Border Ridge Tour

The queen among the Eppan tours for mountain bikers leads along the edge of the Mendel ridge, the language border between Trentino and South Tyrol, with around 5,000 meters of elevation gain. While the landscape on the Trentino side gently rises, it drops vertically on the South Tyrolean side, sometimes over 600 m. The Roen mountain, with its “only” 2,116 m, forms the highest point of the technically demanding border ridge tour, which features varied sections, secluded single trails, and three crowning summit experiences. The tour is recommended for technically and physically excellent bikers.

 

This difficult tour, recommended only for absolute professionals, leads after a long ascent to the Gampen Pass at 1,518 m via Schönblick to Gantkofel at 1,866 m. This first section from Gampen Pass is very demanding and can be bypassed by riding on the main road to St. Felix and on the forest road to the Felixer Weiher. From Schönblick, the first viewpoint on the border to Trentino, the route continues with strenuous riding interrupted by pushing sections to the summit of Gantkofel, our first peak. From there, downhill via single trails to the Prinzwiesen and to the Furglauschlucht. The ride over the narrow trail along the ridge is challenging but can be bypassed on the normal hiking trail, which is also very enjoyable. On the way to Penegal, our second peak, demanding pedaling sections alternate with some pushing sections. The summit of Penegal at 1,737 m is an absolute highlight, offering a 360° panoramic view. Over a fun single trail, it goes downhill to Mendel Pass, then continues, all rideable though partly very steep, to the mountain huts “Malga Romeno” and the “Überetscher Hütte.” After rest, it goes first steeply but still rideable on gravel ground, then on a steep meadow path and through dwarf pines, pushing the last third to Monte Roen at 2,116 m, the third peak and highest point of our tour, also with a wonderful 360° panorama. Up to Grauner Joch, we follow the classic Monte Roen tour, always downhill on single trails, only short stretches on forest roads. From Grauner Joch straight on to Fenner Joch. Be sure to bypass Fenner Köpfl on the right as the path along the ridge includes climbing passages. Down the single trail to Fennberg.
Refreshing tip: a jump into the idyllic Fenner lake. Then continue on the single trail to Margreid. Via Tramin and the wine route trails back to Eppan.

Recommended as a three-day tour; only extremely strong bikers ride this tour in one day. With shuttle to Gampen Pass, it can also be done in two days. Overnight stay in a rustic alpine hut.