Bike Tour: Obervinschgauer Runde

Glurns - Spondinig - Prad am Stilfserjoch - Tschengls - Laas - Göflan - Schlanders - Spondinig - Prad am Stilfserjoch - Glurns
Length: 45 km; Duration: 3 hours
Physical exertion: Moderate

Exploring the Upper Vinschgau by bike - sounds like a strenuous undertaking? But it's not, if you have enough time. This bike tour is also manageable for inexperienced riders. The majority of the route runs along the Etsch - the second longest river in Italy with a length of over 400 kilometers. But don't worry, we won't be riding that far. In addition, you will be traveling through one of the largest nature reserves in Europe - the Stelvio National Park. Another beautiful superlative.

Side roads, dirt paths, and gravel roads offer varied terrain, and part of the route runs along the historic Via Claudia Augusta - one of the most important Roman roads of its time.

The starting point is Glurns, a charming small town with tiny alleyways, arcades, and 16th century townhouses. The historic ring wall with the defensive towers gives the medieval exterior even more expression. From here, you cycle eastward - along the Etsch until you reach the fish ponds in Spondinig. Then continue on route number 10 to Prad in the Stelvio National Park, where a bird sanctuary takes care of our feathered friends and the National Park House "Aqua Prad" is dedicated to the animals and plants at the water. We head to the village center and continue to Tschengls. In addition to a collection of apple and apricot trees, the Tschengls Au and the biotope characterize the small village. And the parish church Maria Geburt is rightly considered one of the most beautiful Baroque sacred buildings in the Vinschgau.

Past the Schgumserhof, the path now leads to Laas, where you can see remains of the historic aqueduct "Kandlwaal". The once 600 meter long wooden structure crossed the Etsch, but fell victim to a fire at the beginning of the 20th century.

We continue along the river to Göflan and to Schlanders. Don't miss the historic buildings in Schlanders - castle, palace, monasteries and churches, as well as the Gothic parish church of the Assumption of Mary with the tallest church tower in South Tyrol exude flair from bygone times. Now it's time to turn around and cycle back along the Etsch. Turn off just before Eyrs to Spondinig.

For those who are interested - a sightseeing tip to include: Between Spondinig and Glurns, above the town of Schluderns, is the Churburg - a high medieval fortress and one of the best-preserved castles in South Tyrol. Since it was never destroyed, you can still admire its towers and baileys, as well as its chapel, garden, and the world's largest private armor collection. Below the castle, knightly games are held annually.

From Spondinig, continue on the Stelvio Road to Prad and then back to Glurns on route number 10, where you can end the day with a glass of Riesling or Vernatsch from the region.