The Adige Cycle Path (known as the Etschradweg in German), is one of Europe’s most scenic bike routes. It offers a wonderful and logistically easy family-friendly adventure.
Starting high at the border of the Austrian and Italian Alps and winding down through picturesque valleys, it’s a beautiful, traffic free, mostly downhill ride with plenty to see and do along the way.
In this article, I share information about:
- Where to start
- Where to stay
- Where to hire bikes
- How to split your days of cycling
- Fun things to do along the route
I also provide a Komoot route link and map so that you can easily plan your own adventure.
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Logistics: Cycling the Adige Cycle Path with Kids
Starting in Reschen am See
Reschen am See, a stunning alpine village by a turquoise lake crowned with the famous bell tower rising from the water, is the perfect starting point. Located a mere 2 kilometres from the Austrian border in South Tyrol, Italy, it’s easily accessible by public transport from Innsbruck (or larger cities in Northern Italy).
We took a train from Innsbruck to Landeck Zams train station (44 minutes), and then jumped straight on the hourly 273 bus from right outside the station to Reschen (1 hour). This journey is beautiful but a little winding – consider taking travel sickness tablets if you or your kids are prone to motion sickness!
As an aside – we arrived in Innsbruck on the overnight train from Amsterdam (via the Eurostar from London). This was a great way to start our adventure – read more here.
You can also take the train to Mals from Bolzano or cities further afield in Italy and then the bus (273, 275 or 276) from Mals to Reschen (~30 mins).
Reschen is a small village but there are some great day hikes you can do from here. We loved the 15 km hike to the stone which marks the spot where Austria, Italy and Switzerland meet – you can sit on the border stone and be in three countries at once!
In Reschen we stayed at the Gasthof Schwarzer Adler, where we had a large and comfortable family room.
Bike Rental
If you don’t have your own bikes, there is a network of affiliated bike rental shops throughout the South Tyrol area. This means you can rent bikes and panniers and any other equipment in Reschen am See and conveniently drop it all off in Bolzano when you get to the other end of cycling the Adige Cycle Path with kids.
The rental shop in Reschen offers both adults and kids bikes, e-bikes, trailers, panniers, helmets and kids’ equipment.
Carrying Luggage
We opted for a bike trailer (meant to carry a kid!) for our luggage, as the kids’ bikes don’t have pannier racks, and as we had other adventures planned after this ride, we had too much kit to fit on two adult bikes. The bike trailer was a bit more faff than panniers as it’s unwieldy to park and store overnight, but it was easy to unhook from the bike and meant that we had plenty of space for our luggage, even more so if we’d had panniers as well.
We brought along a few extra dry-bags and straps, so we added a handlebar bag to each adult bike and also strapped another drybag to the top of each pannier rack.
You really don’t need a huge amount of stuff with you, if you don’t mind doing a bit of hand-washing occasionally.
Accommodation along the route
Accommodation was not difficult to find on this route – we had less trouble than on other cycle routes in Austria where finding a place without a minimum night stay requirement is tricky. We particularly loved the youth hostels in Meran and Bolzano, which provided us with extremely comfortable nights’ stays in private ensuite rooms at excellent value. All of our accommodations were very used to accommodating cyclists, and had a secure place to store our bikes overnight.
Is cycling the Adige Cycle Path with kids safe?
The answer is yes, very. Most of the route is on completely segregated, traffic free dedicated cycle paths that wind through apple orchards and alpine pastures. The on road sections are mostly on very quiet roads through villages or on good cycle lanes in the larger towns (these are short sections). British kids might need to be reminded to ride on the right!
What if someone wants a day off the bikes?
After the first 20 km from Reschen to Mals, the route follows a train line. This means there’s a get-out clause for any member of the party who doesn’t want to cycle for one or more days. Bikes can be put on the train.
Daily distances when cycling the Adige Cycle Path with kids
We rode from Reschen to Bolzano over three days, covering about 40 km a day. This is more daily distance than we’d done in the past, but the kids are bigger now and this route drops a load of altitude from start to finish so it still wasn’t too strenuous! Most of our riding was done in the morning, leaving us with the afternoon to enjoy our overnight location or the local outdoor swimming pools. Here’s our route on Komoot:
Komoot Route
Day 1: Reschen am See to Laas (Approx. 42 km)
Our adventure began at Reschen lake’s northern end, and we pedalled out of the village and began to skirt the edge of the beautiful blue lake on a smooth, traffic-free cycle path. Soon we reached the iconic submerged bell tower, where we spent a few minutes taking photos before hopping back on our bikes.
