The cycleways of South Tyrol (Südtirol in German) are very famous in all Europe: they are developed on old railways, in the woods or on secondary roads, allowing bicycle tourists to travel completely safe. One of the main cycle paths connects the Brennero Pass to Bolzano, following the Isarco river.
The Valle Isarco Cycle Path, almost 100 km long, connects the Pass to the near main city, but for whom wants to continue the bicycle trip, you can enter Austria always going east on the Val Pusteria cycle path from Fortezza or west towards Merano and the Venosta Valley...
Liguria is a land enclosed among the mountains and the sea where pristine places are often just around the corner. Thanks to the restoration of the old railway tack in a quite touristy area in the region, the Framura – Levanto cycle path has been set up that can be easily traveled also by families with children or people who don’t love that much climbing. This path for pedestrians and bikes is undoubtedly a very interesting itinerary to discover a glimpse of Liguria in an alternative way!
Lombardy is a region rich in valleys, peaks and large lakes where many outdoor activities and sports are played. Between its two lakes, one of which is shared with Switzerland, you can pedal along the old railway dismissed for years now. The itinerary of the Menaggio - Porlezza old railway connects the lakes of Como and Lugano, crossing many villages and one natural reserve...
The evolution in transportation, the revolution of the tire and the consequent abandon of the railways, during the years, has brought to a transformation: some abandoned railways have been requalified, becoming a cycle and walking paths. In Italy too this small change has brought to a form of development in bicycle touring: when there is a safe path people come and visit, tourism develops and grows...
The Alpe Adria cycle path is an itinerary between Austria and Italy and it connects Salzburg, in the Alps, to Grado on Adriatic sea.We had the occasion of traveling many kilometers along the Alpe Adria cycleway during our trip by bike among Trentino, Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia and we discovered many beautiful villages, ancient cities, old railways and wild nature. The Alpe Adria cycle route is perfect for those wanting to get to know these territories, from art cities to the medieval villages, from the mountains to the sea, in a slow way, with no stress.
The railway of the Dolomites, later become Dolomites cycle path, was opened in 1921 to connect Calalzo di Cadore, Dobbiaco and Cortina d'Ampezzo. With the passing years and the development of motorization and technologies it was gradually abandoned. It had its time of glory during the year 1956 on occasion of the Cortina Winter Olympics, but then its decline was inevitable especially when, in 1960, there was a serious accident in which two persons died. 65 kilometers long, the railway was dismantled in 1964. Today, as mentioned before, the railway has become the cycleway of the Dolomites and connects Calalzo di Cadore in the Veneto region to Dobbiaco in the Alto Adige region.
Most cycleways are suitable for anyone: from the little and inexperienced ones to bike veterans. Peschiera - Mantova Cycle path, also known with the name of Mincio Cycle route is not an exception. For almost 50 kilometers it flanks the river Mincio running flat in the heathlands of Lombardy. I must tell you the truth: Peschiera - Mantova Cycle Route is a cycling route among the simplest I have ever traveled in my life... have you ever been there?
The Spoleto - Norcia cycle route is today an example of a former railway successfully converted to bicycle tourism, but let's take a step back ...
We’re in Umbria where you can’t see the sea but where hills, protected areas, beautiful villages perched on promontories... surely don’t lack! It is the year 1926 and it’s an autumn full of news for this area in central Italy: the Spoleto – Norcia railway line, with narrow-gauge and electric traction, is ready to start its short story in the overview of the Italian railways now almost forgotten!
