Hairpin bends, beautifully rugged surroundings and a deep blue sky: and the fantastic weather is enough to set the pulse of any true biker racing. So what could be better than to set off on a tour across the 2,094 m high Passo del Giovo? Motorbiking doesn’t get any better than this!
The Jaufenhaus is located right by the road leading to the Passo del Giovo, at 2,000 m above sea level. It’s the perfect place to stop off at when you’re out on your bike! We serve up delicious traditional dishes from South Tyrol and typical specialities from the region in our mountain restaurant, which is open all year round. On our large sun deck seating up to 100 people you can treat yourself to a piece of cake and enjoy the breathtaking views of the South Tyrolean Alps.
Our Alpine hut is a popular touring destination for motorbike groups so it is frequently used as a stopover. The Jaufenhaus has 2-, 3- and 4-bed rooms and can accommodate up to 80 people. You can also park your bike in our garage for free. A large dining room and a cosy lounge with satellite TV offer a great setting for evening entertainment at 2,000 m above sea level.
The surroundings - the Passo del Giovo is among the top ten Alpine passes
Situated in the heart of South Tyrol, the Passo del Giovo is the most northerly Alpine pass to be located completely within Italian borders. The 35 km long, scenic route over the Passo del Giovo links the Val Passiria to the Val d’Isarco. It offers the shortest connection between the South Tyrolean tourist bastions of Vipiteno (948 m) and Merano (325 m). Riding the many gorgeous curves and 11 hairpin bends from Vipiteno up to the Pass is a delight for every true biker. Through the woodland you can catch beautiful glimpses of the Val Ridanna and the Stubai glaciers with the highest peak, the Zuckerhütl (3,505 m). Shortly after the Passo del Giovo (2094m) there are breathtaking views down to the Val Passiria. Hard to beat: the views of the Ötztal Alps, the Texel group and the Stubai glaciers.
To the north you’ll see the towering peaks of the mighty Stubai Alps, to the south the equally extensive Sarentine Alps. The Passo del Giovo is surrounded by the Jaufenspitz (2,483 m) and Saxner (2,359 m) mountains in addition to the sweeping Valle di Racines. The crossing of the pass continues by offering beautiful views of the Hohe Wilde and the Seelenkogel in the Ötztal Alps together with their glaciers to the south and the Tux Alps to the north.
You should be very careful on the downhill section to San Leonardo: in addition to the 11 hairpins and even more curves, the road can also get very narrow in places. The wonderful landscape, pleasant gradients and constantly changing route and configuration of the road make this Pass one to truly enjoy!
Touring tips: Passo di Pennes and Passo del Giovo
Kilometres: 225 km
Starting point: autostrada exit Bolzano Nord
Passes: Passo di Pennes, Passo del Giovo,
Well worth visiting: the Andreas Hofer museum in San Leonardo
Brief description:
This tour takes you along quiet roads away from the busy tourist routes from Bolzano through the Val Sarentino up to the Passo di Pennes, then across the Passo del Giovo to the Val Passiria. From Merano the route leads back to Bolzano via Meltina and Jenesinen. The Jaufenhaus is located exactly halfway on this tour, making it an ideal place to fortify yourself for the journey onwards.
