M-14 Gantkofel

King’s Tour above the Adige Valley

Tour description:

This tour is a true classic for elevation lovers – long, demanding, and crowned by a spectacular finale: the Gantkofel (1,866 m), a panoramic peak towering above the Adige Valley. Those who reach the summit by mountain bike are rewarded with a 360° view stretching from the Texel Group to the Dolomites.

The ride begins in Tramin and climbs via Kaltern to the Mendel Pass. The ascent is steady and long – but consistently rideable on asphalt and forest roads. We recommend taking the Mendelbahn funicular from Kaltern to the pass to save energy for the plateau and the summit!

From the Mendel Pass, a short breather is followed by the second major climb: a rough forest road leads toward the Gantkofel summit. The final section often requires pushing the bike – but it remains technically manageable. At the top, one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in South Tyrol awaits: far below lie the vineyards and orchards of the Überetsch region, while your gaze spans the Merano basin, Tschögglberg, the Sarntal Alps, and Bolzano. On the horizon, the Dolomite peaks of Schlern, Rosengarten, and Latemar rise into view.

The descent leads along quiet forest trails back to the Mendel Pass, where the Mendelbahn brings you comfortably back down to Kaltern. The final kilometers back to Tramin are smooth and scenic.

Recommended equipment:

For this tour, a full-suspension MTB or E-MTB with a strong battery is recommended. Wearing a helmet is mandatory, while gloves and protective gear are advised. You should bring at least two liters of water and some snacks, as there are no refreshments available at the summit. A GPS track is strongly recommended because forest trail junctions are not always clearly marked.

Highlights and tips:

• Gantkofel summit with unforgettable panoramic views
• Ideal mix of asphalt climb, forest roads & summit adventure
• Best time: June to October, only in dry conditions
• Caution when wet: trails and gravel roads can become slippery
• Start early and plan for a full day – 40–60 km in alpine terrain takes time
• If using the Mendelbahn, note that bike transport is limited during peak times

Tour summary:

• Distance: 51,3 km
• Elevation gain: approx. 1.607 m
• Difficulty: difficult
• Duration: approx. 6–7 hours including breaks
• Riding skill level: intermediate – mostly easy uphill, possible pushing to summit