Pleasure on Two Wheels
28 January 2026
Pleasure on Two Wheels
Discover Bolzano’s wine world by bike.
Between gentle hills, historic streets, and sun-drenched vineyards, an experience awaits that appeals to all the senses. The Bolzano wine cycling tour combines the best of two worlds: active movement along scenic cycle paths and the unique wine culture of South Tyrol. From the lively city center, the route leads to traditional wineries, and past picturesque vineyards with views of the majestic Dolomites. There are plenty of opportunities to stop for refreshments, as well as options to extend the tour toward the Überetsch area.
Start/Finish: Walther Square
Stage 1 – Walther Square → Talfer Bridge → Runkelstein Castle → back to Talfer Bridge
- From Walther Square, follow the famous Piazza Erbe-Obstmarkt and Museum Street (note: cycling is not permitted here, so you must walk your bike) slightly uphill to the Talfer meadows.
- R8 Talfer Meadows (EURAC – Runkelstein Castle):follow the Talfer River northward to Runkelstein Castle. A visit to the castle is highly recommended. Park your bike in the parking area and walk up the path to the “Painted Castle,” famous for its medieval fresco cycle. Next to the castle is the Gran Buel winery, owned by the Municipality of Bolzano, where Gewürztraminer is cultivated. A castle tavern is also located on the premises.
- Then return along the same cycle path to Talfer Bridge.
Stage 2 – Talfer Bridge / Vittoria Square → Corso Libertà Street → Gries Square
- From there, follow route R1 (Old Town – Hospital) via Vittoria Square and Corso Libertà Street to Gries Square. Here you will find the Muri-Gries Monastery Winery, where a wine tasting is recommended. Worth noting are the urban vineyards surrounding the monastery and extending along the slopes. Gries is especially known for the cultivation of Lagrein. At Gries Square, a visit to the Collegiate Church and the Old Parish Church with the Michael Pacher Altarpiece is also worthwhile. Those who wish to walk or hike a bit can follow the Guntschna Promenade, which leads through vineyards and to typical taverns (Buschenschänken) and mountain inns.
- Route R1 continues from Gries Square along Vittorio Veneto Street (note: the cycle path is missing for a few hundred meters; you can detour via Kreuzgasse) and then onward toward Moritzing (Provincial Hospital). Already from the cycle path you can see the impressive and architecturally striking building of Kellerei Bozen-Cantina Bolzano (Moritzingerweg 36). A stop here is well worth it to immerse yourself in the world of Bolzano wines and to learn more about the traditional local varieties, Lagrein and St. Magdalener.
- From Moritzingerweg, continue toward Sigmundskron along the former railway track cycle path (gently ascending and descending, with tunnels). If you have time, plan a detour to Sigmundskron Castle, home to the Messner Mountain Museum Firmian (MMM Firmian). Heading back toward the city, follow route R4 along the Isarco River (Kardaun junction, Kaiserau), passing the outdoor swimming pool and Drusus Stadium until you reach Loreto Bridge.
- Route R4 also passes the Museion, the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, where another stop is possible. Following the inner-city cycle path, continue toward Dominican Square and back to Walther Square. Those wishing to extend the tour can continue through the traffic-calmed zone toward Zwölfmalgreien and from there up to the ascent to St. Magdalena / St. Justina. A short, steep mountain road without a cycle path leads directly into the classic St. Magdalener wine-growing area, where numerous wineries can be visited (www.magdalener.com).
More information and maps: Cycling Tours in Bolzano – Bolzano Tourism Board Office
Image: Courtesy Bolzano Bozen Tourism Board