Mendola Pass Cycle Day

Every year in mid-September, the historic Mendola Pass Road is dedicated to cyclists for a day: To mark European Mobility Week, the route from Pianizza di Sopra in Caldaro to the Mendola Pass at 1,362 metres above sea level is closed to all motorised traffic between 9 am and 4 pm.

During the Mendola Pass Cycle Day, the pass road with its total of 15 hairpin bends belongs entirely to mountain bikers, road cyclists and hikers. The European Mobility Week (EMW), an initiative of the European Commission for sustainable urban mobility, is supported by the European Union and features a different theme every year. In 2026, the annual theme is "Mobility between generations", which focuses on youth and senior mobility.

The first car-free cycling day took place in 2007 and is now an unmissable event in the spirit of Green Mobility, attracting thousands of participants. Refreshment stands provide food and drink, and parking is available in Appiano and Caldaro, as well as in the designated spaces in Pianizza di Sopra. The event is organised by the environmental groups of Appiano and Caldaro, the two Climate Alliance municipalities of Appiano and Caldaro, as well as the Umbrella Association for Nature and Environmental Protection in South Tyrol. Soapbox cars are strictly prohibited!