Beyond the Ciclovia

More Routes Around Lake Garda

Discover 7 spectacular cycling routes around Lake Garda — from dramatic gorges to alpine passes and hidden lakes.

Lake Garda Cycling Routes

A Complete Cycling Destination

While the Ciclovia del Garda — the suspended cycle path above the western shore — is undoubtedly the most famous cycling route on Lake Garda, the region surrounding the lake is one of the most diverse and rewarding cycling destinations in all of Europe. From the dramatic gorges of the Strada della Forra to the remote alpine passes of Passo Tremalzo, cycling in Lake Garda Italy offers an extraordinary variety of experiences for every type of cyclist.

The Lake Garda cycling region encompasses not just the lake itself, but an entire network of mountain roads, gravel tracks, dedicated cycle paths and historic military roads that spread across the surrounding valleys and peaks. Whether you are a road cyclist seeking a challenging climb, a mountain biker looking for technical singletrack, or a family wanting a relaxed day along a riverside path, the bike routes around Lake Garda have something exceptional to offer.

Visitors staying in Limone sul Garda are particularly well-placed to explore these routes. Situated at the northern end of the western shore, Limone sits at the gateway to many of the most iconic cycling experiences in the region — and with a premium e-bike from Limone Bike Rental, even the most challenging mountain routes become accessible to cyclists of all fitness levels.

🟢

Easy

Suitable for all

🟡

Moderate

Some fitness needed

🟠

Challenging

Good fitness required

🔴

Very Challenging

Expert cyclists

Strada della Forra cycling route Lake Garda

E-Bike Recommended

5.3 km climb

Distance

+319 m

Elevation

E-MTB

Surface

🟡Moderate

Strada della Forra

The World's Most Spectacular Road

The Strada della Forra (SP38) is arguably the most dramatic road in the entire Lake Garda region — and one of the most photographed cycling roads in Italy. Carved directly into the limestone cliffs above the western shore of Lake Garda, this narrow mountain road winds through a spectacular gorge of towering rock walls, dark tunnels, and hairpin bends that seem to defy gravity.

Starting just north of Limone sul Garda along the Gardesana Occidentale, the Forra climbs 5.3 km with an average gradient of 6%, gaining 319 metres of elevation to reach the hilltop village of Tremosine sul Garda. The road was originally built in 1913 to connect the isolated plateau community to the lakeside — a feat of engineering that earned it the nickname "the most beautiful road in the world" from Winston Churchill, who reportedly drove it in the 1940s.

Cycling Tip

Best tackled on an e-MTB. The road is narrow and shared with cars, so ride early in the morning for the best experience. The views from Tremosine looking down over Lake Garda are absolutely breathtaking.

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Strada del Ponale cycling route Lake Garda

E-MTB / MTB

8 km one way

Distance

+340 m

Elevation

E-MTB / MTB

Surface

🟡Easy–Moderate

Strada del Ponale

The Historic Cliff Road to the Ledro Valley

The Strada del Ponale is one of the most iconic cycling routes on Lake Garda Trentino — a former carriage road cut into the cliffs above Riva del Garda that now serves as a breathtaking gravel path connecting the northern tip of Lake Garda to the tranquil Ledro Valley.

The route begins at the hydroelectric power plant in Riva del Garda and climbs steadily along the cliff face, offering jaw-dropping views over the northern lake and the town of Riva below. After approximately 8 km, the path arrives at the Ledro Valley, where you can continue to Lake Ledro — a pristine alpine lake surrounded by forested mountains. The descent back to Riva is equally spectacular, with panoramic viewpoints at every turn.

Cycling Tip

The Ponale path is accessible to cyclists of most fitness levels, especially on an e-bike. The surface is well-maintained, but mountain bike tyres are recommended. The path is also popular with hikers, so ride considerately.

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E-MTB

~20 km round trip

Distance

+700 m

Elevation

E-MTB

Surface

🟠Challenging

Punta Larici

Lake Garda's Most Iconic Natural Viewpoint

Punta Larici is the crown jewel of cycling in the northern Lake Garda area — a dramatic rocky promontory perched high above the lake that offers what many cyclists describe as the single most spectacular view in the entire Garda region. This is the destination that every serious cyclist visiting Lake Garda puts on their bucket list.

