Mendel Pass
The Mendel Pass connects South Tyrol and Trentino in Italy. From Kaltern, the Alpine pass between Lake Kaltern and the Nonstal Valley is accessible all year round via the pass road, which is particularly popular with racing cyclists and motorcyclists, or via the Mendel cable car. The entire Mendel ridge with the mountains Roen, Penegal and Gantkofel offers many opportunities for hiking and biking tours with beautiful panoramic views.
The road from Kaltern up to the Mendel Pass offers panoramic views of Lake Kaltern and the surrounding mountains.
UnsplashFacts & Figures
- In South Tyrol, the Mendel Pass is often simply called ‘the Mendel’.
- The Mendel Pass is located at an altitude of 1,363 metres.
- It is the lowest point of the Mendel ridge, a mountain range running parallel to the Etschtal valley.
- The pass connects South Tyrol with Trentino, and the region Überetsch at Lake Kaltern with the Nonstal valley.
- The Mendel Pass road is part of the SS 42 (Strada Statale 42 del Tonale e della Mendola). There is no winter closure, but between the Planitzing junction and the Mendel Pass, vehicles over 9 m in length and weighing over 12 t are not allowed to drive.
- There is no toll to pay for the Mendel Pass.
- There are 15 hairpin bends between Kalterer Höhe and the pass.
- In September, there is a car-free day on the Mendel Pass road, when cyclists and hikers can enjoy the nature and views to the full.
There is a summer and winter timetable for the cable car between Kaltern and the Mendel Pass.
IDM Südtirol-STA/Manuela TessaroMendel Cable Car & chairlift
The Mendel Cable Car has been in operation since 1903: the valley station is located at an altitude of 510 metres in St. Anton, a village belonging to the municipality of Kaltern. The Mendel Cable Car is one of the cable cars that can be used free of charge with the South Tyrol Guest Pass. However, a ticket is required to transport bicycles or dogs. The average gradient is 39%, the maximum gradient is 64% and the journey time is 12 minutes. A stop halfway up provides a connection to the Kalterer High Mountain Trail.
On the Trentino side, there is a chairlift. In summer, it shortens the hike from the Mendel Pass up to Roen, and in winter it is part of a small, family-friendly ski area. The valley station is located in Campi Golf (municipality of Cavareno).
Vineyards at Lake Kaltern
TV Kaltern - Helmuth RierHiking, mountain biking and road cycling tours
The Mendel ridge offers a wide range of hiking trails. One example is the Telefonsteig: this steep path leads from the Kaltern district of St. Nikolaus up to the Mendel Pass. Many hikers, however, take the Mendel Cable Car up to the pass and start their hikes from there to the 2,116 m high Mt. Roen or the 1,737 m high Mt. Penegal.
The Mt. Gantkofel (1,866 m) is the north-eastern corner pillar of the Mendel Ridge and another popular vantage point: we recommend the hike from St. Felix am Deutschnonsberg via the Lake Felixer Weiher up to the Gantkofel . At the top, you can enjoy a fantastic panorama that encompasses the cities of Bozen and Meran, the Rosengarten massif and the Mt. Schlern, the Sarntaler Alps and the Texel Group. The route from Eppan up to the Bergner Kreuz (1,770 m) is steeper and more challenging.
There are two Alpine passes for road cyclists on the Mendel ridge: a circular route over 80 km long leads not only over the Mendel Pass but also over the Gampen Pass (1,518 m). There are also beautiful panoramic routes for mountain bikers.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get up to the Mendel Pass?
You can drive up by car, motorbike or bicycle, or take the Mendel Cable Car from Kaltern/St. Anton. Alternatively, you can hike to the pass.
Is the Mendel Pass accessibel all year round?
Yes, the pass road is open all year round. On just one day in autumn, the mountain pass road between Kaltern and the Mendel Pass is closed to motor vehicles and belongs entirely to cyclists and hikers.
When does the Mendel Cable Car run?
The Mendel Cable Car runs almost all year round. It is only closed for a few weeks in spring and autumn, when a replacement bus service is provided. The current timetables are available at suedtirolmobil.info.
What can you do on the Mendel Pass and the Mendel ridge?
There are beautiful hiking trails with great views on the Mendel, e.g. to Roen or Penegal, as well as several routes for mountain bikers. In winter, there are winter hikes, snowshoe hikes and a small ski area.
Images
Kaltern and Lake Kaltern
TV Kaltern - Helmuth Rier
The Gantkofel is a 1,866-metre-high mountain on the Mendel Ridge, offering fantastic views.
TV Eppan
MTB tour on Mt. Roen int he Nonsberg Group near Tramin on the Wine Route
Tourismusverein Tramin - Antie Braito
