Published on: 20 March 2013 | Last updated: 26 December 2019
This route based on the Laghi di Lombardia route prepared by the FIAB (Federazione Italiana Amici della Bicicletta), although it has now disappeared from the Bicitalia website. It’s a great option if you’re looking for an accessible route that links the major Italian lakes. It’s particularly valuable in providing a link between the Lago di Como and the Lago di Garda - a densely populated area where without local knowledge it would be easy to go wrong.
The route also takes you through the cities of Brescia and Bergamo both places that are often overlooked but are well worth a visit. As well as the major lakes the route also takes in a number of minor lakes as well as the wine country of the Franciacorte.
I would suggest using this route as the basis for planning a tour of the lakes - on the pages on the individual sections I have suggested options for loops and detours.
Map and altitude profile
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The route passes within easy cycling distance of the Brescia, Bergamo and Milano Malpensa airports.
Options
The route provides a valuable link between the Lago di Garda and the Lago di Como. After Como it heads further south - I have suggested a tour of the western lakes which offers an alternative. This route is hillier and on busier roads, but you see more of the lakes.
Connections
The route connects with:
- the Ciclopista del Sole (eurovelo 7) at the Mincio river near Peschiera del Garda (link opens in new window)
- the Ticino cycleway at Sesto Calende
- the Oglio cycleway
- the Adda cycleway at Garlate near the Lago di Como
Day-rides
In each section I have made suggestions for day-rides. I think the best way to use this route is as the basis onto which you can add loops and detours.
When to go
The best months to do this route would be June and September. This route is at relatively low altitudes so it will be hot in July and August.
Downloads
Maps to print out or view offline
GPS files
More information
Places to stay
Transport and services
Articles in this series
- Lakes of Lombardia and Piemonte – Overview
- Lakes of Lombardia and Piemonte – Part 1
- Lakes of Lombardia and Piemonte – Part 2
- Lakes of Lombardia and Piemonte – Part 3
- Lakes of Lombardia and Piemonte – Part 3 (variant)
- Lakes of Lombardia and Piemonte- Part 4
- Lakes of Lombardia and Piemonte – Part 5
Get in touch
Please get in touch if you find any errors in the information, or if there’s anything, good or bad, that you’d want other cyclists to know.
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