Cycling day trip from Graun im Vinschgau to Naturns

This ride kicks off in Graun im Vinschgau, famous for its hauntingly beautiful church tower rising out of Lake Reschen—a must-see (and photo op!) before you roll out. From here, you’ll enjoy a 64 km mostly-paved journey down the scenic Vinschgau Valley, with a whopping descent of nearly 1,450 meters—so get ready for plenty of effortless cruising!

The route largely follows the Etsch (Adige) River, sticking to dedicated cycleways and quiet country roads for most of the way. Expect awesome mountain views and picturesque apple orchards as you wind down into the heart of South Tyrol. There’s a short stretch of gravel and a bit of loose stuff, but the surface is good overall.

You’ll wrap up in Naturns, a charming little town known for its sunny weather and as a gateway to Merano. Grab a coffee, check out the medieval St. Proculus church, and give yourself a pat on the back—you just tackled one of the prettiest rides in the Alps!