South Tyrol's most beautiful sides: Penser Joch and Jaufenpass

Route:

Hotel Teutschhaus - Kaltern - Bozen - Sarntal - Penser Joch (2,211 m) - Sterzing - Jaufenpass (2,049 m) - Passeiertal - Meran - Hafling - Mölten - Terlan - Kaltern - Hotel Teutschhaus

From Kurtinig we take the wine road to Bolzano, where the secluded Sarntal valley begins. Shielded from the outside world, the people of Sarntal have preserved a paradise that is perhaps unique in the Alps. Runkelstein Castle marks the beginning of the valley.

Passing through several tunnels, we reach Sarnthein and, surrounded by an unspoilt mountain world, we swing our way up the Penser Joch. Its highlight is the pristine, high alpine landscape around the top of the pass. At the top of the pass, a mountain inn tempts us with culinary specialities and magnificent views.

The descent takes us to Sterzing. Be sure to treat yourself to a tour of the town with its pedestrian zone dominated by the famous Zwölferturm tower.

The Jaufen Pass connects Sterzing in the Eisack Valley with Sankt Leonhard in the Passeier Valley. A tiny inn at the top of the pass offers uninterrupted views of the Passeiertal Valley and the Jaufenpass road. The pretty mountain village of San Leonardo offers numerous inns and cafés for a pit stop. We cruise through the picturesque Passeier Valley and reach Merano. It is probably the most beautiful town in South Tyrol and offers a lively and vibrant change from a long day in the saddle chasing bends.

The last section of our tour takes us uphill again to Hafling on the sunny Tschögglberg high plateau. The descent from Mölten to Terlan offers great views of the Adige Valley. Here we reach the Adige Valley again and take the wine road back to the Hotel Teutschhaus.

Winter closure:

Penser Joch (2,211m) November - May