Lake Tegernsee-Lake Garda 

We start from the Lake Tegernsee, passing the Moni-Alm pasture and the
Erzherzog-Johann hermitage on our way south. A quick descent
brings us to the Inntal valley, where we stop in Jenbach for the night.

After a substantial breakfast we continue along the river Inn for a
short while. A moderate ascent via Patsch and Igls with their ski
slopes takes us to the Wipptal valley. Crossing lush green
pastures and ejoying the view of Innsbruck and the Stubai glacier,
we cycle on to Steinach and follow the old commercial artery to
Nösslach, our next overnight stay, featuring stunning views,
excellent cuisine and a wellness area for relaxation.

We cross the Brenner pass in the early morning, have a
cappuccino in the old town of Sterzing after a long descent via
Gossensass. Cutting across soft hills, we enjoy beautiful views and
the mild Italian air while cycling toward Brixen.

The day begins with a prol onged uphill ride amid impressive
landscape until we cross the street to the Würzjoch pass. From
here, the route descends to the Villnösstal valley, where we stop
to enjoy the idyllic atmosphere before tackling another ascent
along a zigzag road that takes us to the day´s destination.

After a short distance we cross the pass leading to the Grödnertal
valley. Passing St. Ulrich, we cycle across the Seiseralm pasture
and past the Schlern, soaring thorn-like into the sky before heading
for Kastelruth. A long descent brings us to Bolzano, South Tyrol´s
busy capital. We will be greeted by Schloss Siegmundskron, the ruin
of a 13´th ct. castle built at the spot where the 3 rivers Eisack, Talver
and Etsch meet. A little we stop for a swim in one of the Montigler
Seen. From here, the route leads us along another lake, the Kalterer
See, across the huge vineyards of this renowned wine -growing
area. We will get a chance to taste a choice of exquisite wines in
Kurtatsch.

On our last day we follow the river Etsch, the „national river“ of
South Tyrol, down to Trento, an old Episcopal town and from there
onwards to Rovereto. From here it is only a stone´s throw to our
final destination. Crossing the Passo San Giovanni, we will get the
most fascinating view of Lake Garda. The last descent to
Torbole/Riva is a mere “transport of joy“
* Only for beginners with a strong will!

Please let us know in advance (on the registration sheet) if you want to prolong your stay at beautiful Lake Garda. Otherwise, you can return with us to the starting point (Lake Tegernsee).

We start off at the Tegernsee together with the other group (see
page 10), passing the Moni -Alm pasture and the Erzherzog -Johann
hermitage on our way south. Soon after, we go separate ways,
following the Steinberger Ache to the most beautiful end of the
world, as the inhabitants of Steinberg themselves call their village in
the Rofan mountain range . From here we have to cover another
450 vm. The uphill stretch to the Kögeljoch pass is a real challenge
– but you can also push your bike for about 15 minutes, until we get
to the next steep downhill passage taking us to the Achensee, the
largest Tyrolea n lake. Along the lakeshore we carry on toward the
Inn valley, where we rejoin the other group in the afternoon.

Shortly before reaching Innsbruck we separate from the Level 1
group and heard for the Patscherkofel, the town´s landmark
mountain. We cross the terrain where part of the winter Olympics
took place in 1976 on one of the numerous dirt roads, gradually
climbing to an altitude of 1.700 m. Breathtaking views of the
Karwendel and the Stubai er mountain range open up to us
everywhere along the way. After a beautiful long descent, we head
for Nößlach at the foot of the Brenner, always following minor roads.

Just a few km outside Sterzing we start the ascent to the Maulser
Tal valley. We have to overcome an impressive 1.000 vm to get to
the Valser Joch pass, where we will be rewarded with a spectacular
outlook over the spiky Dolomites and the Geisler massif. In addition,
the longest downhill to the Pustertal valley is. (some 1.200 vm lower)

Having reached the road leading to the Würzjoch pass, our route
takes us right past the rocks of the Geisler massif. After a
difficult climb to the Brogles wind gap we follow an impressive
path cutting across lush meadows and presenting us with more
spectacular views. The strenuous ascent to the Flitzerscharte,
another wind gap, is followed by the technically demanding 400
vm descent on an old path formerly used by smugglers. From
here, rough trails and mountain roads mark the last ascents of
today´s stage until we arrive at Lajen, where we will spend the
night.

Cutting across vineyards, we soon r each the foothills of the Ritten
mountain range, which we have to climb before lunch -break. A
steep street leads us right up to the timerline at an altitude of 2.000
m. From up h ere we enjoy an amazing view oft the magnificent
rock formations of Rosengarte n, Schlern & Co. A breathtaking
descent takes us down to Bolzano some 1.200 vm below, where
we rejoin the other group and, passing the Montigler lakes on the
way, soon reach Kurtatsch, today´s destination.

We leave the Etschtal valley just after Trento and hea d for the
Valle di Cei at 1.000 m altitude. Far from the usual masses of
tourists we pass the lake of the s ame name and cycle through
several small mountain villages on our way along this idyllic vall ey
between the river Etsch and the Monte Stivo. The Passo Bordola at
1.250 m is the last challenging alpine pass to be tackled on this
tour. With the beautiful Etschtal valley stretching out down below
us and the Monte Baldo rising on the opposite side we cover the
last km to our final destination elated and full of joy.

Please let us know in advance (on the registration sheet) if you want to prolong your stay at beautiful Lake Garda. Otherwise, you can return with us to the starting point (Lake Tegernsee).

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