Jaufen Pass & Penserjoch Panoramic Road Itinerary
The Jaufen Pass & Penserjoch Panoramic Road is an excellent road trip experience that starts in the city of Merano, Italy, and ends in the city of Bolzano, Italy. Along the way, travelers will pass through the towns of St. Leonhard in Passeier, Vipiteno, Passo di Pennes, and Sarentino. This 123 km trip can easily be completed in one day, and the best time of year to drive is during the summer months when the alpine scenery is especially beautiful. The road conditions are excellent, making the trip suitable for all drivers. With a fair budget, this road trip can provide a high level of experience and memories.
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number of days
123 km
route length
moderate
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
Merano
Distance 123 km
Driving time 2.7 h
Pace: modest
31.9 kWh
Airports
BZO
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VRN
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Merano, located in the far north of Italy, is the perfect starting point for the spectacular road trip known as Jaufen Pass & Penserjoch Panoramic Road. The town is nestled between the majestic Dolomites and the rolling hills of the Val Venosta, making it the perfect gateway to explore the region's breathtaking natural beauty.
Visitors to Merano can explore the historic city center and experience its unique mix of Italian and Austrian cultures. Take a stroll along the beautiful promenade, explore the renowned gardens at Trauttmansdorff Castle, or discover the city’s many boutiques and shops. Merano also has plenty of great restaurants and cafés, as well as a vibrant nightlife.
For those traveling to Merano by air, the closest international airport is Innsbruck Airport (INN), located just a short drive away in Austria. Car rentals are available at the airport, making it easy to start the Jaufen Pass & Penserjoch Panoramic Road trip.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing holiday or an adventurous road trip, Merano is the perfect destination for all kinds of travelers. From its stunning natural beauty to its vibrant culture, Merano is the ideal starting point for the Jaufen Pass & Penserjoch Panoramic Road.
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Merano
- Sankt Leonhard in Passeier
Distance 22 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: slow
5.0 kWh
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Itinerary
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Start your journey in Merano - Meran, Italy and take a scenic drive to St. Leonhard in Passeier, just 22 km away. This drive will take you less than an hour, and you'll be able to take in the picturesque views of the Alps and the surrounding countryside.
In Merano, you'll find a variety of attractions, including the beautiful gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, the historic old town, and the local spa. St. Leonhard in Passeier, on the other hand, is a small village with a picturesque church and several charming restaurants.
You'll find a variety of activities to enjoy during your journey, including hiking, mountain biking, and skiing. And if you're looking for a unique experience, you can take part in the traditional Tyrolean festivals held in both Merano and St. Leonhard in Passeier.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary of this stage. You're sure to have a memorable experience on this road trip from Merano to St. Leonhard in Passeier!
Sankt Leonhard in Passeier - Italy - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
Sankt Leonhard in Passeier - Italy - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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2
Sankt Leonhard in Passeier
- Giovo Pass
Distance 19 km
Driving time 0.5 h
Pace: modest
5.0 kWh
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from St. Leonhard in Passeier to Via Passo Giovo! This 19km journey will take you less than an hour to complete and will be one of the most memorable stages of your tour.
Start your journey in St. Leonhard in Passeier and explore the beautiful landscape, the mountain peaks, and the picturesque valleys. Enjoy the fresh air and the breathtaking views of the surrounding nature.
Continue your journey to Via Passo Giovo and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Visit the nearby St. Valentin chapel and the historical castle of Castel Giovo. Take a break at the Passo Giovo alpine pass and admire the surrounding nature.
This is a great opportunity to explore the beauty of the Alps and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding nature. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Giovo Pass - Italy - Europe - Scenic Drive - pixabay
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3
Giovo Pass
- Vipiteno
Distance 17 km
Driving time 0.4 h
Pace: modest
4.5 kWh
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Via Passo Giovo in Italy to Vipiteno! This 17 km journey will take you less than an hour, but the places you can visit along the way will make it feel like much longer.
Start your journey in Via Passo Giovo and take a few minutes to explore the historic Church of San Giovanni Battista. After that, head to the nearby Castel Giovo, an impressive castle built in the 16th century.
Continue your drive and you will reach the small village of Stilves. Here you can visit the Church of Santa Maria Assunta and admire its beautiful frescoes.
Next, you will be in the town of Racines. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Church of San Valentino and the small chapel of San Giorgio.
Finally, you will arrive in Vipiteno. Here you will find the beautiful Church of San Giacomo, the Town Hall and the impressive Torre Civica.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Vipiteno - Italy - Europe - Scenic Drive - Valle Isarco
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4
Vipiteno
- Passo di Pennes
Distance 16 km
Driving time 0.3 h
Pace: modest
4.2 kWh
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Welcome to the road trip stage from Vipiteno to Passo di Pennes! This 16 km journey takes less than one hour to complete and is one of the most beautiful stages of your tour.
In Vipiteno, you should visit the historic city centre, where you can explore the Porta della Valle gate and the Church of Santa Maria Assunta.
On the way to Passo di Pennes, you must stop at the Castel Roncolo, a 14th century castle. You can also visit the nearby Museum of the Alps, where you can learn more about the history of this region.
In Passo di Pennes, you can take a break and enjoy the stunning views of the mountains. If you are looking for a more active experience, you can also hike the trails around the pass.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the "Itinerary" of this stage.
We wish you a pleasant journey!
