Cycling & Mountain Biking

Recommended for families

A dense network of cycling paths radiating around Merano make it easy to dive right into a bike ride – whether short, medium or long distance: it’s a great way to enjoy nature and see some beautiful architecture.

In the Saddle

Cycling is a convenient way to visit Merano and its surrounding area – with zero environmental impact. Distances are manageable, and there is a nice network of bicycle paths. There are family-friendly cycling paths running along the two rivers that pass through Merano.

  • Val Passiria: this path runs for 19 km, starting from the centre of Merano and going up the river to San Leonardo. The path is almost flat and most is in a natural state. Although the  path does not pass through the villages of the valley, they are easy to reach from it. There ist also the possibility to take the bus nr. 240 to San Leonardo and to rent a bike there at the “Südtirol Rad” rental station. The bike can later on be returned in Merano. For the bus  journey and the rental of the bike you can buy the Bikemobilcard. For further information on this ticket:
    http://www.meran.eu/en/merano-transport/on-the-way-in-south-tyrol/
  • Val Venosta: starting from Merano, in exploration of Val Venosta’s diversity, combining like and train. The Val Venosta train lines climb along the valley, revealing its many different faces. Malles Train Station is 53 km from Merano: here, you can rent a bike and ride it back to Merano along an easy bike path. You can also return the bike at one of the intermediate stations (so can choose the length of the ride), and take the train the rest of the way to Merano. The rental stations are situated at the train stations of Spondigna, Silandro, Laces, Naturno and Merano. For the journey on the Val Venosta train line and the rental of the bike you can buy the Bikemobilcard. For further information on this ticket: http://www.meran.eu/en/merano-transport/on-the-way-in-south-tyrol/ Another bike path, which leads to Passo Resia (Reschenpass), begins at Malles.
    From the 4th of May to the 31st of October 2013, a bike shuttle will be operating between the train stations of Merano and Malles. This service is ideal for guests who, while taking their bikes with them, want to travel by train. This service aims to avoid the cramming of trains. Your bike can be retrieved in one of the rental stations situated at the train stations of Naturno, Laces, Silandro, Spondigna or Malles. For further information on the bikeshuttle Val Venosta: Bike Shuttle Val Venosta 2013
  • Val d’Adige: this path starts in Merano and runs for 30 km all the way to Bolzano. Here too, a bike can be rented at the “Südtirol Bike” rental station next to the railway station of Merano and be returned at the rental station of Bolzano Sud. For the train journey and the rental of the bike you can buy the Bikemobilcard. For further information on this ticket: http://www.meran.eu/en/merano-transport/on-the-way-in-south-tyrol/

Mountain Biking

Merano’s surrounding area guarantees a wide array of routes along forest roads, mule tracks, and dirt roads: mountain biking fans will find plenty of options here.
Bike Guides:

Meranobike:

Meranobike organizes guided bike tours in the whole region Trentino-Alto Adige. The tours and itineraries accompanied by experts range from the easy “City Bike Tour” (suitable for all ages and levels) to mountain trails, downhill rides on the gorgeous slopes of Merano 2000 and the “Xtreme Tours”(extremely difficult mountain trails). If needed, customized programs based one’s skills and needs are also complied.

For further information (in italian), check out: www.meranobike.it/index.htm

Bikemobil Card

The Bikemobil Card makes it possible to explore the entire holiday area of Merano and Environs via train and bicycle. Six stations along the Merano–Malles line have bike-hire points: bikes (included in price) can be returned at any one of the six points of hire. The Bikemobil Card can be purchased at all sales points for South Tyrol’s integrated transport system (train and bus), in tourist bureaus, and at bike-hire points. Further information is available at Vinschgerbahn or by calling 0473201500; for information about hiring bicycles, please visit Suedtirolrad.

 Merano’s Free Bike Use Programme

Merano offers bikes to use, completely free of charge, from 28th March to 12th October 2013, Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The two bike points are located at: Via Piave (next to the Merano thermal baths) and the train station. You can borrow mountain bikes, bikes for women and men, bikes for girls and boys, protective helmets, and bike seats for small children. All you need to borrow a bike is a valid ID and a deposit of €5, which is refundable upon return of the equipment.