The former Oltradige Railway Line is nowadays a popular cycle route with some gentle gradients
Image gallery: Oltradige Cycle Route: Bolzano - Appiano - Caldaro
The starting point of the Oltradige Cycle Route can be found at the Adige Bridge near the Firmiano (Sigmundskron) train station below the eponymous castle. It is accessible from the town centre of Bolzano along the cycle track which follows the course of the Isarco river towards south. Branching off at the junction towards Merano and following this track for 1 km we reach a little level crossing - nearby there's the above mentioned Adige truss bridge. Shortly afterwards the gentle uphill ride to the former train station of San Michele Appiano starts. It leads through a landscape characterised by a mixed forest which overgrows the red porphyry rocks of volcanic origin. Arrived at the village of Frangarto we cycle through the famous vineyards beneath Cornaiano and pass San Paolo.
For some hundred metres the Oltradige Cycle Route follows the bypass road of Appiano through the new underpass with its cycle tunnel, one of a few tunnels along the track. They date back to the times of the Oltradige Railway Line operating between Caldaro and Bolzano. An old steam locomotive in Caldaro comes into sight: It doesn't only remember those times gone by, but represents also the final destination of our cycle tour. This short tour has only some gentle gradients to overcome and offers wonderful views on the highlights of the Oltradige area: vineyards, fruit orchards, castles and historic villages. The cycling trip to Caldaro can be done in about one hour, the way back - leading slightly downhill - requires less time.
Author: AT
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- Starting point:
- Bolzano, Ponte Adige
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- Time required:
- 00:55 h
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- Track length:
- 10,0 km
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- Altitude:
- from 236 m to 411 m
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- Altitude difference:
- +210 m | -38 m
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- Route:
- Bolzano - Caldaro Cycle Route (Oltradige)
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- Destination:
- Caldaro (old steam locomotive near the Via delle Cantine road)
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- Track surface:
- continuously asphalted path
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- Recommended time of year:
- Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
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- Download GPX track:
- Oltradige Cycle Route: Bolzano - Appiano - Caldaro
