From 2005 the Valvenosta train takes you from Merano to Malles and back. First the Valvenosta train has been inaugurated on July 01, 1906 and after its maiden voyage and an interruption of service, this railroad line has been reopened. In 1990, for the time being, there was the last train running throughout the valley, until the track changed hands and was public ownership from 1999. It was redeveloped and on May 5, 2005 the new train made its maiden voyage to Malles, ushering in a new era. The track runs along the Adige river across the Val Venosta. The stations along the track date back to the period of time between 1900 and 1906 and are consequently part of the cultural artifact of South Tyrol. The restaurations of the stations have been performed in cooperation with the Provincial Antiquities and Monuments Office, striving for preserving their original flair. However, of course also modern techniques were implemented. The track features a length of 59.8 km and the train reaches a maximum speed of 100 km/h. By the way: the accessibility of the train for handicapped people has been referred to as “exemplary in Europe”, as 14 of 18 stations along the track are “accessible” and the remaining 4 stations “accessible with help”. Another great offer is called “Train and bike” (Bahn und Bike), six train stations along the track offer a bike rental: Merano, Naturno, Laces, Spondigna, Silandro and Malles. At these rental stations you can rent and return bikes. A total of 1300 bikes (mountain bikes, trekking buses, city bikes, tandems and bikes for children) are available.
Our recommendation: The so called “bikemobil Card” includes a daily ticket as well as a bike rental.