Cycling & Biking in South Tyrol
Leisure Cycling, E-Biking & MTB Trails at Zwiglhof around Innichen
The Puster Valley and the Sexten Dolomites are among the most diverse biking regions in the entire Alpine area. Around Innichen, a perfect network of cycle paths in the valley meets challenging trails, forest roads, and alpine single trails in the higher altitudes of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. Whether it's relaxed gliding along gentle river courses, extensive e-bike tours to traditional mountain huts, or strenuous ascents in the footsteps of the famous Stoneman Dolomiti – at Zwiglhof, every cyclist's heart beats faster.
Your Bike Basecamp: Comfort & E-Bikes directly at Zwiglhof
Zwiglhof is located on a sunny hillside above Innichen/Vierschach. This panoramic location offers magnificent views of the mountains, but at the end of a tour, it presents cyclists with a short final climb back to the farm. To ensure that this journey home, after many kilometers in your legs, doesn't become a torment, we have made excellent provisions at Zwiglhof:
- On-site E-Bike Rental: You don't have to rent your bikes in the valley or inconveniently transport them by car. Modern, well-maintained e-bikes (e-trekking bikes and e-MTBs) are available for rent directly at Zwiglhof. Hop on, switch on, and effortlessly roll away!
- Lockable Bike Depot & Charging Station: If you bring your own bikes, you can safely store them in our lockable bike room. Battery charging stations ensure that your e-bike is fully energized again the next morning.
- Washing Area & Tools: For a quick clean-up in between rides, a washing area as well as basic tools and air pumps are available.
- Mastering the Final Climb: When you return from the valley cycle paths, you'll overcome the last 100 to 150 meters of ascent up to the farm completely relaxed, thanks to the motor assistance of our Zwiglhof e-bikes.
Logistics & Mobility: South Tyrol Guest Pass & Train Return Journey
An invaluable advantage for your cycling holiday in the Puster Valley is the excellently developed rail network (Puster Valley Railway and the cross-border ÖBB line to Austria). This allows many routes to be conveniently planned as one-way tours.
The South Tyrol Guest Pass (Mobilcard):
As guests of Zwiglhof, you receive the South Tyrol Guest Pass free of charge. With it, you can use all public regional transport (regional trains and buses) throughout South Tyrol completely free.
Important note on bicycle transport on the train:
Passenger transport is included in the Guest Pass, but bicycle transport is subject to a fee:
- In South Tyrol (Puster Valley Railway): To transport your bicycle on the train, you need a bicycle day ticket (approx. €7.00 per bike/day) or a single ticket for the bike. In the summer months, there are also dedicated bicycle transport services on the Franzensfeste–Innichen route.
- Cross-border to Austria (Drauradweg / Lienz): For the return journey from Lienz to Innichen with ÖBB trains, the South Tyrolean Guest Pass is not valid for the Austrian section of the route. Here, you simply book an inexpensive ÖBB ticket including a bicycle reservation directly at Lienz station or online via the ÖBB app.
Category A: 6 Leisure Cycling, E-Bike & Family Tours
Cycling without steep climbs, but with an unobstructed Dolomite panorama and varied stops – that's what characterizes the extensive valley cycle paths around Innichen. These routes mostly run on flat to gently sloping terrain on well-maintained, continuously asphalted or finely gravelled paths. Mostly completely separated from car traffic, they offer maximum safety and riding comfort. This makes them the perfect choice for families with children or child trailers, leisurely connoisseurs, and everyone who wants to explore the Pustertal relaxed with our farm's own e-bikes.
Balance bike, trekking bike or e-bike?
Whether with a balance bike, a trekking bike or an e-motor: Here you glide stress-free along the idyllic banks of the Drau and Rienz, passing blooming mountain meadows, shady spruce forests and historic town centers. The special thing about it: Although you are moving in the middle of the majestic UNESCO World Natural Heritage, you accumulate kilometers almost effortlessly.
