What a beautiful September morning to be alive here in Ora surrounded by mountains on the gorgeous Adige Valley in the North of Italy. After couple of deep inhalations of this fresh mountain air, I'm now thinking where can I find a good cup of coffee and just laze in the sun like a lizard and indulge myself in the state of the famous italian saying "la dolce far niente". Luckily there is a place where I can achieve this state of elevated being and more, at the bakery just across the street from the camping.

Caffeine and sugar can take me anywhere :)

Now that the breakfast is served let me show you around the Camping Markushof where I stayed just one night but which exceeded all my expectations. The price was about 15 EUR/person/pitch/day when I was here in 2022 and varies slightly based on the season. I really liked this camping and is only 20 km away from Bolzano in case you plan for a visit in the area.

For those travelling super light there is also a 3* Hotel Markushof on site.

And yes there is also a pool under those palm trees and free wifi availableWashing machine, dryer and detergent available for your laundryModern and clean sanitary facilities

Now it's time to leave the camping and continue our route upstream towards Bolzano.

Adige RiverEntering BolzanoThe spectacular Dolomites are in the backBolzano CathedralA 14th century gothic masterpiece Waltherplatz

I think this is a nice place to have lunch and I just spotted a nice terrace.

Lunch break italian style of course and refuelling

Now let's have a look around the old town shall we?

"Nestled in the picturesque Italian Alps, Bolzano is a charming city known for its quaint streets, historic architecture, and vibrant culture. Visitors can wander through the medieval old town, explore the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology to see the famous Ötzi the Iceman, or hop on a cable car to take in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. With its blend of Italian and Austrian influences, Bolzano offers a unique and delightful experience for any traveler seeking beauty and history in a stunning alpine setting." Damn this AI description of Bolzano is really good, I could not have summed it up so well myself, afterall I only spent 3h there.

It is the capital city of the province of South Tirol, in Northern Italy with a population of 108,245, Bolzano is also by far the largest city in South Tyrol and the third largest in historical Tyrol. In the 2020 version of the annual ranking of quality of life in Italian cities, Bolzano was ranked joint first for quality of life alongside Bologna. Bolzano is considered a bridge between Northern Europe and Southern Europe due to the three spoken languages in South Tyrol (Italian, German, and Ladin) and the confluence of Italian and German-Austrian culture.

Beautiful old streets of BolzanoThe Franciscan Friary is a must visit when you'll come to BolzanoGothic style Franciscan monastic church founded in 1221Grateful to be here for the first timeAnd a quick espresso before saying goodbye to BolzanoLeft Adige behind and continued along the Eisack riverside

This is actually an old railway transformed in cycle path which is such a brilliant ideea considering the uphill gradient is more or less constant and being so it's also easy on the legs, making the route accessible to everyone. This is the way!

Choo choo !!!

"The Brennero-Bolzano railway line was a historic railway route in northern Italy that connected the cities of Brennero and Bolzano. It was part of the Brenner Railway, a major line linking Austria and Italy. The line was built in the mid-19th century and closed in the 1990s when it was replaced by a more modern railway. Today, parts of the old railway path have been converted into the Isarco Valley Cycle Path, a popular route for cyclists and hikers."

Highway A22  connecting Italy with Austria up there on the right 100% joy on a day like thisIn case someone needs to adjust the pressure or do a quick fix on the roadTransiting Klausen old townOne of many transiting Brixen

I arrived in Brixen in the evening and went straight to the camping Lowenhof which I reserved in advance this time and set up my tent. After a quick shower I went for dinner at the restaurant on premise which seemed a bit fancy at the beginning considering this is a 4* hotel&camping but apparently this is the norm here in South Tyrol which I can totally adapt to, no problem as long as I'm solvent...at least for now.

Upgraded to 4* this evening as you can seeAnd switched to burger, I'm getting closer to Austrian border afterall :)

Day 4 map: Auer - Ora to Brixen 71 km (Bikemap App)

This was my experience cycling on EuroVelo 7 upstream Bolzano back in 2022 and I loved every minute of it, hope it can help you plan for yours. May the sun shine on you when you decide to visit!

Until next time,

source

https://travelfeed.com/@discovereurovelo/biketouring-eurovelo7-italy-auer-ora-to-brixen-2022

EuroVelo 7 - Auer Ora to Brixen 71 km

  What a beautiful September morning to be alive here in Ora surrounded by mountains on the gorgeous Adige Valley in the North of Italy. A...

EuroVelo 7 - Auer Ora to Brixen 71 km

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The crisp morning air of Brusimpiano invigorated my senses as I embarked on a scenic hike towards Ardena. Lush greenery carpeted the rolling hills, and the distant peaks shimmered with an ethereal glow. Little did I know, this adventure would unveil a hidden gem – the captivating Madonna Miracolosa, a testament to faith and artistic brilliance.

The trail meandered through quaint villages and vineyards, offering glimpses into the idyllic life of the region. As I rounded a bend, a charming little church perched atop a hillock caught my eye. Drawn by its magnetic presence, I veered off the path to explore this unexpected treasure.

The unassuming exterior of the Madonna Miracolosa belied the wonders within. Stepping through the weathered doorway, I was greeted by a breathtaking spectacle. The walls were adorned with vibrant frescoes, depicting scenes from the Bible with remarkable detail and emotion. The masterful use of color and light transported me back in time, igniting my imagination.

But what truly captivated me was the story behind the church, a tale deeply rooted in Catholicism. Legend speaks of a miraculous event where a shell, imbued with the sweet fragrance of frankincense (weihrauch in German), was discovered on the very spot where the church now stands. This discovery was interpreted as a divine sign, prompting the construction of this sanctuary dedicated to the Madonna.

The delicate shell, displayed reverently within the church, served as a powerful symbol of faith and the Virgin Mary's intercession. The fragrance of frankincense, often associated with prayer and purification, seemed to linger in the air, adding a mystical touch to the atmosphere.

Leaving the Madonna Miracolosa, I carried a newfound sense of peace and wonder. The hike to Ardena continued, but the memory of this hidden gem remained etched in my mind. It was a reminder that beauty and inspiration can be found in the most unexpected places, waiting to be discovered by those willing to explore.

So, if you ever find yourself in Brusimpiano, lace up your hiking boots and embark on a journey towards Ardena. You might just stumble upon your own slice of heaven, a testament to faith, art, and the enduring beauty of nature.

A Hike with Heavenly Views: Unveiling the Madonna Miracolosa near Brusimpiano

The crisp morning air of Brusimpiano invigorated my senses as I embarked on a scenic hike towards Ardena. Lush greenery carpeted the rolling...

A Hike with Heavenly Views: Unveiling the Madonna Miracolosa near Brusimpiano

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