Stage 6: From Kaltern to the Valle dei Laghi
The vegetation on this sixth stage speaks for itself. The Transalp is now out of the high, cold mountains and only plays with the sunny locations of the valleys, where grapes and apples thrive magnificently. The Val di Non is the great apple chamber of Trentino, but apples are also grown on Lake Kaltern and even on the small Lago di Terlago at the finish, apple growers cultivate a few small orchards. Vineyards line the route, not only in Kaltern but also near Mezzocorona, on the sunny side of the Adige Valley. This stage is Mediterranean. When the wind blows, it is warm, when the sun shines, it is powerful. The stage is not monotonous. The Mendel Pass road provides exciting impressions right at the start.
The pass only reaches an altitude of 1363 metres, not much in alpine terms. However, as the Adige and Lake Kaltern are only around 200 metres above sea level, the view from over 1000 metres further up takes your breath away. Supported by the far-reaching view of the rugged peaks of the Dolomites on the other side of the Adige Valley. In short: the Mendel Pass is really something despite its low summit height. On the other side, the pass road descends much flatter into the Non Valley. If you're expecting a tour of apple orchards, you'll be pleasantly surprised when you pedal through enchanting pine forests on the way to Passo Predaia. A few kilometres further south, the ride through Trento, the bustling capital, provides a confusing contrast.
But you only pass through it on the outskirts. To the west, Monte Bondone rises above the city and after the city limits you only roll through forests and small villages. On this side, the city quickly comes to an end, unlike along the Adige with its state road and motorway, for example, or on the eastern side of the valley with its villa settlements. The Valle dei Laghi is only a stone's throw away from the city limits. City dwellers can drive along the four-lane tunnel motorway from the city limits in just five minutes and they are at Lago di Terlago, a popular bathing lake. Cycle along quieter roads over the shoulder of Monte Bondone until the descent via Sopramonte and Cadine to Lago di Terlago begins in Candriai. This is another short, crisp test of strength at the end, but the thought of a refreshing dip in the lake may provide a little motivation.
You can stop off here
There are several places to stop for refreshments on the Mendel Pass, e.g. the Gasthof Schönblick at the top station of the Mendel cable car with its panoramic terrace. In the villages along the road from the Non Valley up to Passo Predaia there are one or two bars. At the top of the pass you will find the Ristorante Solarium Predaia (solariumpredaia.it). If you venture on a worthwhile detour to Trento, the capital of Trentino, you will be overwhelmed by an exuberant culinary offer around the cathedral square. At the finish, on the shores of Lago di Terlago, the Lido 2.0 bar awaits.
Abbreviations/variants for the 6th stage of the TOUR Transalp 2023
The Adige Valley cycle path runs short and direct along the river to Trento. If you want to climb the Mendel Pass but skip the Passo Predaia, you can continue along the Non Valley at Dermulo. The cycle path rejoins the route in Mollaro. Caution! In Dermulo, there is a slight risk of staying on the busy state road. So keep an eye out for the cycle path.
These are the 7 stages of the TOUR Transalp 2023
- Stage 1: Lienz - Sillian
- Stage 2: Sillian - Primiero / San Martino di Castrozza
- Stage 3: Primiero / San Martino di Castrozza - Pederobba
- Stage 4: Pederobba - Folgaria
- Stage 5: Folgaria - Kaltern
- Stage 6: Kaltern - Valle dei Laghi
- Stage 7: Valle dei Laghi - Arco
The 6th stage of the TOUR Transalp 2023 as a short trip
Cycling back from Lago di Terlago to Kaltern on the same day makes little sense. At best, you can pay a really worthwhile visit to the capital Trento and cycle back to Kaltern on the valley cycle path. Or take the train from Trento back to Ora or Bolzano and from there back to Caldaro. But why the stress? It is really worthwhile to cycle from Mezzocorona along the wine route via the wine villages of Margreid, Kurtinig and Tramin back to Lake Kaltern and Kaltern. There is also time to stop off in one of the wine villages or take a dip in Lake Kaltern.
The stage as part of a round trip (2 to 4 days)
A rewarding circular tour leads from Valle dei Laghi to Sarche and climbs via Ponte Arche and Tione through Val Rendena to Pinzolo and finally up to Madonna di Campiglio. The Passo Daone between Ragoli (near Tione) and Spiazzo in Val Rendena offers beautiful extra metres in altitude. From Madonna di Campiglio over the Passo Campo Carlo Magno to Dimaro. In Val di Sole, take the valley cycle path out of the valley to Ponte Mostizzolo just before Cles. Now you can explore the Non Valley via Revo, Romallo, Cloz and Fondo, the great apple chamber of Trentino. After Fondo, there is a short climb to the Mendel Pass with a great descent back to Kaltern. Alternatives in the Non Valley: via Laurein and the Brezer Joch to Castelfondo and on to Fondo or from Fondo over the Gampen Pass into the Adige Valley and from Lana in the Adige Valley back to Kaltern. (3 to 4 days depending on the variant).
Do not miss
The Lago di Terlago at the end of this stage is a lovely lake for swimming. But an absolute natural jewel is the unreal turquoise Lago di Lamar, a small lake hidden in the forest above Terlago. If you haven't seen it, you haven't experienced the Valle dei Laghi. A really worthwhile detour.
Cycling and events
On 1 July, the Climb Cup takes place in the Garda Trentino region, a road bike race that includes several uphill time trials in the Valle dei Laghi. All information at: gardatrentino.it/en/event/climb-cup_51811
Info
All information on accommodation, services and sports facilities can be found on the website of the tourist board: gardatrentino.it
The 6th stage from Folgaria to Kaltern, 113.90 km and 2509 metres in altitude. The elevation profile and GPS data will be available to download from 18 June: If you are still thinking about switching from Touri to Race mode, you can find all the details about the race at www.tour-transalp.de.
