The pass route from Vipiteno via the 2,211 m high Pennes Pass and through the Val Sarentino valley to Bolzano makes discover the wild beauty of the Sarentino Alps
Image gallery: Passo di Pennes round tour
We start this tour in the early morning hours in Vipiteno (Sterzing, 948 m a.s.l.), first on the Giovo mountain road towards Racines/Ridanna. Right past the motorway bridge we turn left to the Passo di Pennes (Penser Joch) road. The first 3 km proceed rather flat on the edge of the forest, then the first steep uphill ride lies in front of us (11 percently and then 12.5 percently gradient).
It leads to the farmsteads of Dosso at 1,500 m a.s.l. After the first bends we reach the timber line (between 1,900 and 2,000 m a.s.l.) where further two bends are located. In a landscape characterised by mountain pastures a 4 km long steep semi-circular section takes us to the Pennes Pass. At the Alpenrosenhof tavern on the pass we stop for lunch before enjoying to the fullest the downhill ride: We leave the 2,000 m limit behind us and pass the hamlets of Pennes, Rio Bianco and Sonvigo before reaching Campolasta and Sarentino (Sarnthein), the main village of the Val Sarentino valley. The road snakes its way through the gorge downhill to Bolzano.
Way back to Vipiteno: either along the Valle Isarco and Alta Valle Isarco Cycle Tracks or by train (bicycle transport is offered). Avoid this MTB tour on hot summer days, because the mountain road is heavily sun-exposed, and in case of thunder storms. Good physical condition required!
Author: AT
- Information about the Valle Isarco cycle track: from Bolzano to Bressanone
- Information about the Upper Valle Isarco cycle track: from Bressanone to Brennero
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- Starting point:
- Vipiteno
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- Time required:
- 04:40 h
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- Track length:
- 65,8 km
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- Altitude:
- from 262 m to 2.194 m
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- Altitude difference:
- +1271 m | -1962 m
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- Route:
- Vipiteno - Passo di Pennes - Sarentino - Bolzano
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- Destination:
- Bolzano
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- Track surface:
- asphalt
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- Recommended time of year:
- Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
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- Download GPX track:
- Passo di Pennes round tour
If you want to do this tour, we suggest you to check the weather and trail conditions in advance and on site before setting out.
