Discovering Lake Garda by bike
An area to experience in its many facets. Lake Garda is a favorite summer destination in the province of Brescia, which is increasingly attentive to sustainable tourism and the needs of bikers of all levels.
From the lake perimeter to the bike trails, from the cycle paths of the lower and upper Garda to the many points of interest in the area, here is the ultimate guide to an unforgettable cycling vacation on Lake Garda!
A unique experience: the lake tour
Let’s start with a great classic: a bike ride around Lake Garda. A spectacular loop along the entire perimeter of the lake –approximately 140 km– that allows you to enjoy exceptional landscapes, from the lemon houses and the unspoiled nature of the west shore, to the renowned old town centers (Garda, Bardolino, Lazise) and the great amusement parks of the Verona side, first of all Gardaland.
Technical notes: on the Brescia side, the route winds mainly along the roadside, except for a few short sections, such as the pedestrian and bike path in Limone del Garda. On the Verona side, the towns of Garda, Bardolino, Lazise, and Peschiera are connected by a beautiful scenic bike path that allows you to travel safely while enjoying wonderful views.
Bike trails near Lake Garda
Is off-roading your passion? Lake Garda offers MTB trails of varying difficulty, united by the unique charm of this land and a mild climate that makes it possible to ride them throughout the year.
Among the easy trails we point out the Desenzano-Pozzolengo-Sirmione castles tour, the tour of the Rocca di Manerba (passing through Padenghe and Manerba) and the route near the Fornaci di Lonato, an archaeological site from the 1st-2nd centuries AD.
The trails connecting Tignale and Prà del Bont, Turamo, Armo and Valvestino, Bollone and Capovalle and finally Toscolano Maderno and Monte Pizzoccolo via Sanico are of medium difficulty.
The adrenaline builds with the more challenging trails, such as the stunning panoramic route that leads from Salò to Riva del Garda via Pizzoccolo and Vesio with its 81 km and 3,350 mt of positive altitude difference, or the tour of the Ancient VillagesMagasa, Turano, and Droane near the enchantinglake of Valvestino.
There is something for everyone – and for all levels of fitness!
Bicycle paths for the whole family
There are many routes around Lake Garda for those who prefer to cycle peacefully with their family, enjoying the lake breeze and taking a break at the various points of interest.
Let’s start with the lower Garda and the Brescia-Verona stretch, an evocative route on the edge of the Po valley that allows you to admire important historical artifacts, such as the Castle and the Villa Romana in Desenzano, as well as the Rocca Scaligera in Sirmione.
Once you reach Peschiera you have two options: continue towards Verona or turn south towards Mantua.
Also in the southern part of Lake Garda area there are two other suggested routes, quite different from each other. One is the Brescia-Salò bike route via the Naviglio Grande Bresciano, the other is the tour of the Valtènesi, 24 km of charm among hills where the wine of the same name is produced and the incredible panorama of the lake. Among the must-see points of interest are the Castle of Padenghe and the Salò lakefront, an ideal choice for a regenerating break.
Now let’s move towards the northern part of Lake Garda. Leaving the town of Salò behind you and passing Gardone Riviera with its monumental Vittoriale degli Italiani, you reach Toscolano Maderno where 18 km of bicycle path await you, connecting the town with the splendidValle delle Cartiere [paper mills valley], a peaceful corner closed to vehicular traffic. Here you can admire a unique landscape, with dozens of ancient paper mills, the fascinating Paper Museum and exciting footbridges over the creek.
But the surprises do not end there. Heading towards Riva del Garda you come across the suspended pedestrian and cycle path of Limone, with its breathtaking 2 km overlooking the lake, called the ‘most spectacular footbridge in Europe’.
Lake Garda cycle tourism: transportation and services
Lake Garda has a network of transportation and services that make your vacation even easier to arrange, and customize according to your needs.
Getting around Lake Garda is a real pleasure, as well as an increasingly environmentally friendly choice! With Navigarda ferry service you can travel from one side of the lake to the other and take your bike with you (for info, timetables and costs click here). The towns on the southern part of Lake Garda -Desenzano, Sirmione, and Peschiera – are also served by trains on the Milan-Venice line, on which your bike is always welcome (info, timetables and costs on the official Trenitalia website).
Regarding services for bicycle tourists, in the attached brochure you will find a list of workshops on Lake Garda that offer repair, rental, and guides. Many of them specialize in e-bike rental, to help you enjoy your stay without fear of mileage. All that’s left is to wish you a good ride!
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