Mountain biking adventures in South Tyrol: my top 3
South Tyrol offers mountain bikers a wide range of options in a breathtaking landscape, so choosing the right route is not always easy. Perhaps you will find the right tour for you among my favourites? It ranges from the Pustertal bike park with a fast downhill course to the cross-border enduro area with views of the lakes.
I am only 21 years old, but I was already infected with the 'mountain biking virus' at the age of 14. Over the past seven years I have explored countless tours, trails and parks throughout South Tyrol. I have tried many things: from pure downhill - up the lifts and down the trails - to balanced and longer tours.
Now I prefer to get around on my enduro bike - a full-suspension that does well on the descents - and I also like to take the lift from time to time. I'm about to tell you about my three highlights for mountain biking in South Tyrol: a bike park, a full bike area and an insider tip.
I always wear a helmet when I'm mountain biking.
Internet Consulting | Adam Ungericht
I've already experienced a lot on my enduro bike - both uphill and downhill.
Internet Consulting | Adam UngerichtKronpltaz: the mountain biking mecca in Pustertal
At the start of the season in May in the Kronplatz Bike Park.
Internet Consulting | Adam UngerichtMy mountain biking journey started in 2017 at the Kronplatz Bike Park, not far from my home. From one of the valley stations of the Kronplatz ski and hiking area, the cable car takes you up quickly and comfortably and down through a wide variety of routes.
At first I only ventured out on the blue trails: I particularly liked the Gassl trail, which leads down to Olang. With increasing experience and skill, I also dared to tackle more difficult trails and at some point I tested all 17 Kronplatz trails.
My absolute favourite is the Herrnsteig black trail: the challenging route down to Reischach offers a mix of perfectly constructed and shaped bends and jumps and simply amazing natural passages. Cycling at Kronplatz is always a highlight for me, especially in autumn.
Herrnsteig Trail
- Length ↔: 7.6 km
- Ascent ↑: 13 m
- Descent ↓: 1,247 m
- Difficulty: S2-S3 (medium-difficult)
The Herrnsteig Trail in autumn.
Internet Consulting | Adam Ungericht3 Countries Enduro Trail: Cycling Paradise on the Reschen Pass
The bunkers on the BUnker TRail are part of the so-called Alpine Wall, which was built between 1938 and 1942.
Internet Consulting | Adam UngerichtAmong my favourites are the 3 Countries Enduro Trail, which runs between Italy, Austria and Switzerland. This cycling area around the Reschenpass is not a classic bike park, but a whole network of trails connected by five lifts and transfers. The 3-country Enduro Trail includes routes for beginners, but even experienced mountain bikers will have something to enjoy. A stay of several days is worthwhile for them to fully enjoy the 60 km of trails with 30 single trails - and perhaps also other trails in the Vinschgau (e.g. in Latsch).
Particularly noteworthy is the Bunker Trail, which leads from a historic bunker complex above Lake Reschen down to Rescheen on the lake, passing breathtaking viewpoints and, as the name suggests, former bunker complexes. Via the Bergkastel cable car and the Plamort trail, passing the famous tank barrier, you reach the beginning of the bunker trail. This then leads to the Etschweg, which is suitable for beginners and leads directly to Lake Reschen.
Bunker Trail
- Length ↔ : 1.3 km
- Altitude difference↓: 300 m
- Difficulty: S2 (medium)
The view from the Bunker Trail of Lake Reschen and the surrounding mountains is fantastic.
Internet Consulting | Adam UngerichtAn insider tip: sunrise tour to the Sambock
After the strenuous ascent to the Sambock, the descent is a pleasure.
Internet Consulting | Adam UngerichtFinally, I would like to introduce you to one of my absolute favourite tours from last year: via Pfalzen in the Pustertal valley, the tour leads up to the 2,396 m high Sambock. You can either start directly from a town in the valley such as Bruneck or Vintl or more conveniently from the car park in Platten.
If you start from Bruneck, the route first takes you along tarred roads, followed by forest roads to your destination. The last 200 metres in altitude have to be pushed or carried along a hiking trail. Once you reach the top, however, you will be rewarded with an impressive view: the panorama at the summit cross invites you to dream and enjoy, especially at sunrise. This tour is particularly recommended in the late afternoon in summer or in the early hours of the morning in autumn, as the route is a very busy hiking trail at other times.
Round tour to the Sambock
From Bruneck:
Length ↔: 20 km
Metres in altitude↑: 1500 m
Metres in altitude↓: 1500 m
Difficulty: S2 (medium)
From Platten:
Length ↔: 6.3 km
Metres in altitude↑: 575 m
Metres in altitude↓: 575 m
Difficulty: S2 (medium)
The mountain bike tour to the Sambock is particularly recommended in autumn.
Internet Consulting | Adam UngerichtMountain biking in South Tyrol: tips and tricks
Mountain biking in South Tyrol allows you to discover nature in a sporty and exciting way. The right preparation is important: a helmet and, depending on the tour, additional protectors are essential. A repair kit, sufficient water and snacks are also essential.
And so that everyone can enjoy the beautiful landscape for a long time to come: Stay on the marked trails, take your rubbish back with you and behave considerately towards animals, hikers and anyone else out in nature.
Have my top 3 MTB experiences whetted your appetite for a tour or two in South Tyrol? Then grab your mountain bike and join us in South Tyrol! And if you want to make the ascent with the lift & co easier, check out the summer opening times of the cable cars in South Tyrol's hiking and biking areas in advance.a
