About 2000 years ago the adopted son of imperator Augustus, General Drusus realized over his military career the significance of well-maintained and quickly passable transport routes from the northern Roman provinces to the Mediterranean. For that reason it was more than necessary to build a pass road to link the northern and southern parts of the empire divided by the Alps. The Via Claudia Augusta, completed within 60 years, is an exemplary sample of Roman construction and a masterpiece of antique engineering. With this road, the Romans had built the first proper mountain road across the Fern Pass and the Reschen Pass. Nowadays the Via Claudia Augusta enables cyclists to experience a unique and stunning crossing of the Alps and to get to know the most beautiful sides of the former Roman domain. And thanks to organized transfers across the two passes you can do so without too much effort. Of course, it's still your choice whether to use the transfers or to use your own muscle strength. The variety of different landscapes along the Via Claudia Augusta and also the many options offered make this bicycle tour a unique adventure which you have to experience for yourself!
Day 1: Individual journey to Füssen in Bavaria
King Ludwig II. and his fairy-tale castle welcome you in Füssen/Schwangau.
Day 2: Füssen - Imst, ~40 km | without transfer ~70 km
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 3: Imst - Holiday region Lago di Resia & Alta Venosta, ~55 km | without transfer ~105 km
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 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 4: Holiday region Lago di Resia & Alta Venosta - Merano, ~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 5: Merano - Region Castelfeder, ~50 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. And - after the optional visit of Bolzano you'll have the wonderful opportunity to refresh your legs at Lake Caldaro.
Day 6: Region Castelfeder - Trento, ~50 km
Today you cycle along River Adige that is lined by orchards until you get to Salorno. The German-speaking part of the South Tyrol ends here. The stage finishes in the town of Trento which features an old town worth seeing with historic buildings like the cathedral and Buonconsiglio castle.
Day 7: Trento - Feltre, ~65 |
An easy start by transfer to Valsugana is followed by a beautiful tour on a new cycle path from Levico Terme along river Brenta to Borgo Valsugana and Primolano. 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 8: Feltre - Pieve di Soligo, ~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 9: Pieve di Soligo - Quarto d'Altino/Venice, ~65 km
One last push on the pedals and you will reach the lagoon city of Venice. And the route there has some real highlights to offer. Shortly after Pieve di Soligo, still in the middle of the Prosecco hills, the imposing Castello San Salvatore towers above you, and after a short, busier section of road at Ponte Priula, you reach the “city of art and radicchio” Treviso. The last section of the cycle path then takes you to Quarto d'Altino – a small town very close to the original starting point of the historic Via Claudia Augusta. Here, the bike has served its purpose and you can relax and take the train to Santa Lucia station in Venice, a journey of about 20 minutes. From there, the countless narrow streets leading to Piazza San Marco are ideal for exploring on foot. Of course, a romantic gondola ride could also follow as a reward for the many kilometers cycled...
Day 10: Individual return journey or extension
