Do you feel like a really satisfying tour during your cycling holiday in Val Pusteria? Then read on, because this tour will be right up your street ... Follow the steep and narrow no. 1 hiking trail from Riscone which takes in the villages of Santo Stefano, Palù and the nearby San Michele Castle, and finally Maria di Sares. From there a gently ascending paved road leads up to San Vigilio di Marebbe, affording some fine views along the way. At destination, you'll be treated to a wonderful view of the nearby Val di Rudo, the massif of Santa Croce to the north, and the stunning Sass de Putia.
It is not far from San Vigilio di Marebbe to the top of Plan de Corones, but take heed: the way is steep and requires good physical fitness and stamina. From San Vigilio (1284 m) a path leads steeply up to Cianoré (1365 m) and Biei daete (1485 m); and from there, a narrow and gruelling hiking trail (no.2) and then a forest road goes on up to Col de Frades (1825 m) and the so-called "Pozza dei Cervi", or Hirschlacke (1993 m). At some points along the way, you may need to carry your bicycle by hand. From the lake, the trail continues for approx. 1 km along the ridge and then opens out into a wide unpaved road that leads up to the top of Plan de Corones (2275 m).
Starting point: Riscone
Duration: approx. 4 hours
Length: 45 km
Difficulty: difficult, only for experts
Difference in altitude: 1,320 m
The tour of Plan de Corones - Option 2
The tour starts from the car park in Stegona, Brunico. Here you follow the road to San Lorenzo di Sebato and Santa Maria di Sares to San Vigilio, and continue as far as Passo Furcia. The 5 km ascent to Plan de Corones is not to be underestimated: it has been included in the circuit of the Giro d'Italia on several occasions and presented expert cyclists with a challenge and a half. At Plan de Corones, follow the forest road downhill towards the Ochsenalm mountain hut. When you reach the perimeter of the woods at Riscone, you will find your way back easily to the starting point of the tour.
Duration: approx. 4 hours
Length: 45 km
Difficulty: difficult
Difference in altitude: 1,350 m