Dolomites and South Tyrol: where the mountains meet legend

Cycling through the Dolomites and South Tyrol means experiencing the very essence of alpine riding: legendary climbs, lush valleys, crystal-clear lakes, and mountain passes that have made cycling history at the Giro d’Italia.

Cycling through the Dolomites and South Tyrol means experiencing the very essence of alpine riding: legendary climbs, lush valleys, crystal-clear lakes, and mountain passes that have made cycling history at the Giro d’Italia.

This region is a paradise for every kind of cyclist: road cyclists can test themselves on iconic climbs like the Stelvio, Sella, Gardena and Giau; mountain bikers can enjoy perfectly maintained trails, panoramic bike parks and single tracks surrounded by nature; families and e-bike lovers can ride along the cycle paths of Val Pusteria and Val Venosta, among apple orchards, vineyards and charming villages.

And everywhere, one thing is certain: the warm hospitality of the bike hotels in South Tyrol and the Dolomites will make you feel at home, with services designed for those who live every holiday in the saddle.

Here are some of the most famous — and most loved — routes among cyclists from all over the world, for your next unforgettable cycling holiday. The choice is yours!

Sellaronda

The Sella Group offers an extraordinary collage of shapes and colours and a rich selection of routes away from the crowds. Defined by some as a castle of rock that changes its appearance on every side, and by others as a majestic island which aims at the sky, the Sella is the most distinctive Massif in the Dolomites. The rapt silence and aristocratic grandeur of these peaks are enough to make you stop to contemplate the view.

Brenta

Eight peaks of the Brenta Dolomites stand over 3,000 metres, with the majority exceeding 2,500 m in altitude. Scenic peaks, ramparts, gullies, rocky plateaus, rugged trails and dirt roads extend along the countryside and fields cultivated with flowering apples or vineyards. The Brenta Dolomites region is a mix of a thousand opportunities whose common factor is the difference in elevation and the high altitudes reached.

Lagorai

The Lagorai Dolomites chain is best known in the biking world for the more than 1,000 km of trails offered to lovers of fat tires. Nonetheless, if you have not taken this destination into consideration for your next active road bike holiday, it’s time to change your mind. The Lagorai Dolomites are a starting point for many historic climbs that over the years have challenged top riders of the Giro d’Italia, such as the San Pellegrino Pass, the Manghen Pass, as well as the nearby Pordoi. Alternatively, you can head out towards its descents between drifts, jumps, banked turns and steep slopes. 

Sesto

From Dolomite mountain passes and classic racing routes, to the famous Pustertal Valley bike path ideal for family outings, all the way to the legendary climbs that have shaped the history of the Giro d’Italia, such as the Kronplatz and the Three Peaks of Lavaredo.
But also the legendary Stoneman Trail, a 120 km route with a difference in altitude of more than 4,000 m, to the numerous sporting events taking place in this area, above all the Dolomiti Superbike MTB race.
There is also no shortage of thrills for enduro lovers, thanks to the new “Orto del Toro” trail overlooking the Three Peaks of Lavaredo and the “Enduro Single Trail Tour”: a 4,500 metre altitude difference with 5 lifts and all single trail descents.

South Tyrol

South Tyrol is a true paradise for anyone who loves cycling in all its forms.
Perfectly signposted cycle paths — such as the Val Venosta route from Resia to Merano or the Adige Cycle Path leading all the way to Lake Garda — offer spectacular itineraries among orchards, castles and vineyards, ideal for those who prefer a more leisurely pace.
For climb enthusiasts, the mountain passes of Stelvio, Pennes and Giovo are iconic challenges of road cycling.
Mountain bikers, on the other hand, can explore high-altitude trails around Ortisei, Selva di Val Gardena, Alta Badia and Alpe di Siusi, where breathtaking views and perfectly maintained routes create unforgettable experiences.
And after every ride, mountain huts and alpine farms welcome cyclists with traditional dishes and genuine hospitality — to fully experience the authentic spirit of South Tyrol

Food

Canederli

Traditional dumplings made with bread, milk and eggs, typically flavoured with the addition of speck, ham, cheese and parsley. In every valley, they are cooked in different ways: with buckwheat, steamed or thin and pressed. The dish was a staple for farmers and peasants and it was eaten on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. In times of famine, the cubed ham was replaced with turnips.

Cutting the dumplings with a knife is a terrible insult to the cook: tradition, in fact, requires that you break them up with a fork.

There are also sweet variations of this traditional dish, with the addition of cinnamon/cloves, strawberries or berries.

“Radicchio dell’orso” (alpine blue-sow-thistle)

Alpine blue-sow-thistle is a wild plant with a bitter taste that grows at an altitude of 2,000 metres at the edges of the snow. It is pickled in a sweet and sour brine and is used in many recipes.

“Torta di fregolotti”

Cake made with butter and almonds with a crumbly consistency, perfect for recharging your batteries after a long day of biking or for starting off your day with a bang.

Strangolapreti

Typical dumplings made of stale bread and spinach seasoned with eggs, milk and salt. The dumplings are cooked in boiling water and seasoned with Parmesan cheese and melted butter. They are a great and light first course even for cyclists.

Sguazet

An offal stew made with hearts, liver and lungs, to which sweetbreads can also be added. Traditionally it is served with yellow corn polenta or darker buckwheat polenta and fresh seasonal vegetables.

Strudel

Traditional sweet made with rolled or stuffed dough. In its most famous version, it is sweet and filled with apples, pine nuts, raisins and cinnamon. It is traditionally prepared mainly in the Alto Adige, Trentino, Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions. Every place has its own recipe.