The ride continued alongside the next lake, the Haidersee, with breath-taking views of the Alps towering above us. At the end of this lake, the route headed pretty steeply downhill, and we really enjoyed freewheeling down the smooth, car free asphalt, eating up the kilometres with barely any effort!
The path led us through charming alpine villages and through extensive apple orchards. We stopped at the delightful tiny walled town of Glorenza, or Glurns in German, that feels like stepping into a storybook with its cobbled streets, colourful facades and the peaceful town square where locals and visitors alike gather.
By the afternoon, we’d arrived in Laas, a small but lively village known far and wide for its pristine white marble. Laas marble, renowned for its durability and brilliance, has been quarried here for centuries and the main square, where we ate dinner, is cobbled in marble. There’s a good outdoor pool on the outskirts of the village here which we very much enjoyed, especially as the temperature was hotting up!
We stayed at the traditional and comfortable Gasthof Zur Sonne, located right on the main square, in a comfy four bed family room.
Day 2: Laas to Meran (Approx. 41 km)
Day two continued the downhill theme, allowing us to enjoy the sights with little effort. The route meandered through the verdant Vinschgau Valley, lined with vineyards and apple orchards. The well-maintained cycle path, entirely separate from car traffic, made it a fun and stress free ride for all of us.
We stopped at a self service shack in amongst the apple orchards where we could buy apples and apple juice on an honesty basis, and we happily pedalled under the sprinklers hydrating the apple trees in an attempt to cool off. We passed castles perched high above the valley and continued to enjoy the presence of the ever-widening Adige river alongside us.
Arriving in leafy Meran, we checked into the youth hostel, where there was a storage room for our bikes, and a spacious four bedded private dorm with an en suite bathroom waiting for us. It was walking distance to town, and after a refreshing swim in the town’s lido, we explored the beautiful promenade before enjoying dinner al fresco at the Forsterbräu Meran, the local Brauhaus.
A Brauhaus is a German term that refers to a traditional brewery or pub where beer is brewed on-site and often served fresh to customers. They are typically known for their cosy, rustic atmospheres and as well as serving local beer, they usually offer a good selection of hearty, traditional no-nonsense German dishes such as pretzels, sausages, schnitzels, and fries, making them a great spot for eating out with kids.
Meran 2000
We spent two nights in Meran, and it was so hot when we were there that on our free day we took a bus and a cable car up to Meran 2000, the sunny high-altitude plateau above the town. The altitude gain brought a refreshing drop in temperature! The efficient cable car whisks you up to the plateau in a matter of minutes, offering sweeping views of the valley below and the rugged peaks of the surrounding Dolomites.
Meran 2000 boasts a network of easy-to-moderate trails, perfect for an easy walk. We took a popular route that took us on a leisurely loop through meadows dotted with grazing cows, alpine flowers, and even spotted the gentle golden-maned Haflinger horses which graze freely on the lush pastures of Meran 2000 during the warmer months
After working up an appetite, we stopped at one of the mountain restaurants for lunch where we ate traditional hearty dumplings and a platter of local cheeses and cured meats. We finished with Kaiserschmarrn and Apfelstrudel.
On the way back to the cable car, we stopped at the Alpin Bob, Meran 2000’s popular alpine coaster. This thrilling ride twists and turns its way down the mountainside, offering fun for all ages. You control your speed, so it’s up to you whether you enjoy a leisurely descent or a heart-racing rush.
Returning to the town, we were greeted by its elegant promenades and palm-lined streets – a striking contrast to the alpine world we’d just left.
Day 3: Meran to Bolzano (Approx. 34 km)
The final stretch from Meran to Bolzano was a flat, scenic ride. The route continued alongside the Adige River, through a mix of orchards and vineyards, with the Dolomites providing a dramatic backdrop.