Nature-oriented experiences along the way
Along the way, nature-oriented adventure playgrounds, clear mountain lakes, ice cream parlors and rustic refreshment stops invite you to spontaneous interim stops. And the best part: Thanks to the Pustertalbahn and the ÖBB connection, you can flexibly design many routes as pure one-way tours – roll relaxed on the way there and comfortably return by train.
1. The Classic: Drau Cycle Path
(Innichen → Lienz)
The Drau Cycle Path is probably the most famous cycling tour in the Eastern Alps. From Zwiglhof, you roll down onto the valley cycle path and follow the course of the young Drau steadily slightly downhill across the Austrian border to the sunny town of Lienz.
- Route: Zwiglhof → Vierschach → Sillian → Heinfels → Mittewald → Lienz.
- Outward journey: 44 km (approx. 500 m elevation loss steadily downhill, very easy).
- Return journey: Comfortable return journey with the ÖBB regional train from Lienz directly back to Vierschach/Innichen (travel time approx. 50 min., train runs hourly).
- Total distance by bike: 44 km (one-way).
- Highlights: The Loacker interactive confectionery in Heinfels, the Wichtelpark in Sillian (family stop) and the impressive Galitzenklamm gorge just before Lienz.
2. Pustertal Cycle Path
(Innichen → Bruneck)
On this route, you follow the Rienz downstream through the green Pustertal. The route is slightly hilly with an overall downward trend and passes idyllic villages and cultural landscapes.
- Route: Zwiglhof → Innichen → Toblach → Niederdorf → Welsberg → Olang → Bruneck.
- Outward journey: 33 km (approx. 180 m ascent, approx. 520 m descent).
- Return journey: Return journey with the Pustertalbahn from Bruneck station back to Innichen (travel time approx. 35 min.).
- Option for self-cyclists (outward & return by bike): Those who want to forgo the train can cycle from Innichen to Niederdorf/Welsberg and back along the same route (total distance out & back: approx. 24–30 km).
- Highlights: The spa park in Niederdorf with a Kneipp facility, Welsberg Castle and the historic old town of Bruneck.
3. Dolomite Railway Route: Höhlenstein Valley Cycle Path
(Innichen → Cortina d’Ampezzo)
This spectacular tour leads along the disused route of the former Dolomites Railway right through the heart of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage site to the sophisticated Cortina.
- Route: Zwiglhof → Innichen → Toblach → Lake Toblach → Lake Dürrensee → Cimabanche Pass → Cortina d’Ampezzo.
- Outward journey: 35 km (approx. 420 vertical meters gentle ascent to the pass at 1,530 m, then 300 vertical meters descent to Cortina).
- Return journey: Sporty riders cycle the same route back (70 km total). Alternatively, you can use bus line 445 (Cortina–Toblach, limited bicycle transport, prior information advisable). E-bikers can comfortably complete the 70 km round trip on one battery charge.
- Total distance (Out & Back by bike): 70 km | 740 vertical meters.
- Highlights: The picturesque Lake Toblach, the view of the north faces of the Three Peaks from Lake Dürrensee, and the ride through historical railway tunnels.
4. Nature Park Pleasure Tour into Fischleintal
(Innichen → Fischleinboden)
A fantastic half-day tour that gently ascends from Innichen into one of the most beautiful side valleys of the Sesto Dolomites.
- Route: Zwiglhof → Innichen → Sesto → Moos → Fischleinbodenhütte → and back the same way.
- Outward journey: 13 km | 320 vertical meters ascent.
- Return journey: 13 km | 320 vertical meters descent.
- Total distance from/to Zwiglhof: 26 km | 440 vertical meters (incl. the short ascent to the farm).
- Highlights: The ride along the crystal-clear Sesto stream, the backdrop of the "Sesto Sundial" (Cima Nove, Cima Dieci, Cima Undici, Cima Dodici) and a stop at the historic Fischleinbodenhütte.
5. Lake Braies E-Bike Tour
(Innichen → Lake Braies)
Lake Braies is the "Pearl of the Dolomites Lakes". With an e-bike, you can travel completely stress-free without traffic jams, parking worries, or access restrictions.
- Route: Zwiglhof → Innichen → Toblach → Niederdorf → Prags turn-off → Schmieden → Lake Braies → and back.
