Italy has many beautiful lakes. Lago di Garda, Lago Maggiore and Lago di Como are the most famous. But also the lesser-known small lakes, in the mountains or on the plain, are often breathtakingly beautiful. Italy has many beautiful lakes. The Trentino region in the north of Italy has many smaller mountain lakes. Incidentally, part of Lake Garda is also part of Trentino. One of those other smaller lakes is Lago di Molveno. There you can enjoy beautiful cycling in Trentino. In this article we give you some wonderful tips for cycling in this region.
text and photos: Neal Beentjes
Molveno
The town of Molveno is located on the Molveno Lake in the Dolomites. Located in Brenta, a mountain range that is called the gem of the Dolomites by Italians. As a cyclist, it is certainly not the first place you think of, because most Dutch people still head towards Corvara (Sella Ronda), Stelvio Or Gavia. Maybe that’s why it’s a fantastic place to start cycling in Trentino. Especially because there’s more to experience than just cycling. It’s a true MTB and hiking paradise with plenty of places to rent a (downhill)MTB for a day trip.
Unknown cols
The names Passo Ballino (15.8km – 4.5% km), Passo Duron (10.2km – 6.2%%) and Passo Daone (8.3 km – 9.2) don’t mean much to most people, but they are certainly worth a try. Especially the Passo Ballino is spectacular. You can climb it from three sides, but the option from Lake Garda is fantastic. With 15km of 4.5% km, this climb is much friendlier than many other options nearby. And thanks to the many hairpin bends, you always have a beautiful view of Lake Garda, where many Dutch people spend their holidays. Once you reach the top, it’s a must to stop at Pizzeria Da Lucio. This restaurant without a menu offers the true Italian experience. The owner who comes to present you the menu neatly makes it complete. Great.
Binding with bondone
The Monte Bondone (19.4km – 7.5%) certainly rings a bell for true cycling fans. A climb that has often provided plenty of spectacle in the Giro d’Italia. Gaul and Bahamontes cycled there already, and in Italy The Monte Bondone is a real bucket list climb. That’s how Vincenzo Nibali and Ivan Basso won a youth race on the Monte Bondone and later the Giro d’Italia. This cannot be a coincidence. Here again you have three variants, with the one from Trento being the most painful. The Aldeno version is also great to do, it’s a bit more irregular and with spikes towards 13% you need good legs.
Monte Bondone, Lasino, Italy
• Distance: 21.8 km, Elevation: 1159 m, Average grade: 5.3 %
Famous cols
In addition, there are a few other well-known climbs in the region where you can easily cycle there. From Molveno, you can cycle around 140 kilometers to Madonna Di Campiglio. For those who aren’t familiar with the route: that’s 7km of suffering. And that with a steep uphill section. On the route, you’ll also pass Passo Daone and see another lake, the Lago di Santa Giustina. Madonna di Campiglio is one of those climbs that cyclists like to do, even if it’s just because of Madonna herself winning the race.
Madonna di Campiglio, Italy
• Distance: 10.2 km, Elevation: 651 m, Average grade: 6.3 %
Passo Mendola – Mendelpass
The Mendelpass is a frequently climbed climb in the area. This climb is located just south of Bolzano It is often part of the Giro Dolomiti. From Molveno it is about 120 kilometers in a loop over the Passo Mendola (Mendellpass). For a good lunch stop in Caldaro near House on the Hill Or if you scroll further down, you can add a coffee or cola stop at Lago di Caldaro, for example at Restaurant Seegarten. This restaurant isn't cheap, but if you have the time, the lunch is truly divine.
Trento
Molveno is located on the border of German-speaking and Italian-speaking Italy. Trentino. With about an hour and a half of cycling you are in the capital Trento. You cycle mainly downhill, so the return trip takes a little longer. In the valley where Trento is located there are several beautiful cycling trails, especially along the Adige River. It’s nice and flat, along the refreshing water. What’s also great: you’re riding right in the middle of the wine region. Beautiful pictures and you can stop anywhere for a tasting. At least, if you’re in that part of the world.
This way you can easily cycle from Trento towards Arco or Riva del Garda. In Arco you can have an espresso for €1.10, just like in the rest of Italy. These prices are something we can get used to. In addition, in every village you can get fantastic pasta or pizza for lunch. For 15 euros, on an empty stomach and with caffeine, you can cycle the last few kilometers back towards Molveno.
The pros and cons in a nutshell
Advantages:
- Many different lesser-known cols
- More than just racing bikes
- The location is truly beautiful
- The village is equipped with all the necessary facilities
- It is popular with Italian tourists, so you won't see many other Dutch people there.
Disadvantages:
- Molveno is located at an altitude, so you always have to climb at the end of your ride
- Molveno is more geared towards MTB riders, so race bike parts are hard to come by.
- Roads can sometimes be busy with motorcyclists
Looking for great routes in and around Molveno? Check out the Komoot account of Teammates Cycling Club.
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.