The cycling path follows the old Roman route from Augsburg in Germany through the Meraner land to Venice.
The Via Claudia Augusta is the old Roman road, which leads from Donauwörth (also in Germany) via the Alps to the Adriatic Sea. Today, the Via Claudia Augusta is very popular as a cycling and hiking trail. The road was completed in 47 A.D. under the emperor Claudius of Altinum. However, his father, General Drusus the Oldest, started the work in 15 B.C. This means that the road was built over a 60 year period.
The length of the Via Claudia Augusta cycling path, with its final destination in Venice or Ostiglia, is a little longer than 700 km and the quality of the terrain is quite varied, depending on the area and country. There are some sections that are suitable for cycling for all the family. Nonetheless, there are also some more demanding sections, which really should be addressed as mountain bike routes.
Most cyclists prefer the route from the Reschen pass to Meran. This part of the road is also the most varied in landscape, running through forests and meadows, around lakes and passing castles and fortresses. The route between Meran and Bozen is also very popular.
In Rabland, they found the only original mile stone of the Via Claudia Augusta. Today, this mile stone is exhibited at the Town Museum in Bozen while Rabland was awarded a copy for the route.
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Start: Donauwörth near Augsburg (Germany)
Finish: Altino near Venice (Eastern part), Ostiglia at the Po River (Western part). Both trails divide near Trento into different routes.
Length: approx. 715 km
Highest points: Bichlbach (Austria / 1,080 metres), Biberwier (Austria / 993 metres), Pfunds (Austria / 970 metres), Fern Pass (Austria / 1,250 metres), Reschen Pass (Italy / 1,450 metres).
Route character: You cycle on asphalted or gravel roads and quite side roads.
Road signs: continuously marked (symbol: Via Claudia). |