Penegal

Penegal

The Mendelkamm in combination with the Penegal offers some interesting trail options. The descent to the north via Buchwald is one of the great classics. The ascent can be made easier with the Mendelbahn lift.

Description

You start below Sigmundskron, directly on the Adige. First you follow the former railroad line of the Überetscher Bahn, which is now a perfect cycle path. You pedal relaxed along the main road to St. Michael and continue along the sunny southern slopes to Steinegger.

From here, the surface changes to gravel: an access route takes you to the Mendel Pass, bypassing the often busy pass road. Eventually you reach the road, cross the Mendel ridge and reach the pass. At the Mendel Pass, it is worth stopping for culinary refreshments before the asphalt ascent with a moderate gradient continues up to Penegal and the restaurant there. The highest point of the tour awaits at 1737 meters above sea level - including a spectacular 360° panorama from the Dolomites over the main Alpine ridge deep into the Adige Valley.

The descent begins directly at the Penegal: initially technically challenging, it quickly turns into a flowing section (S2) and leads to the Furgglauer Scharte (La Forcolana). After a short, crisp counter-climb, you reach the start of trail no. 545, which winds directly along the edge of the cliff in places. Here, sections of difficulty S1/S2 alternate with short, steeper passages (S3).

In Buchwald, you meet trail no. 546, which alternates between S1 and S2 and finally leads into trail no. 8. This takes you directly back to St. Michael. The route continues on asphalt to Girlan, then follows trail no. 1 back to Sigmundskron.

In the final section just before Sigmundskron, the local bike scene has let off steam creatively: there are berms, jumps and drops here - but these should not be ridden over blindly.

Note: A long and challenging loop that is a real highlight in terms of both scenery and cuisine. It should definitely be ridden in stable weather. If you want to take a shorter route, you can start the tour directly from St. Michael.

Tip: The ascent can be shortened considerably by taking the funicular to the Mendel Pass.

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