Via Claudia Augusta in South Tyrol

Around 15 BC, Emperor Augustus had his stepsons Tiberius and Drusus conquer the areas between the Alps and the Danube and integrate them into the empire. To develop the new provinces, it became necessary to establish a direct transport connection over the Alps to the north, and the Romans used the ancient trade route over the Reschen and Fern passes for this purpose. Around 40 AD, Emperor Claudius then expanded this military road into the first proper road over the Alps.

The Via Claudia Augusta, named after him, led from the Po Valley via Tridentum/Trento, Pons Drusi/Bolzano, Maia/Merano, and the Reschen Pass through the Inn and Lech valleys to Augusta Vindelicorum, present-day Augsburg. The road was a technical masterpiece. It was gravelled and equipped with drainage and ditches. Material pits at regular intervals allowed for quick repairs, "stationes" provided food, accommodation, and horse changes. In addition, there was a dedicated "highway police," the "beneficiarii," who ensured security.

The Via Claudia Augusta became a significant economic factor, as settlements and cities grew around the "stationes," trade and industry prospered. In the 2nd century, when the Brenner Pass became passable, traffic increasingly shifted to the more direct route. Nevertheless, this first Roman crossing of the Alps remained of great importance until modern times.

Some 2000 years after its construction, the Via Claudia Augusta has been discovered as a tourist attraction. The route can be explored as a whole or in sections, not only by car or motorcycle, but even better by bicycle or on foot, depending on time and mood. A total of 170 accommodation facilities have specially catered to Via Claudia travelers under the motto "2000 years of hospitality." They offer not only accommodation but also, for example, a special shuttle and luggage service. This way, you can have your luggage transported from one Via Claudia host to the next and easily cross the Fern and Reschen passes.

The South Tyrolean section of the Via Claudia Augusta runs along the Adige River and impresses with its special natural beauty. Here, in Rabland between Naturns and Merano, one of the two original milestones that testify to the course of the Via Claudia Augusta was found. It is now exhibited in the City Museum of Bolzano, with a replica in Rabland.

Take your time on your journey in the footsteps of the Romans. Enjoy the landscape and the many sights and cultural monuments in the Adige Valley. There is a permanent exhibition on the Via Claudia Augusta at Kastelbell Castle in the Vinschgau.

One more thing: In the summer months, it is now also possible to travel the Kaiserstraße in a stagecoach, the faithful replica of a pavilion wagon from 1811. The one-week adventure trip for 8-10 passengers leads from Landsberg am Lech via Reutte, the Fern Pass, Imst, Landeck, the Reschen Pass, and Merano to Bolzano. This journey is an experience in itself!