Taxi: +43 (0)547 667 00
We recommend avoiding peak hours if traveling with a bike on public transport, as space is limited and subject to a fee.

Up-to-date

If there are road blocks, you will find all current information on our maps: maps.vinschgau.net

Via Claudia Augusta Part 1: From Reschensee Lake to Merano

General description

The Adige cycling Trail runs along the ancient Roman road Via Claudia Augusta, in some parts flat in others downhill. The excellent network of cycle paths in the Vinschgau Valley allows for relaxed cycling on good surfaces, either asphalted or gravelled and rolled. The Adige Cycling Tour is particularly popular for moderate cyclists. There are different stations where it is possible to rent bicycles and return them in some other stations. So there is no need to bring your own bike. Simplify the tour and jump with the bike on the Vinschger Train at any time.

Route description

Starting in Reschen, the cycle path runs past the tower in the lake, along the shore of Haidersee Lake, via Burgeis with a view of Mals with its seven Romanesque churches, through the medieval town of Glurns. Here the route continues flat via Prad, the entrance gate to the Stilfserjoch National Park, through the marble village of Laas, downhill to Göflan and through orchards to Latsch. From Latsch, the route continues past Kastelbell Castle and the early Christian Proculus Church in Naturns and ends in Meran.

State open

Length 82.905 km

Difficulty easy

Difference in height uphill 262 hm

Difference in height downhill 1490 hm

Difference in height 1531 m

Upper Venosta Valley

Via S. Benedetto, 1

39024 Mals

info@ferienregion-obervinschgau.it