- Outward journey: 24 km | 390 vertical meters ascent.
- Return journey: 24 km | 390 vertical meters descent.
- Total distance from/to Zwiglhof: 48 km | 510 vertical meters.
- Highlights: The ride through the tranquil Pragsertal valley, the emerald green of Lake Braies, and the mighty rock face of Seekofel.
6. Lakes & Meadows Family Tour
(Innichen → Lake Toblach → Niederdorf)
A varied circular tour for families with children, combining nature, water, and playgrounds.
- Route: Zwiglhof → Innichen → Rienz Meadows → Lake Toblach → Bad Maistatt → Niederdorf → Innichen → Zwiglhof.
- Total distance round trip: 22 km | 210 vertical meters (with Zwiglhof approach: approx. 25 km | 330 vertical meters).
- Highlights: The nature trail around Lake Toblach, the "Drei Zinnen" show dairy in Toblach, and the adventure playground in the Niederdorf spa park.
Category B: 6 Mountain Bike & E-MTB Tours
When the longing for vertical meters, challenging uphills, and an authentic alpine feeling calls, the area around Innichen opens up a true paradise for mountain bikers. The Sesto Dolomites and the Carnic Ridge offer a high-alpine backdrop that is unparalleled in the entire Alpine region. Here, well-maintained forest roads meet historical military roads from World War I and grippy single trails that make the hearts of both bio-bikers and E-MTB riders beat faster.
Towards the panorama on historical military paths
What's special about this region is the enormous diversity of terrains and tour profiles: The old military paths wind up the mountain flanks with a remarkably consistent, moderate incline – ideal for covering kilometers at your own pace or fully utilizing the battery power of our Zwiglhof e-MTBs.
As soon as you break through the tree line, every pedal stroke is rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree panoramas: Rugged rock formations like the Drei Zinnen (Three Peaks) or the Zwölferkofel suddenly seem within reach.
Flowy Descent, Alpine Hut Stop & Effortless Return
Whether it's flowy descents through fragrant coniferous forests, technical climbs on exposed ridge trails, or a well-deserved stop at a high-altitude scenic alpine pasture: The sporty MTB routes around the Zwiglhof demand endurance and, in return, offer unforgettable moments of happiness.
And after the rapid descent into the valley, your e-MTB's motor effortlessly brings you back up the last few meters of altitude to your suite.
1. Panorama Classic: Marchkinkele (2,545 m)
The Marchkinkele in the Villgraten Valley is considered one of the most outstanding panoramic mountains in the Puster Valley. The ascent is via a well-rideable, former military road.
- Route: Zwiglhof → Vierschach → Winnebach → Silvestertal → Enzianhütte → Marchkinkele (2,545 m) → Astrang Alm → Silvestertal → Zwiglhof.
- Total Round Trip: 34 km | 1,350 vertical meters.
- Requirements: Demanding in terms of fitness, medium in terms of riding technique (wide gravel road, steady incline).
- Highlights: The infinitely wide 360-degree panorama at the summit with a direct view of the north faces of the Drei Zinnen (Three Peaks).
2. Alpine Pasture Hopping: Nemes Alm & Klammbachalm
One of the most popular MTB routes in the Sesto Dolomites, combining two fantastic refreshment stops with brilliant views.
- Route: Zwiglhof → Innichen → Sexten → Moos → Camping Sexten → Nemes Alm (1,877 m) → Klammbachalm (1,944 m) → Kinsele → Sexten → Zwiglhof.
- Total Round Trip: 32 km | 980 vertical meters.
- Requirements: Medium (forest roads, short steeper ramps before the alpine pastures).
- Highlights: Stop at the Nemes Alm (famous for its alpine cheese) and the unobstructed view of the mighty Zwölferkofel.
3. Stoneman Stage: Carnic Ridge & Sillianer Hütte (2,447 m)
Following in the footsteps of biking legend Roland Stauder, this tour leads up to the Carnic border ridge.
