Höllenkragen

Höllenkragen

This impressive circular tour above Sterzing is one of the scenic highlights in South Tyrol - with a challenging ascent, spectacular panoramic views and a technical trail descent for experienced bikers.

Description

The route starts in the historic old town of Sterzing. The route initially heads east along the Eisack at a relaxed pace before crossing the Brenner road at Freienfeld and beginning the actual ascent through Trens. On a combination of asphalt and gravel road, the route climbs comfortably up to around 1600 meters above sea level. From here it gets alpine: an extremely steep cart track to the Pfitschalm can only be tackled by pushing. The route then carries you past the Trenser Joch bivouac, over some exposed sections, before the narrow ridge runs up towards Höllenkragen (2387 m).

At the summit, a magnificent 360° panorama opens up: Wolfendorn, Amthorspitze and Weißspitze towards Austria greet you in the north, the Dolomites loom in the east and the peaks of the Stelvio National Park can be seen in the west on a clear day.

The descent begins relatively smoothly on S1-S2, but is soon interrupted by technically challenging S3 passages. If you tackle the descent from the Trenser Joch, you should be confident in the hairpin bend technique - S2-S3 level is the order of the day here. Individual sections can be pushed briefly, but always require concentration and line choice. The lower section is followed by a relaxed coasting section through Tulfer - a small hamlet in the Pfitscher Valley - back towards Sterzing. Here, the surface alternates between gravel and forest paths before you reach the picturesque old town again, which is the perfect place to stop for a break.

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