Forest paths and quiet roads lead above the 1,000-metre mark on the steep slopes of the Mendola
Image gallery: MTB tour on the Appiano High Route
Our May tour starts at the ice stadium in San Michele Appiano with a climb up Calvary Hill. This is where the forest begins: The promenade path up the hill is the first short stage to tackle (showing consideration for walkers). Behind the small Calvary Church, we continue on asphalt towards the Steinegger inn, where the actual mountain bike tour begins.
We follow trail no. 7 to the edge of the forest, where, just before the bridge over the stream, the steep "Furglau", or "Forcolana" forest road leads us upwards. The gravel path climbs mercilessly up the mountain until pushing is the only option - the combination of the steep gradient and slippery surface leaves us no alternative. Finally, we reach the junction below the scree slope.
The forest road runs north, parallel to the Appiano High Route: mostly flat, slightly uphill, and soon downhill. Instead of continuing to Gaido, we follow the signpost to Faedo (the last section is on asphalt). Although the inn is permanently closed, this spot amidst flowering mountain meadows offers a great view of Bolzano and the Dolomites.
The descent takes us down the asphalt road to Kreuzstein and then along the Appiano mountain road towards San Michele. Before reaching Castel Freudenstein, we turn right and ride up the Via Masaccio road to the Steinegger. Now only a short stretch of forest remains: Trail no. 540 winds down to Palù-Schulthaus Castle, passing the castles of Piganò along the way.
After this, we return to our starting point in San Michele Appiano. Summary: a mountain bike tour with a strenuous climb at the start, followed by relaxing sections with panoramic views. The Appiano High Route (Eppaner Höhenweg) can also be done as a three-hour hike.
Author: AT
Experienced: May 2011
Last updated: 2026
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- Starting point:
- ice rink in San Michele Appiano (420 m a.s.l.)
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- Overall time:
- 03:10 h
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- Total route length:
- 18,0 km
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- Altitude:
- from 420 m to 1.035 m
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- Altitude difference (uphill | downhill):
- +818 m | -818 m
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- Route:
- San Michele Appiano - Calvary Church - Steinegger inn - Forcolana Gorge - Appiano High Route - Faedo - Kreuzstein - Englar Castle - San Michele Appiano
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- Signposts:
- "Steinegger", no. 7, "Forcolana", "Faedo/Buchwald", Via Masaccio road, 540
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- Destination:
- Faedo (1,035 m a.s.l.)
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- Resting points:
- Steinegger inn
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- Track surface:
- asphalt, gravel roads (6 km forested trails)
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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:
- MTB tour on the Appiano High Route
We highly recommend checking the weather and trail conditions in advance and on site before starting this tour.
