Feel the sun on your back, the wind in your face. Colours, scents, landscapes flitting past. Get into some serious pedalling, then carefully roll along, as there’s lots to discover on both sides of the Vinschgau cycle path. Exploring a whole valley by bike? Yes, you can! The Vinschger Bahn train will take you from Töll station to the very last village in the valley – Mals. The Etschtal valley cycle path, which will take you back to your starting point, may be glimpsed through the train windows.



Pedal, pedal – the Vinschgau flow

The Vinschgau cycle path runs for 55 km either straight ahead, or taking cheeky little bends right through the Vinschgau countryside, past charming villages, through fields - never steep, but always nicely even.

Raise the curtain for the Vinschgau nature spectacle

The first part of the cycle path is lined with wild meadows. The sun has to make an effort to shine through the dense canopy of leaves and the maze of tree trunks. Birds flutter up from the undergrowth and the variety of plants is immense. At Prader fishpond the blue water presents a photo opportunity, then the landscape changes suddenly. Goats graze on a barren meadow, the white snow-topped mountains are proudly prominent in the background. The next act: bikes whoosh through seemingly unending apple orchards and past villages. Signs to bike cafés and pretty bistros pop up, cyclists put their legs up and slurp ice-cream or bite into sausage sandwiches. It’s tempting to make stops in all the places; the Vinschgau locals know how to make guests feel at home. Another pond, more woodland, a bit of dirt track. It’s never boring. All and sundry appear to be out on their bikes, yet there is space for everyone – yelling kids, leisurely riders, sporty cyclists, lycra-clad racers, e-bike cruisers.

Back on the rails

The last leg is back on the rails. Tiredness means that eyes are peeled for the station again. Wheels whirr their last few metres, shoes are clicked out. Highly recommended!