Imagine Austria, but with everything Italy is known for: the best food and delicious coffee. Add some palm trees and vineyards to that, and you have a pretty good idea of the Italian region Trentino-South Tyrol. In this blog, we’ll tell you all 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 day off. Because hey, your cycling holiday is still a holiday, right?
What does cycling in Trentino-South Tyrol look like?
The village of Molveno, our base camp, with its 1000 inhabitants, is located in the ‘Parco Naturale Adamello-Brento’, where you can, among other things, spot bears, and is surrounded by the Brenta Dolomites. It is located at an altitude of 864 meters 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 understand that perfectly! The water is a mega blue and is surrounded by the imposing mountain peaks.
From Molveno, a sun holiday and winter sports are just around the corner. In the nearby Andalo you will find ski lifts, an après-ski bar, and the Christmas lights are still burning in September. Even in the summer, you get goosebumps just thinking about skiing here. If you drive 45 minutes west, you will find yourself among the palm trees by Lake Garda. And if you head up the mountain towards the east, you will be surrounded by vineyards. The Stelvio and Sella Ronda are also within easy reach. A very diverse environment, therefore!
Cycling in the area around Molveno
The great thing about cycling in Molveno is that the surroundings are so varied. Another thing that stands out is that there are a number of beautiful cycling trails in the area, where you can cycle without being interrupted by cars:
- Ciclabile Limarò – This bike path is only a few kilometers long, but it goes around a mountain. You get a beautiful view and avoid a lot of tunnels by taking this path.
- Ciclabile Basso Sarca – You really don’t want to miss this bike trail! It is somewhat narrow in some places and can get quite crowded, but it is definitely worth it. Ride for kilometers along a river with views of the impressive Monte Casale and stop for a delicious coffee in the cozy town of Arco.
- Through Claudia Augusta – For when you’ve had enough of the hill climbers. This bike path is wonderfully flat and you can see grapevines and fruit trees everywhere. You stop for a coffee at a coffee shop along the way. Bike Break.
Always rising again
One thing is certain when you go cycling in Molveno; there’s no relaxing at the end of your ride. Because the village is so high up, you’ll always have to climb the last few kilometers. What’s less certain in Molveno is the weather. The weather forecast may look bad, but you’ll see that the air will open up before you know it and you’ll be sitting in the sun with a beer after your ride. Or vice versa.
What do you do on a day off?
Even if you want to take a day off to rest, 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 will be surprised by the temperature here, because at Lake Garda it is often about 4-6 degrees warmer than in Molveno.
Bolzano is close by
Also Bolzano, The largest city in South Tyrol is within easy reach. In an hour and a quarter you are in the center of this German-speaking city. And you can also find Trente, an undiscovered city for tourists, within 45 minutes by car. If you still want to do something more active? How about the many beautiful hiking trails near Molveno? Take the lift into the village, enjoy the beautiful views, and eat some delicious food and mountain hut!
Wine and adrenaline
Or go for adrenaline and experience South Tyrol from the air; paragliding in Molveno will be something you won’t soon forget. And if you can’t help but put on your mountain bike gear? Mountain bikers can also get really wild here! Would you rather go for Italian culture? There are plenty of wine farms in the area where you can indulge your taste buds. Take a wine tour, try the best wines, and take some treats home with you. After all that biking, you’ve earned it!
Routes
For the most beautiful cycling routes in Trentino-South Tyrol (and in particular the area around Molveno) check out this collection on Komoot. Our favorite 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 a beautiful view over Lake Garda and you pass the intensely blue Lago di Tenno.
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.