Passeier Valley cycle path

20 km from Merano to St. Leonhard

Marking of the bicycle path to the Passeier Valley at Saltaus. In the background the Hirzer cable car. — Bicycle path in the Passeier Valley at Saltaus. In the background the Hirzer cable car.

By bike from Merano to San Leonardo i.P.

Length: 20 km
Altitude: 370 m
Duration: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: easy
Recommended time: April to October
Underground: largely natural path, partly gravel, partly asphalt

Directions

From Merano (325 hm) the cycle path leads along the main road towards the Val Passiria. Before the bridge at the entrance to the Passeier Valley, we turn right and follow the cycle path to St. Leonhard (688 hm).
The Passer, which flows through the Passeier Valley, is crossed, at Riffian you pass the sports field and at Saltaus the cycle path passes under the Hirzer cable car.
At St. Martin we cross a covered wooden bridge and one kilometre before the destination St. Leonhard im Passeier we reach the fairground. From there you can turn off to the Sandwirt - Andreas Hofer's birthplace with a museum - or continue cycling to St. Leonhard.

The cycle path into the Passeier Valley has a gravel surface at the beginning, then it has a fine-grained surface. Bikers share the cycle path with pedestrians and horse riders.

Beginn des Radwegs ins Passeiertal bei Meran

Frequently asked questions about the Passeier Valley cycle path

Which tours can I combine with the Passeier Valley cycle path?: St. Leonhard is the starting point for two road bike classics: the climbs to the Jaufenpass and the Timmelsjoch. Mountain bikers start right on the cycle path in St. Martin for the tour to the Pfandler Alm, where Andreas Hofer once hid. In addition, the Hirzer cable car in Saltaus takes bikes up to the Prenn middle station: from there a scenic route leads via Videgg to Verdins and Schenna.
I am staying in the Passeier Valley: what can I do in Merano by bike?: The cycle path takes you into the centre of Merano without a car. On Fridays the large weekly market at Praderplatz square is worth a visit (8 a.m. to 1 p.m.). The cycle path ends at Thermenplatz square, right next to Therme Merano; the arcades, the old town and the Passer promenade are just a few steps away. Towards Merano the route runs slightly downhill for most of the way; for the ride back into the valley an e-bike is a good choice for leisure cyclists and families.
How do I get back from St. Leonhard to Merano?: There is no train line into the Passeier Valley, and you will not need one for the return trip: from St. Leonhard to Merano the path loses altitude evenly, the bike almost rolls by itself and you are back in the spa town in about an hour.
Is the Passeier Valley cycle path suitable for e-bikes and families?: Yes. The gradient is gentle and even, and the path runs away from car traffic (shared with pedestrians and horse riders). There is plenty for families to discover along the way: rest areas by the Passer river invite you to cool your feet, the fishing pond in St. Leonhard is a nice stop for a break, and shortly before the end the Sandwirt, birthplace of Andreas Hofer with its museum, is worth a visit.
Can I continue beyond St. Leonhard?: The cycle path ends in St. Leonhard, where the valley splits: one road climbs via Moos to the Timmelsjoch, the other leads through the Walten valley up to the Jaufenpass, both on the pass road. If you prefer to leave the bike behind: the Passerschluchtenweg gorge trail leads on foot from St. Leonhard to Moos in a spectacular 6.5 kilometres.