from Donauwörth to Venice

From Donauwörth to Quarto d'Altino/Venice "Sporty"

Day 1: Individual journey to Donauwörth

Welcome to the former end of the Roman Via Claudia Augusta, welcome to the start of a long, diversified and historical tour in southward direction.

Day 2: Donauwörth - Augsburg (approx. 50 km)

As on the following 2 days the route from Donauwörth to Augsburg follows the banks and meadows of the River Lech. Augsburg offers a rich variety of historic sights, therefore it fits just right that the first stage is a little shorter. Don’t miss out on a visit of the Fuggerei, which is the world’s oldest project for social housing still in use today, is a must.

Day 3: Augsburg – Region Schongau (approx. 85 km)

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.

Day 4: Region Schongau – Reutte (approx. 55 km)

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.

Day 5: Reutte – Landeck (approx. 65 km | without Transfer approx. 75 km)

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. 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.

Day 6: Landeck – St. Valentin/Burgusio/Malles (approx. 85 km)

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.

Day 7: St. Valentin/Burgusio/Malles – Merano (approx. 65 km)

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 – Castelfeder Holiday Region (approx. 50 - 60 km)

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.

Day 9: Castelfeder Holiday Region – Levico Terme (approx. 60 - 70 km)

You should have managed to pick up a couple of Italian words before you continue to pedal on along River Adige to Trento where you see the old town with its Dome and Castle of Buonconsiglio. The sporty highlight today are about 600 metres of altitude difference up to Civezzano and Pergine Valsugana. Just a couple of kilometres more and you reach Lake Levico which will make you forget the struggle ;-)

Day 10: Levico Terme – Feltre (approx. 65 km)

A beautiful tour on a new cycle path from Levico Terme along River Brenta to Borgo Valsugana and Primolano awaits you. From here you have to take a regular road up to Arsie and Fonzaso in order to finish in Feltre, one of the most important historical cities.

Day 11: Feltre – Pieve di Soligo (approx. 50 km or 60 km via Praderadego-Pass)

Today you’ve got two options. Either you take the hilly but not too exhausting road through the Prosecco-vineyards or you take the sporty road and pass by Lentiai and the impressive Praderadego-Pass (approx. 900 Altitude difference). Pieve di Soligo is definitely perfect to relax after a “harder” day.

Day 12: Pieve di Soligo – Quarto d’Altino/Venice (approx. 65 km)

You have to hit the pedals just one more time in order to get to Venice. On the way you find some real highlights too. Right past Pieve di Soligo, still in the middle of the prosecco hills you see Castello San Salvatore throning. Soon after Ponte Priula you arrive at the art and radicchio-town of Treviso which is finally followed by Quarto d’Altino, a small town very close to the original start of Via Claudia Augusta.

Day 13: Excursion to Venice – Overnight stay again in Quarto d’Altino

Set aside your bike and relax while you take the train in approx. 20 minutes to the train station Santa Lucia of Venice. This is the perfect initial point to explore the uncountable alleys and channels of Venice. Have a look at Piazza San Marco and maybe even treat yourself with a gondola ride…

Day 14: Individual Return Journey or Extension