Via Claudia Augusta

• Mostly paved cycling paths (parts of the trail are also gravel) and rural roads as well as less travelled back roads and village roads
• Shuttle transfer to conquer Fern Pass starting from Biberwier

• Also for teenagers from the age of approx. 14 years (high amount of cycling enthusiasm required)

• Every Sunday from May 1^st to September 15^th 2021

• Special dates available on request (no extra charge for groups of at least 6 persons)

• 10 days | 9 nights (incl. days of arrival and departure), approx. 550 km

• Bookable as individual tour

Visit of the Roman provincial capital „Augusta Vindelicorum“

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 a must. Schongau features a picturesque old town and almost completely preserved town wall.

Having left the beautiful 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 castle Neuschwanstein awaits you.

Shortly after Reutte the “Ehrenberger Klause”, a fortress built in the time of the Thirty Years’ War that is well worth seeing can be visited. From Lermoos or Biberwier respectively you can take the VCA-Pickaback shuttle to cover the demanding route up Fern Pass. From Fernstein castle you cycle past Nassereith and the picturesque Gurgltal Valley to Imst. A “beery” adventure awaits you at the microbrewery at Starkenberg castle. From the town of Imst you will pedal along Inn Valley to the town of Landeck.

Next to river Inn the cycle way leads from Landeck to the so called Oberes Gericht and on to Pfunds. Past Pfunds the cycle way is on swiss state territory for approx. 10km. From Martina/Unterengadin you’ll conquer 400m of height distance along the winding but not too steep road of Norbertshöhe. A short coast down to Nauders is followed by a short and easy uphill passage where you cross the border to Italy at Reschen Pass and with it the main Alpine ridge. You cycle downwards towards Malles past Reschenstausee 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.

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.

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. After a short stop at South Tyrol’s capital city of Bolzano you have a wonderful occasion of refreshing your legs at Lake Caldaro. Today’s tour ends at Castelfeder Holiday Region with the towns of Ora, Montagna, Egna and Salorno, which is where the German speaking South Tyrol ends.

You should know a couple of Italian words by now. Ride along River Adige towards Trento where you can visit the old town with its dome and Castle Buonconsiglio. Past Trento you’ll pass small towns like Rovereto and Pilcante to Avio or Belluno Veronese. They say that this is where the best wine is made since the 15th century. Even though Veronese is less than 10 km away from Lake Garda there is a lot less touristic ado. Enjoy the rural ambience over a glass of local wine.

Before you’ll reach the city of Romeo & Juliet you’ll have to overcome one more little ascent up to Rivoli Veronese. Have a good time relaxing or strolling or discovering the arena of Verona …