A route that is not very cyclable to start with and even more challenging because of the climb to the Brenner Pass; but still it is a required leg of the route between Italy and Germany, that follows the Bolzano-Vipiteno segment.

There has been much talk about a bicycle path from Vipiteno to the Brenner Pass, but as of my last excursion I haven´t seen a trace. If something like that exists, it is very well hidden.

Therefore the only option remains to use the Statale del Brennero [SS12, Via Brennero, not the Autostrada del Brennero. RB], which is not too busy (the heavy vehicular traffic being on the Autostrada) but still busy enough to require the rider to stay vigilant, especially on the downhill stretch into Austria.

The itinerary shown here (with time durations and altimetry) starts from the train station at Vipiteno (Sterzing), 940 m [3,084 ft] above sea level; cross the historic center of this town, which is well worth a visit in its own right; then upon leaving the village to the north join the Statale [Via Brennero] which immediately begins its climb to the pass; the most challenging stretch is immediately after Colle Isarco [Gossensass]; be very careful here because the road is not very wide. Towards the end of the ascent the route gets harder as there are some sharp curves but with a less demanding slope, after which the climb continues on a series of straight sections with more gentle slopes.

You arrive at the Brenner Pass (1,377 m / 4,518 ft) in front of the railway station; shortly after is the border with Austria which now is merely a formality; where, as recently as 10 years ago, stood the offices of the customs officials, today there is a big shopping center.

Once you have entered into Austrian territory you begin the long descent (35 km / 22 miles) towards Innsbruck; although rather steep at first, the descent becomes more gentle with stretches of seemingly-flat areas when crossing through the villages Gries, Steinach, Matrei, and finally back to a steep descent into Innsbruck. An enormous Olympic ski jump announces the arrival to the capital of Tyrol. This leg of the route ends in front of the central train station in Innsbruck.

The most famous monument of Innsbruck is the town hall (Rathaus) with its golden roof (Goldenes Deck) but for the cyclist it is also an imperative to ride the bike path along the Inn River.