Passo di Pennes - Italy - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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5
Passo di Pennes
- Sarentino
Distance 29 km
Driving time 0.5 h
Pace: modest
7.6 kWh
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Welcome to the road trip stage from Passo di Pennes, Italy to Sarentino! This is a 29 km journey, which will take you less than an hour to drive.
In Passo di Pennes, you can visit the Castle of Pennes, built in the 12th century, or take a hike to the nearby mountains. The views of the surrounding area from the castle are quite spectacular.
Once you reach Sarentino, you can explore the ancient ruins of the Sarentino Castle, which dates back to the 10th century. You can also visit the nearby Sarentino Valley, which is home to some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the region.
You can also take a stroll through the town of Sarentino and enjoy the many restaurants, cafes, and shops. There are also a number of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking, biking, and fishing.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage.
We hope you enjoy your road trip stage from Passo di Pennes to Sarentino!
Sarentino - Italy - Europe - Scenic Drive - pixabay
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6
Sarentino
- Bolzano
Distance 19 km
Driving time 0.4 h
Pace: modest
4.9 kWh
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Welcome, road-trippers! Get ready for an amazing journey from Sarentino to Bolzano, a 19 km drive that will take you less than 1 hour. This is one of the stages of a larger tour, starting in Sarentino and ending in Bolzano.
In Sarentino, you can visit the beautiful Sarentino Valley, the Church of S. Zeno and the Sarentino Castle. You can also enjoy the amazing views of the Dolomites from the top of the hill.
As you drive along the route, you can admire the stunning views of the Alps and the Adige Valley. Once you reach Bolzano, you can explore the city's historic center, visit the Cathedral of Bolzano and the Museum of Archaeology. You can also take a stroll in the Piazza Walther, the main square of the city.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Bolzano - Italy - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikipedia
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Bolzano
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End your road trip with a visit to Bolzano, a unique city in the heart of the Italian Alps. Nestled in the South Tyrolean region, Bolzano is a picturesque, culturally rich city that provides a wonderful end to your adventure.
Take a stroll through the historic city center and explore the cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and the vibrant squares. Admire the stunning architecture of the Gothic and Renaissance-era buildings, including the Bolzano Cathedral and the Palazzo Widmann.
Visit the Messner Mountain Museum and learn about the region’s history and culture, or take a cable car up to the Bolzano Mountain and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. Bolzano is home to a variety of excellent restaurants, bars, and cafes, and offers a wide range of shopping opportunities, so take the time to explore.
If you’re traveling by car, the closest international airport is Innsbruck Airport (INN), located approximately 90 kilometers away. So, if you’re looking for the perfect way to end your “Jaufen Pass & Penserjoch Panoramic Road” road trip, a visit to Bolzano is the perfect way to cap off your journey.
Jaufen Pass & Penserjoch Panoramic Road at a glance
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Start:
Merano
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End:
Bolzano
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Distance:
123 km
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Stay:
1 day
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Getting there:
Bolzano Airport (BZO),
Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on a captivating Road Trip along the Jaufen Pass & Penserjoch Panoramic Road, traversing the heart of the Italian Alps from Merano to Bolzano. Spanning approximately 123 kilometers, this Scenic Drive weaves through idyllic alpine villages and showcases breathtaking landscapes. With the journey comfortably fitting into a single day's itinerary, it's a perfect snapshot of the region's splendor.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Merano: A renowned spa town adorned with lush Mediterranean gardens, elegant promenades, and Art Nouveau architecture, offering a serene beginning to the journey.
- St. Leonhard in Passeier: This historic village is famed for the MuseumPasseier and as the birthplace of Andreas Hofer, a Tyrolean folk hero who led a rebellion against Napoleon's forces.
- Vipiteno (Sterzing): Experience the charm of this medieval town with its picturesque tower, vibrant facades, and proximity to the impressive Reifenstein Castle, an emblem of medieval architecture.
- Passo di Pennes (Penserjoch): Climbing to 2,211 meters above sea level, this mountain pass reveals awe-inspiring panoramic views, often described as a window into the soul of the Alps.
- Sarentino (Sarntal): A tranquil valley renowned for its artisanal traditions and pristine natural landscapes, offering a glimpse into the pastoral lifestyle of the region.
- Bolzano (Bozen): A cultural crossRoads where Italian and German influences converge, home to the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology and the world-famous 5,300-year-old mummy, Ötzi the Iceman.
Best Time to Go:
To fully appreciate the vibrant alpine flora and optimal Road conditions, plan your journey in the summer months. The alpine meadows burst with color, and the clear skies offer the best views of the peaks.
Potential Risks:
- Mountain weather is unpredictable, and sudden changes can lead to treacherous driving conditions.
- The route features narrow lanes and hairpin bends that demand attentiveness and cautious driving.
- Expect heavier traffic during the peak summer season, which may cause delays.
Facts for Roadtrippers:
- This well-maintained route is accessible to drivers of all skill levels.
- Budgeting for the Trip is advisable to cover dining, potential overnight stays, and engaging in local activities.
- The Road offers a plethora of activities, from hiking trails and photography spots to immersing oneself in the local culture and history.
A good choice for:
The Jaufen Pass & Penserjoch Panoramic Road is an essential experience for travelers in Northern Italy, blending magnificent alpine scenery with cultural treasures. It's an exceptional route that delivers an indelible blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue, ensuring a Road Trip to remember.
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