Stage 1 · Novacella → Bolzano
- Distance
- 47 km
- Elevation gain
- 50 m D+
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Surface
- 100% asphalt, 0% gravel · 96% on cycle routes
- Terrain
- Isarco Valley descent
- Cycle path
- Isarco Valley Cycle Path
- Hospitality
- Hotel and B&B
GPX 1.1 file with the track, elevation and the abbeys as waypoints. Tracks are calculated on real roads and cycle routes (OpenStreetMap): check them on the ground before you set off.
Stage map
Map of the stage Novacella → Bolzano: track, start, finish, places to stay and abbeys
Hover the profile to see the spot on the map
Tracks calculated on real roads and cycle paths (OpenStreetMap); elevations from SRTM data — to be checked on the ground
This stage on Komoot
The same track is on the project's Komoot profile: save it in the app and ride it with voice navigation.
Overview
The pilgrimage begins at the Abbey of Novacella near Bressanone, descending through alpine meadows and the terraced vineyards of the Isarco valley towards Bolzano. A gentle opening stage, almost entirely on cycle paths.
Notes from the road
The descent from the Val d'Isarco runs fast on the cycle path, almost entirely separated from traffic. Novacella smells of the winery already in the morning, worth a stop before setting off. Bressanone and Chiusa offer water and shade at regular intervals. The wheel turns light all the way to Bolzano, through apple orchards and gentle bends.
What to see
Abbey of Novacella (12th century), Sabiona monastery above Chiusa, Isarco valley vineyards, Bressanone cathedral, Bolzano historic centre
Where to sleep
Foresteria Abbazia di Novacella (60-85€); B&B in Bressanone (65-95€); Isarco valley agriturismo (55-80€); hotels in Bolzano (90-140€)
Where to eat
Speck Alto Adige IGP, canederli dumplings, apple strudel from local orchards, Novacella wines (Sylvaner, Kerner) and South Tyrolean Lagrein
Tips
Novacella has a historic winery: worth a visit if you start early. The downhill cycle path can be fast: watch for other cyclists. Entering Bolzano takes a little navigation.
Water & supplies
Fountains in Bressanone at the start and Chiusa at mid-stage; seasonal bike-grills along the Isarco cycle path. No isolated sections: a gently descending route, busy in summer. Every service in Bolzano.
Places to stay on this stage
- Camping Moosbauercampsite
Bolzano (Gries, Via Merano 101)- Price:
- Tent pitch: from May to September a dedicated tent area for arrivals by bike (max 2 nights)
- Open:
- Approx. March–early November
- Facilities:
- Toilets, hot showers, mini-market, swimming pool, Wi-Fi, free bike hire
- Source:
- https://www.moosbauer.com/it/camping/ · https://www.camping.info/en/campsite/camping-moosbauer
Four-star campsite among the apple orchards on the western edge of Bolzano, ~3 km from the centre and the Isarco/Adige cycle path. Keeps tent pitches free for bike tourers.
Abbeys on this stage
- Start abbey: Abbazia di Novacella
An amateur, non-profit project. The tracks are indicative: everyone rides independently, at their own risk.