Between Rosengarten and Latemar: Mountain biking in the Dolomites’ most beautiful open-air cinema
A cycling holiday in Eggental in the Dolomites – South Tyrol at its best
3 things you need to know about Rosengarten & Latemar
Facts & Figures: UNESCO Dolomites, Eggental
- Part of the Dolomites UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site (since 2009)
- Total area of the sub-site: approx. 9,300 hectares
- Location: between South Tyrol (Eggental in the Dolomites) and Trentino (Fassatal / Fleimstal)
Experience the unique alpenglow
The Rosengraten and Latemar are hard to beat when it comes to dramatic scenery. It’s as though these two distinctive Dolomite peaks in the Dolomiten-Eggental mountain biking region were vying for the attention of mountain bikers. The Rosengarten is not just a mountain – it is one of the most iconic settings for the Alpenglühen in the Alps. For when the sun sets, the rock faces turn an intense shade of pink and red, offering the unique natural spectacle known as the Enrosadira. Its highest peak, the Kesselkogel (3,004 m), dominates the region’s skyline – you simply cannot miss this iconic peak on a cycling holiday in South Tyrol!
Cycling on the fossil reef mountain
The Latemar, on the other hand , looks like a petrified rock labyrinth towering over Lake Karer. After all, it is a geologically unique fossilised coral reef from the Triassic period, featuring jagged towers. Here, you’ll find yourself right in the middle of a primordial sea laid bare – an adventure unlike any other in the world! And after the tour, you’ll head straight to the famous Lake Carezza at the foot of the Latemar, whose turquoise-green waters reflect the mountain silhouette. It’s almost too beautiful to be true!
When the mountains become the main attraction
Cycling in the heart of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
So, anyone on a mountain biking holiday in the Eggental isn’t just cycling through the mountains – they’re cycling right through the heart of the unique, protected UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, the Dolomites. The combination of alpine trails, forest tracks, alpine pasture routes and panoramic trails makes the region one of the most diverse cycling destinations in South Tyrol. The network of trails connects alpine pastures, forests and mountain villages to form an extraordinary MTB playground. One moment you’re riding through dense larch forests; a few minutes later, the view opens up to the striking peaks of the Dolomites. The Rosengarten and Latemar form the backdrop to every ride – whether on scenic alpine routes, flowing trails or challenging panoramic tours. Here, the Dolomites are never just a backdrop, but the stars of the show.
Rosengarten & Latemar – two icons of the Dolomites
- ROSENGARTEN
- Highest peak: Kesselkogel – 3,004 m
- Comprises around 10 striking peaks
- Distinctive sheer faces, dramatic towers and spires, spectacular ridges
Part of the Schlern–Rosengarten Nature Park and the legendary home of King Larin
- LATEMAR
- Highest peak: approx. 2,840 m
- A former fossilised coral reef, labyrinthine rock formations of light-coloured dolomite and jagged towers
- Famous natural highlight: Lake Carezza (Lago di Carezza) at the foot of the mountain range
- Considered one of the most photogenic massifs in the Dolomites
The tour everyone should have done
The Eggental valley combines everything that makes mountain biking in the Alps so special: alpine pasture routes, technical singletrails, scenic panoramic paths and wide forest tracks. The Latemar Loop is one of the great classic bike routes in the Dolomites, combining spectacular views with the joy of alpine cycling. Many mountain-bike regions in South Tyrol offer good rides – but the Eggental achieves something more: it stays with you.
5 things you shouldn’t miss in the Eggental
- Cycle the legendary Latemar loop – the Latemar Ronda MTB Dolomites is regarded as the classic route in the Eggental valley and takes you on a circular tour of around 45 km around the entire Latemar massif (including the ascent by cable car)
- Take a break at Lake Carezza – there’s hardly a more iconic MTB experience: a break and a selfie at the “fairy-tale lake of the Dolomites”, in which the Latemar is reflected. It’s not for nothing that this is one of the most photographed landscapes in the Dolomites.
- Experience the Carezza Trail – pure adrenaline on the flowtrail at the foot of the Rosengarten: one of South Tyrol’s most popular singletrails, stretching around 4.4 km with perfect line choice, including North Shore elements, banked turns, jumps and spectacular views of the Rosengarten and Latemar – ideal for athletic riders.
TIP for cycling romantics: a sunset ride on the Rosengarten - Watch the Enrosadira alpenglow from your bike – as the sun sets, the rock faces of the Rosengarten turn intense shades of pink, red and orange – a natural spectacle unique in the world.
FUN FACT: the name ‘Enrosadira’ comes from the Ladin language and the region’s colourful world of legends. - A cycling holiday with the Eggental’s MTB experts: if you’re travelling with the whole family and want to discover the Eggental alongside local cycling experts, stay at the Bike & Kinderhotel Maria in Obereggen. Here, authentic outdoor experiences await at 1,550 metres – including personalised tour tips from host Christoph Kofler.