We stopped for a swim at the natural swimming pond in Gargazon, which was a serene oasis perfect for cooling off. Surrounded by lush greenery, this eco-friendly pool uses plants and natural filtration methods to maintain clean water without chemicals.
Continuing on to Bolzano, a thunderstorm was threatening and we upped our speed in order to out-ride it, resulting in a record breaking (for us!) pace for our final stretch.
Arriving in Bolzano, we dropped off our bikes at the bike shop and explored the city. Bolzano’s medieval streets and piazzas were buzzing with life, and we sought out the nearest gelateria for a cool off. We spent the night at the youth hostel, located within an easy walk of the old city and well located for the train and bus stations, and enjoyed the city’s vibrant mix of Italian and Austrian cultures.
Bolzano: Things to do
Bolzano is a vibrant city with plenty to keep families entertained! I have a blog post entirely dedicated to things to do in Bolzano here. See below for our favourites:
Ötzi the Iceman
The South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano is home to one of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries of our time: Ötzi the Iceman, a 5,300-year-old mummy found in the ice of the Ötztal Alps. His discovery in 1991 provided an extraordinary glimpse into the life of Copper Age Europe.
The museum offers a fascinating experience. You can see the mummy of Ötzi himself, preserved behind glass in a carefully controlled environment, and marvel at his clothing and tools, which were all preserved in the ice and have since been meticulously restored. These include his bearskin hat, grass cape, and copper axe—the oldest fully preserved example in the world.
Interactive displays and multimedia presentations (in English as well as German and Italian) bring his story to life, detailing how he lived, what he ate, and even how he met his untimely end. The mystery surrounding his final journey and the forensic techniques used to uncover his secrets are captivating.
The museum also explores broader topics, such as glacial archaeology, ancient trade routes, and the daily life of early humans. It was a really engaging exhibition, and our kids (and us) were fascinated – it’s a must-see!
Earth Pyramids Walk
Take the Rittner Seilbahn cable car from near the bus station up to Oberbozen for spectacular views and fresh mountain air. From here, jump on the historic tram to Collalbo which provides a unique journey through picturesque countryside.
On arrival in Collalbo, take the ~2.8 km walk to the viewpoint of the earth pyramids – a remarkable natural phenomenon. These unique geological formations, resembling tall, slender spires topped with stones, were formed over centuries by the erosion of glacial clay soils. Return to Bolzano the same way.
Shopping for Sports Gear
Visit Sportler, a top-notch store offering a wide range of outdoor and sports equipment.
Lively Markets and Piazzas
Soak up the atmosphere, grab a snack, or enjoy a stroll.
Parks and Play Areas
Perfect for kids to run around and burn off energy.
Gelaterias
Delicious Italian ice cream at a variety of outlets.
Is the Adige Cycle Path Family-Friendly?
Absolutely! The route is well-paved, mostly downhill, almost entirely traffic free and has plenty of facilities along the way. Highlights for families include:
- Traffic-Free Paths: Safe and stress-free for kids.
- Regular Rest Stops: Plenty of picnic spots, swimming pools, playgrounds, and cafes.
- Easy Access: The train line runs parallel to the path from the town of Mals, offering a backup option if anyone needs a break.
Final Thoughts
Cycling the Adige Cycle Path with kids is an unforgettable adventure, blending outdoor fun with cultural and culinary delights. This route is accessible and rewarding for all levels of cyclists. Pack light, embrace the journey, and enjoy the magic of South Tyrol on two wheels.
Use my Komoot route to plan your journey, and if you’re new to Komoot, have a read of my Komoot for beginners article.
If you want to know how to combine this bike tour with other adventures, check out the following posts:
- Dolomites hut hiking with kids: 3 nights through the Rosengarten
- 14 best things to do in Bolzano with kids
- 24 hours in Venice with kids: The perfect itinerary
- Lake Ledro (a quieter alternative to Lake Garda)
For more multi-day cycling routes suitable for kids have a read of:
- Austria Cycling Holiday: Our 7-Day Ride on the Tauern Bike Path from Krimml to Salzburg with Kids
- 1 Week riding the Drau Cycle Path with kids
If you’re planning your trip and have questions, feel free to get in touch! Happy cycling!