- Route: Zwiglhof → Vierschach → Arnbach → Sillian → Leckfeldalm → Sillianer Hütte (2,447 m) → Helm-Kammweg → Negerdorf → Sexten → Innichen → Zwiglhof.
- Total Round Trip: 34 km | 1,480 vertical meters.
- Requirements: Difficult (steep ascent from Sillian, technically demanding trail traverse on the ridge).
- Highlights: Riding directly on the state border between Italy and Austria with gigantic deep views into the Puster Valley.
4. Plätzwiese & Dürrensteinhütte (2,040 m)
An impressive day tour to the high plateau of Plätzwiese, framed by the giants Hohe Gaisl and Dürrenstein.
- Route: Zwiglhof → Toblach → Höhlensteintal → Schluderbach → Ascent Plätzwiese → Dürrensteinhütte (2,040 m) → Altprags → Niederdorf → Toblach → Zwiglhof.
- Total Round Trip: 52 km | 1,180 vertical meters.
- Difficulty: Medium to hard (length of the tour, steady ascent from Schluderbach on gravel).
- Highlights: The wide high plateau of Plätzwiese, the historic Strudelkopf barrier, and the descent through the idyllic Altpragser Tal.
5. Silvesteralm & Enzianhütte
An ideal half-day MTB tour in a quiet side valley north of Innichen.
- Route: Zwiglhof → Vierschach → Winnebach → Silvestertal → Enzianhütte → Silvesteralm (1,800 m) → Schmieden → Innichen → Zwiglhof.
- Total Round Trip: 26 km | 780 vertical meters.
- Difficulty: Medium (even climb on gravel, easy descent).
- Highlights: Quiet natural landscape away from the main routes, shady forest passages (perfect for hot summer days), and authentic South Tyrolean alpine cuisine.
6. Rotwandwiesen & Standkopftrail
A sporty MTB loop at the foot of the mighty Rotwand peaks with the option for flowing trail descents.
- Route: Zwiglhof → Innichen → Sexten → Bad Moos → Ascent Rotwandwiesen (1,920 m) → Signaue → Moos → Innichen → Zwiglhof.
- Total Round Trip: 28 km | 1,020 vertical meters.
- Difficulty: Medium to hard (steep gravel ramps on the ascent to Rotwand).
- Highlights: The Rotwandwiesen with their characteristic wooden sheds, the close-up view of the Dolomites rocks, and the rapid descent back into the valley.
A perfect biker's day at Zwiglhof: From the first sunbeam to evening refreshment
The Morning: Energy Boost with Farm Guarantee
The day starts with our regional farm breakfast. Homemade products, honest taste, and plenty of energy for your calves. Afterwards, you pick up your e-bike directly from our on-site rental or roll out with your mountain bike from the locked bike depot.
The Afternoon: Effortless Return Home & Regeneration
Back at the farm, you connect your e-bikes to the charging station. You switch directly from the bike saddle to a bathrobe: In our sauna & relaxation oasis, you shake off fatigue and enjoy the wide view over Innichen.
The Day: Dolomites Panorama from the Saddle
You roll off the farm and into adventure. Whether it's leisurely cycling along rushing rivers or challenging trail tours to rustic mountain huts – you enjoy the freedom on two wheels in the UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.
The Evening: Winding Down at the Farm & in the Suite
After relaxing, you recharge with a traditional South Tyrolean 'Marende' (snack) at the farm. Afterwards, you retreat to your spacious suite to quietly review the day with a glass of wine.
Your cycling holiday at Zwiglhof - Welcome!
Whether a relaxed day trip with the children along the Drau or a challenging e-MTB adventure to the peaks of the Sesto Dolomites – the Zwiglhof is your perfect base camp in the Puster Valley.
Would you like to reserve our farm's own e-bikes for your desired period or do you have questions about suitable tours for your family? We are always happy to advise you personally!
Your retreat after conquering the summit: To the Suites for Alpinists & Families
Strength for the mountains: Discover our regional Farm Breakfast & Dinner
Craving even more Dolomite summer? Back to overview
When a place becomes a feeling.
Zwiglhof in South Tyrol
