Motorcycle hotel in South Tyrol: Alpine passes from Prämajur
As a motorcycle hotel in South Tyrol, the Ferienhotel Kastellatz is above all a quiet base in the Upper Vinschgau: the Stelvio, Umbrail, Ofen and Reschen passes are all nearby, and in the evening gourmet half board and a sauna await. You set off in the morning wherever the weather allows and come back to the same room at night.
Four passes, one base
The Stelvio, Umbrail, Ofen and Reschen passes can be planned as day circuits from Prämajur, with no change of quarters. The choice depends on weather and road conditions, which you should check beforehand with the respective operator.
Parking at the house
The covered car park at the house is part of your stay. Whether there is room for your motorcycle we are happy to clarify in advance, just tell us briefly when booking what you are arriving on.
Arriving after the ride
Panoramic indoor pool, whirlpool and saunas, and in the evening a 4-course choice menu with regional ingredients: gourmet half board is included in the price.
The passes at a glance
Stelvio Pass: the road was built between 1820 and 1825. On the South Tyrolean side 48 hairpin bends lead up; the ascent starts at Prad am Stilfser Joch, easily reached through the valley.
Umbrail Pass: the road leads from Sta. Maria in the Val Müstair to the pass summit and, a few kilometres further on, meets the South Tyrolean ramp of the Stelvio. The two passes can therefore be combined in a single ride. The Umbrail is a summer pass and is closed in winter.
Ofen Pass: it links the Val Müstair with Zernez in the Engadine and runs through the Swiss National Park. According to the Graubünden civil engineering office, the road generally stays open all year. In the park you must stay on the marked paths: stop and walk only at the designated places.
Reschen Pass: it lies at 1,508 m and leads across the border into Austria. The Romans already built the Via Claudia Augusta here. In Lake Reschen the church tower of the drowned village of Graun rises out of the water.
Before you set off: check opening and road conditions
Pass openings depend on snow and weather and change from year to year. We therefore give no dates but refer you to the operators: for the Stelvio, the traffic report of the Province of South Tyrol (linked from the vinschgau.net page); for the Umbrail and Ofen passes, the Graubünden civil engineering office.
On some days the Stelvio is closed to motorised traffic altogether, for example on the Stelvio Bike Day; vinschgau.net lists the date in its event calendar. Ride on such a day and you will find the barrier down.
Across the border into Switzerland
The Umbrail and Ofen passes lead into Switzerland. Take photo ID with you and expect to pay in francs or by card; EU mobile roaming does not apply in Switzerland. A worthwhile destination in the Val Müstair is St John’s Abbey in Müstair, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.
After the ride, at the house
Your stay includes the panoramic indoor pool, whirlpool, saunas and the gym with a view of the valley. You can see the rooms and suites in the overview, and the prices per person and day with gourmet half board on the prices page.
FAQ
- When is the Stelvio Pass open for motorcycles?
- The road opens seasonally and depends on the weather; we cannot promise a fixed date. You will find the current status in the traffic report of the Province of South Tyrol.
- Can I ride into Switzerland over the Umbrail and Ofen passes?
- Yes, both roads lead into Switzerland. Take photo ID with you; the Umbrail is closed in winter, the Ofen Pass generally stays open all year.
- Where do I park my motorcycle?
- The house has a covered car park. Tell us when booking that you are coming by motorcycle, and we will clarify the details with you.
- Is gourmet half board available?
- Yes, the gourmet half board with breakfast buffet and a 4-course choice menu in the evening is included in the prices per person and day.
The bends will not wait
Choose your travel dates, and start your first ride straight after breakfast.