Motorcycle tour in the south of South Tyrol

Bozen - South Tyrolean Wine Road (Eppan, Kaltern, Tramin) - Mendelpass - Salurn - Lavazè Pass - Niger Pass

Length of the tour: 200 km
Driving time: 4-5 hours

The following route through the South Tyrolean Etschtal is guaranteed to make bikers' hearts beat faster. It is best to plan the route as a leisurely day trip, so you can enjoy the legendary wine road and the magnificent views of the Dolomite peaks at your leisure.

Bozen
South Tyrol's capital Bozen, also the seat of the bishopric since 1964, is mainly known for its historic center - also the seat of government and parts of the South Tyrolean regional administration are located here. The Gothic cathedral with its 65 meter high sandstone tower is also the landmark of Bozen. But the cultural offerings are also impressive. One of the top attractions is certainly the Archaeological Museum with the famous ice mummy "Ötzi"! However, it is advisable to park the motorcycle and explore the city on foot as much as possible, as there is a lot of traffic here - especially during rush hour in the morning and evening.

South Tyrolean Wine Road
About 10 km below Bozen is the market town of Eppan in the middle of a magnificent cultural landscape. Today it is considered the largest wine-growing area in South Tyrol and produces popular varieties such as Blauburgunder, Weißburgunder, Cabernet, Merlot and Sauvignon. The next town, Kaltern, is probably one of the "most Mediterranean" here in South Tyrol. The hilly landscape is characterized by cypresses, olive and laurel trees, orchards and of course the vineyards. The famous Kalterer wine was already mentioned in documents in the 13th century. In addition to Lake Kaltern, it ensures a high level of recognition for the municipality. The warmest lake in the Alps invites you to swim, fish, sunbathe and enjoy water sports in summer.

The picturesque Tramin should also not be missed. It is also located on the South Tyrolean Wine Road, on a sunny slope surrounded by vineyards and wineries. This lovely cultural landscape contrasts with the 2,113 m high Monte Roen, which towers over Tramin. The village is now known far beyond its borders, as the noble Gewürztraminer is produced here. During the autumnal "Törggelen" you can taste the new wine of the season together with roasted chestnuts and other specialties!

Mendelpass
The Passo Mendola (1,363 m) has always been considered the language border between Tyrol and the Italian Trentino, today the North/South border of the autonomous double province of Trentino-South Tyrol with the capital Trento also runs here. The pass road with its wide sweeping curves and comfortable inclines is passable all year round and at the pass summit itself there are numerous nice terrace cafés that invite you to take a break.
Tip: From here, a narrow 4 km dead-end road leads to the summit plateau of the 1,737 m high Penegal. This little detour should not be missed!

Salurn
The southernmost village in South Tyrol also marks the end of the picturesque wine road. The most visible landmark of the village is the Haderburg or "Schloss Salurn", a high medieval and now uninhabited castle ruin. However, there is a restaurant in the castle courtyard and occasionally cultural events take place here as well.

Lavazè Pass
The Passodi Lavazè (1,808 m) already belongs to the Italian province of Trentino and borders another motorcycle paradise further east - the Dolomites. When crossing it, you drive through quaint villages where time seems to have stood still. In addition, you can enjoy magnificent views of the imposing southern slopes of the Dolomites and the Fleimstal (Val di Fiemme).

Niger Pass
The Passo di Nigra or Nigersattel offers a varied driving pleasure below the famous Rosengarten massif. The 1,690 meter high alpine pass is a connection between the Tiers Valley and the Karer Pass and offers a maximum gradient of 24% (before the town of Tiers). The Nigerhütte is a popular biker meeting place!