Motorcycle tour across the Vinschgau

This multi-hour route takes you through the picturesque Vinschgau, the westernmost part of South Tyrol: Latsch - Naturns - Meran - Lana - Schnalstal
Length of the tour: 240 km
Driving time: approx. 6 hours

The Vinschgau extends from the Reschen Pass on the border with Austria to the Merano region, between the Ötztal Alps in the north and the Ortler Group in the south. The unique landscape with its countless vineyards and orchards - especially during the apple blossom in spring - will certainly make this motorcycle tour an unforgettable experience!

History enthusiasts should definitely make a stop in the town of Latsch. Here, numerous ancient castles, churches, and palaces invite you to take a journey into the past. But not only culture lovers get their money's worth here. Latsch - incidentally one of the places with the most hours of sunshine in the Alps - is also a very attractive holiday destination due to its unique landscape and diverse sports and leisure activities.

The popular holiday destination Naturns is also worth a stopover. Whether it's a short stop or a longer stay, it won't be boring here at almost 500 meters above sea level. On both mountain sides of the valley, there are countless cycling and hiking trails as well as churches, castles, and ruins. For example, the medieval Hochnaturns Castle, a prominent landmark of the town.

Definitely treat yourself and your motorcycle to a generous break in the former provincial capital of Tyrol, Merano. The spa town is a prime example of a relaxed coexistence of alpine and Mediterranean influences. The second largest city in South Tyrol has a lot to offer: modern architecture, beautiful parks and gardens, a covered shopping street, a diverse cultural offering with music and theater, as well as an exciting nightlife. Merano, also known as the garden city and thermal center of South Tyrol, offers a varied stay in every season. A stroll through the old town - with the Pavillon des Fleurs, the Kurhaus, and the city theater - or a visit to Trauttmansdorff Castle with its botanical gardens should not be missed.

The next stop on the tour is Lana, located in the middle of the Etschtal. The modern market town offers a high level of art, culinary delights, tradition, and (sporting) leisure activities and is considered the largest fruit and wine growing area in South Tyrol due to its rich cultural landscape. Its convenient location between Bolzano and Merano is another plus, as is the short distance over the Gampen Pass to Trento. About 40 churches, monasteries, and chapels make Lana an exciting stop for those interested in (ecclesiastical) history. Enjoy the successful combination of Mediterranean alpine landscape, lively village life, and a wealth of sights and events.

From the Etschtal, you continue to the most touristically developed side valley of the Vinschgau, the Schnalstal. Here there are 2 sensations: on the one hand, the site of the famous glacier mummy “Ötzi” at Tisenjoch, and on the other hand, Juval Castle, private property of the South Tyrolean extreme mountaineer Reinhold Messner. The medieval castle with a Romanesque core (ca. 1250) was acquired by Messner in 1983 for about 60,000 DM and lovingly restored. Today, it serves not only as a residence but also houses a remarkable collection of Tibetan art.