I love the sea and wander around by sailboat, but I admit that mountain in summer season has its own charm. An outdoors break, walking and breathing fresh air, is invigorating
Last year, I wanted to shout my brain off for a moment but not through the usual weekend on the beach. Therefore in September I decided to organize a weekend in the Pusteria Valley. I chose this destination because, besides being full of wonderful “places”, is known for a cycle route linking Italy to Austria.
The towns of the Pusteria Valley are all connected by a train which departs from Bressanone (Brixen) and brings you to Austria. I opted for the car, because I wanted to be more indipendent. The road through the valley is very comfortable even though during weekends It might very busy . In Pusteria area there are places very popular for holiday resort, both in winter and in summer season.
Before reaching San Candido, I suggest a detour fo a visit of Lake Braies. This alpine lake is a little gem nestled between majestic mountains. The mirroring effect of these peaks in the water is incredible. Overlooking the lake there is only one hotel where you can eat too.
Take a walk on the path along the lake. For romantic guys, there is the possibility to rent a rowing boat, to reach the middle of the lake.
Back on the road heading to San Candido, after a few kilometer you meet Dobbiaco. The municipality of Dobbiaco is called The “gate to the Dolomites” and borders on the nature parks Sesto Dolomites and Fanes-Senes-Braies and bears two splendid lakes, Lake Dobbiaco and Lake Landro.
If you need to walk, It’s very nice walking along Via Massimiliano. This “street” connects passion 5 chapels and make part of the oldest “Via Crucis of Tyrol”.
Everything here (Tyrol) is clean and people take care of the environment in a ordely fashion.
Leave Dobbiaco and arrive after a few minutes in San Candido. Even San Candido is very cute and reflects all the characteristics of a Tyrolean village.
The visit takes very little time … and, probabily, it is the right moment to get some rest: Aperitif Time. As an aperitif is recommended to take a white wine of south tyrol. There is a wide selection of white wines, all excellent and very aromatic. I took a very good Gewurztraminer “Nussbaumer” of Tramin manufacturer. The year 2015 was very rewarded.
After the aperitif I reached the hotel. The hotel I was booked in the neighboring country. I tried to do hotel reservation at the last moment so I could not find a room in San Candido.
But I was lucky. My hotel was very comfortable with SPA and my room had a cabin for “color therapy” too. I also tried the restaurant and I was very satisfied. The hotel is Hermhotel the above Versciaco (https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g194896-d2372869-Reviews-Helmhotel-San_Candido_Province_of_South_Tyrol_Trentino_Alto_Adige.html).
But it’s time to go cycling. But first you need to find a bicycle! Very easy. At the train station there is a very large bikes rental (Papin Sport Bikes). Here you can find the right bike.
The biking trail is 44 km long, with a difference from San Candido to Lienz of 500 m. This difference means that from San Candido to Lienz the all trail goes downhill !! It means that the bikers don’t fatigue and for this reason it is suitable for people of all ages. But, obviously, when you want to come back in Italy form Lienz … there are 44 km of climb “waiting for you”. But no problem everything is well organized. If you do not want to do fadigue you can leave your bike at Lienz train station. Papin Sport, indeed, has a delivery point there, for collecting bikes and bring them back to the Italian departure point. A comfortable (but expensive) train brings you back to San Candido.
The Trail runs alongside the Drava river which rises in the mountains of San Candido. This river, via Austria, flows into the Danube River.
The beauty of the landscape and the sound of the river make this trip a truly relaxing experience.
there are numerous rest stops along the route, among them you can visit the factory of Loacker biscuits too. Inside, there is a small museum and a shop where you can buy Loacker products (with no discounts)
Going slowly, you get Lienz in about two hours. The town is cute, but the thing that attracted me the most is the roller coaster Osttirodler Sommerrodelbahn Hochstein Lienz. Very funny.
But we have to get in Italy …and this is not the website exquisitelyaustrian …
I do not have the physique for 44 km climb then left the bike in Lienz I went back to San Candido by train.
After a “grueling” you need a little relaxation. So if you have time, stop at Brunico SPA (Cron4), its saunas are considered the most beautiful of Italy.
Good Sweaty!
Useful Information
Nearest Airports:
Treviso International Airport – TSF (distance 162 km)
Verona International Airport – VRN (distance 253 km)
Low Cost Airlines operating on these Airports: Ryanair, Easyjet, Wizzair, Airberlin, Vueling, Flybe.com, Flyone, Jet2.com, Norvegian, Volotea, Eurowings
Form Verona to San Candido by Train: Trenitalia
Tourist Information: http://www.pustertal.org/en/
