Imagine Austria, but with everything Italy is known for; the best food and delicious coffee. Add some palm trees and vineyards and you have a bit of an image of the Italian region of Trentino-South Tyrol. In this blog we tell you all the ins and outs about Cycling in Trentino-South Tyrol, around Molveno, a beautiful mountain village in the middle of the Dolomites. You'll also find tips on what to do nearby on a rest day. Because hey, even your cycling holiday is still a holiday, isn't it!
What does cycling in Trentino-South Tyrol look like?
With its 1000 inhabitants, the village of Molveno, our basecamp, is located in the 'Parco Naturale Adamello-Brento', where you can spot bears, among other things, and is surrounded by the Brenta Dolomites. It lies at 864 metres altitude and is popular with mountaineers and hikers. At the bottom of the village lies the beautiful 'Lago di Molveno'. This lake was named 'Best Italian Lake' for the sixth time in 2019. And we can well understand that! The water is mega blue and surrounded by the imposing mountain peaks.
From Molveno, a sun holiday and winter sports are just around the corner. In nearby Andalo, you'll find ski lifts, an après-ski bar and the Christmas lights are on even in September. Even in summer, you'll get the itch to go skiing here. If you drive 45 minutes to the west by car, you'll be among palm trees at Lake Garda. And heading down the mountain towards the east, you'll be surrounded by vineyards. The Stelvio and Sella Ronda are also within easy reach. Quite a varied environment!
Cycling around Molveno
The nice thing about cycling in Molveno is that the surroundings are so varied. What also stands out is that there are some beautiful cycling paths in the area of where you can cycle undisturbed without cars racing past you:
- Ciclabile Limarò - This cycle path is only a few kilometres long, but goes around a mountain. You have great views and avoid a lot of tunnels by taking this path.
- Ciclabile Basso Sarca - You really don't want to miss this cycle path! While it is a bit narrow in some places and can be quite crowded, it is well worth it. Meander for kilometres along a river overlooking the impressive Monte Casale and stop for a nice coffee in the cosy town of Arco.
- Via Claudia Augusta - For when you've had enough gut-busting climbs. This cycle path is wonderfully flat and you see grapevines and fruit trees everywhere. A coffee stop is at Bike Break.
Always up
One thing is certain when cycling in Molveno; cycling out at the end of your ride is not an option. Because the village is so high, you will always have to climb the last kilometres. Something less certain in Molveno is the weather. The weather forecast can seem so bad, but you will see that before you know it, the sky will break open again and you will just be sitting in the sun with a beer after your ride. Or vice versa.
What do you do on a rest day?
Even if you want to take a day off, or if cycling is not possible because of the weather, there is plenty to do near Molveno! For example, hop in the car to Riva del Garda or Arco, take a nice swim in Lake Garda and then stroll through the streets of these historic villages with an ice cream in your hand You'll be surprised at the temperature here, as by Lake Garda it's easily about 4-6 degrees warmer than in Molveno.
Bolzano is nearby
Also Bolzano, South Tyrol's largest city is within easy reach. In an hour and 15 minutes you are in the centre of this German-speaking city. And Trento, an undiscovered city among tourists, is also a 45-minute drive away. Would you like to do something more active? How about the many beautiful hiking trails near Molveno? Take the lift in the village, enjoy the beautiful views and eat something tasty in a mountain hut!
Wine and adrenaline
Or go for adrenaline and experience Trentino-South Tyrol from the air; you won't soon forget paragliding in Molveno. And can't resist putting on your cycling gear? Mountain bikers can also go wild here! Do you prefer Italian culture? There are plenty of wineries in the area for you to indulge in. Take a wine tour, taste the most delicious wines and take some goodies home with you. You deserve that after all that cycling!
Routes
For the most beautiful routes for cycling in Trentino-South Tyrol (and especially the Molveno area) view this collection on Komoot. Our favourite was the 'Passo del Ballino'. This route takes you via the Ciclabile Limarò and the Ciclabile Basso Sarca towards Arco and Riva del Garda. Then, on the Passo del Ballino, you have great views over Lake Garda and pass the intensely blue Lago di Tenno.
