If you're on a cycling holiday in South Tyrol, don't miss this tour.
Our tour starts right outside Ciastel. We roll along easily on asphalt for the first few kilometres before the forest road begins on the old Furcia Pass road after almost one kilometre. This is where the real climb starts.
It soon becomes noticeably steeper and we work up a proper sweat. Over the next seven kilometres, we climb around 1,000 metres. The final stretch just before the Kreuzjoch demands the last of our strength. Loose gravel makes the going even more challenging.
Our tip: take another drink break just before the final climb, then tackle the section with concentration and a steady rhythm.
Once at the top, we are more than rewarded for our efforts. The impressive panorama of the Dolomites unfolds before us in all its beauty.
Right next to the Kreuzjoch is a comfortable bench that is perfect for a short break. Here we enjoy the view, get ready for the descent and prepare for the next highlight of the tour: the single trail towards the Braies Valley.
The trail flows incredibly well and is simply great fun. We hardly want to stop. At the same time, the scenery is so impressive that we keep reaching for our phones to capture a few memories.
Around 700 metres of superb trail descent lie ahead of us, and we enjoy every second.
The final hundred metres of elevation to Lake Braies follow a forest road. Things become noticeably quieter here, as there are more hikers and day-trippers along the way.
When we reach the lake, we take in Lake Braies’ unique setting. With its turquoise water against the imposing mountain backdrop, it is easy to see why this is one of South Tyrol’s best-known photo spots.
Time for a break, a small snack and, of course, a few photos.
For the return journey, we first follow the cycle path through the Puster Valley to Brunico and then on to Riscone.
There we take the gondola up Kronplatz to enjoy another spectacular trail descent. Once at the top, the popular Furcia Trail awaits us. The sun is already sitting a little lower, and we are lucky to have caught the last lift. We then return towards San Vigilio along the old Furcia Pass road.
The final stretch of descent takes us straight back to Ciastel – the perfect end to an unforgettable day of mountain biking in the Dolomites.
A cold beer is already waiting for us there.
The mountain bike tour from San Vigilio to Lake Braies is one of the most beautiful MTB tours in the Dolomites. Challenging climbs, dreamlike views, flowing trails and the famous Lake Braies make this route a true highlight of any biking holiday in South Tyrol.
Combine the day with an additional trail descent on Kronplatz and you’ll experience one of the region’s most varied mountain bike tours.
