On a misty July day, we set off from the Palude di Vipiteno marshland (Sterzinger Moos) into the Val Ridanna. Following the road, we ride to Casateia, where the Valgiovo begins. However, we do not turn left into that valley, but instead head right towards the Passo di Monte Giovo (Jaufenpass). The mountain pass route winds its way up through hairpin bends to Calice, a village overlooking the Valle di Racines. From there, the road climbs further to the Passo Giovo Hut.

2026 update: This was once a mountain inn and a historic rest stop for travellers. The building has since been demolished, and only a small chapel now marks the spot. The hike to the Cresta del Giovo ridge also leads to this 2,000-metre mark. Now above the tree line, the pass height is not far, even though the weather is not improving. We conquer the final 100 metres of altitude on the last few hairpin bends. At the highest point at 2,094 metres, the Val Passiria opens up below us.

From here, the view stretches to the impressive Oetztal Alps in the north and the Sarentino Alps. At the top of the pass sits the Edelweiss or Panorama Hut (2026 update: recently rebuilt). Serving homemade cakes and strudels, it is a popular meeting point for everyone who has conquered the pass on foot, by bike, or by motorbike. We enjoy a swift descent down to San Leonardo.

For a coffee break, we choose the historic Sandwirt inn near the MuseumPasseier. From there, we continue leisurely along the Val Passiria Cycle Path to Merano, arriving after almost four hours. The train takes us back, first heading to the regional capital of Bolzano - alternatively, you can cycle this section along the Valle dell'Adige Cycle Path - and then directly back to Vipiteno.

Conclusion: This is a somewhat strenuous climb, so a good level of fitness and proper training are recommended. Otherwise, it is a beautiful scenic ride through two valleys! Avoid this tour on hot summer days, as the climb is fully exposed to the sun, and during thunderstorms (fog, lightning).

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Author: AT

Experienced: July 2012
Last updated: 2026

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