The bicycle contributes to a unique experience of travelling. As Didier Tronchet writes well in ‘Piccolo trattato di ciclosofia. Il mondo visto dal saddle”, the bicycle is an extension of the body and soul, which makes one active in the pleasure of discovering places that, from the window of a car or train, would speed away without revealing themselves in their entirety. Lake Garda, a scenic combination of water, plains and relief, acquires a whole new flavour when explored by bike.
Riding along the cycle paths that line the shores of the lake or speeding up the roads that wind their way through the hills allow a more engaging knowledge of the landscape and contributes to wellbeing: we breathe better, we move, we do not pollute. There is a wide choice of flat and uphill itineraries, with beautiful routes from every cardinal point. Those who do not have a bike can hire one suitable for their level of fitness and can also count on the experience of an accompanying guide who will also explain the route throughout the hike. For the organisation there is Dolomite Mountains, a dmc specialising in active expeditions in the Dolomites, Sardinia and Lake Garda.
Around Lake Garda by bike
Starting from the southern part of Lake Garda, there is the Mincio cycle path, a 43-km ring-route, all asphalted and with a modest difference in altitude. The travel time is about 4 hours, starting from Borghetto sul Mincio and reaching Peschiera del Garda, passing through Volta Mantovana and Castellaro Lagusello to finally reach Mantua. Due to its conformation, it is suitable for people of all ages and families.
Dashing through the lake beaches
South-east of Lake Garda is the Peschiera-Lazise-Bardolino-Garda cycle path. The route is 18 km in total, completely flat and suitable for everyone. You ride along Peschiera del Garda admiring the walls of the Unesco World Heritage city. You then pedal between asphalt and dirt stretches to Lazise and continue along the lake to Bardolino. From Bardolino to Garda the road is completely paved and runs along the lakefront among small beaches, olive groves and bar kiosks.
Cycling between romantic panoramas and elegant villages
South-west of Lake Garda is the Peschiera-Sirmione-Desenzano cycle path: very easy, 36 km long in all, with no difference in altitude, partially running along the shores of Lake Garda passing by the beautiful Sirmione. A route of extraordinary beauty with views over the lake and passages through elegant and refined villages.
The dream cycle path, the most scenic in the world
On Lake Garda there is also the spectacular suspended cycle path of Limone, the maxi track called Garda by bike, also known as the cycle path of dreams: 140 km along the circumnavigation of Lake Garda, embracing the shores of Trentino, Lombardy and Veneto. A complete loop linking the various towns and villages around the lake with sweeping views across the horizon. The track starts in Limone, the most spectacular point, pedalling on a steel footbridge that runs along the lake for two and a half kilometres and directly overlooks the water at a height of 50 metres, between sheer cliffs. Definitely one of the most scenic cycle paths in the world. Unparalleled views with the sensation of pedalling along with the water flow.
The must do of Lake Garda
The lakeside cycle path between Brenzone and Malcesine, 40 km round trip, crosses no less than 10 villages, all in the Veneto part of Lake Garda: Castelletto di Brenzone, Marniga, Magugnano, Porto di Brenzone, Assenza di Brenzone, Cassone, Val di Sogno, Malcesine, Campagnola, Navene. All asphalted and completely flat (in Malcesine you can eventually take the Monte Baldo cable car to the summit and descend by mountain bike along the dedicated trails), it is considered an absolute must.
In the saddle on Trentino Garda
Another very scenic track is the one from Torbole to Sarche, one of the most popular routes in Garda Trentino. Surrounded by greenery, it follows the course of the Sarca river, connecting the shores of the lake. Almost 25 km of the route, with 200 metres of maximum altitude difference in an enchanting landscape. Along the route, with short detours, you can reach various attractions, points of interest, producers and restaurants in the Upper Garda area.
