Jaufenpass (Passo Giovo) with road bike - SS44

The Jaufen (2,094 m) is one of the Top 10 Alpine passes

Connection between Val Passiria and Wipptal: Merano - Vipiteno

Like the Ötztal Cycle Marathon, this tour also takes the route up to the Jaufen Pass. Participants of the legendary Ötztal Cycle Marathon must conquer four passes – the Jaufen Pass is one of them. At 2,094 meters, it connects the Wipp Valley with the Passeier Valley and is the shortest connection between Merano and Vipiteno.

We can tackle the Jaufen Pass from either Vipiteno or San Leonardo in Passiria – the landscape is impressive on both sides, though the length and gradient make the ascent from the Passeier Valley somewhat more challenging.

20 hairpin bends lead over a distance of 20 kilometers and 1,400 meters of elevation gain to the northernmost Alpine crossing that lies entirely on South Tyrolean terrain. From the outskirts of San Leonardo, we ride through forests and meadows, passing the village of Walten halfway up the ascent.

Via long serpentines, we overcome the gradient up beyond the tree line. Here, the landscape experience takes center stage. A magnificent panorama with views of the Texel Group and the Ötztal Alps. Curve by curve, we get closer to the Edelweiss Hut on the pass road and thus to our destination.

After refreshments at the small inn, it's all downhill – either on the other side via Vipiteno or back down the ascent, which leads us past the Passeier Museum at the Sandhof in San Leonardo. This museum in Andreas Hofer's birthplace dedicates a permanent exhibition to the figure of the Tyrolean folk hero.

Monte Giovo in various cycling communities

Strava Route Komoot Climbfinder

Preparation for the tour to Passo Giovo

Weather conditions and road conditions can change quickly at high altitudes, so it is imperative to check the road conditions on the Jaufen Pass before the tour. The road is usually also open in winter, but may be closed due to snow or ice. Rain, snow, and fog can affect visibility and make the road slippery at any time of year. The road is mautfrei.