The most popular route to Punta Larici combines the Strada del Ponale with an additional climb through the Ledro Valley, gaining significant elevation before reaching the exposed rocky summit at around 1,200 metres. From the top, the panorama stretches across the full width of Lake Garda, with the Dolomites visible to the north and the lake shimmering far below. The descent via the Ponale road back to Riva del Garda is one of the most exhilarating finishes in Italian cycling.

Cycling Tip

An e-MTB is strongly recommended for this route due to the sustained climbing involved. The summit area can be exposed and windy — bring a windproof layer even on warm days. Book in advance as access is sometimes managed during peak season.

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E-MTB

Varies by start point

Distance

+700–900 m

Elevation

E-MTB

Surface

🟠Challenging

Passo Nota

A Hidden Alpine Gem Above the Ledro Valley

Passo Nota is a high mountain pass tucked between the Ledro Valley and the Tremalzo plateau — a hidden gem that rewards those willing to climb with extraordinary alpine scenery and a profound sense of solitude. Far less known than its famous neighbours, Passo Nota offers an authentic off-the-beaten-path cycling experience in the mountains above Lake Garda.

Typically approached from the Ledro Valley, the route to Passo Nota follows gravel and dirt roads through dense forest and open alpine meadows, climbing steadily to around 1,700 metres. The pass sits at the crossroads of several mountain trails and is often combined with Passo Tremalzo as part of a longer loop. The views from the pass extend across the Ledro Valley to the south and towards the Brenta Dolomites to the north — a landscape that feels genuinely remote despite being just a short distance from Lake Garda.

Cycling Tip

An e-MTB is strongly recommended for this route. The tracks can be muddy after rain, so check conditions before setting out. This route is best enjoyed from late spring to early autumn when the mountain passes are fully open.

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E-MTB / MTB

37+ km loop

Distance

+1,200 m

Elevation

E-MTB / MTB

Surface

🔴Very Challenging

Passo Tremalzo

The King of Lake Garda Mountain Cycling

Passo Tremalzo is the undisputed king of mountain cycling in the Lake Garda region — a legendary high-altitude pass at 1,850 metres that sits on a former World War I military road and offers some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in northern Italy. For experienced cyclists and mountain bikers, this is the ultimate Lake Garda challenge.

The classic Tremalzo loop typically starts from the Ledro Valley, climbing through forests and open alpine terrain on a mix of gravel and dirt roads. The final approach to the pass follows the original WWI military road, with wide gravel switchbacks that open up to a vast alpine plateau with panoramic views stretching from the Dolomites to Lake Garda far below. The descent options are equally spectacular, with routes dropping towards Limone sul Garda or back through the Ledro Valley.

Cycling Tip

Passo Tremalzo demands a high level of fitness and a capable mountain bike or e-MTB. The descent towards Limone sul Garda is technical and requires good bike handling skills. Always carry sufficient water, food, and a repair kit — the pass is remote and rescue services can take time to arrive.

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E-Bike / City Bike

~9 km loop

Distance

Minimal

Elevation

E-Bike / City Bike

Surface

🟢Easy

Lago di Ledro

A Peaceful Alpine Lake for All Cyclists

Lake Ledro is a hidden treasure of the Trentino region — a pristine alpine lake sitting at 655 metres above sea level, surrounded by forested mountains and connected to Lake Garda by the famous Ponale road. The gentle cycle path around Lake Ledro offers one of the most peaceful and accessible cycling experiences in the entire Lake Garda area, making it perfect for families, beginners, and those looking for a relaxed day on two wheels.

The lakeside cycle path circles the entire perimeter of Lake Ledro in approximately 9 km, passing through the charming villages of Pieve di Ledro and Mezzolago, with views across the crystal-clear turquoise water at every turn. The route is almost entirely flat and paved, following the lakeshore closely and passing the fascinating Bronze Age Pile-Dwelling Museum — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Combined with the Ponale road approach from Riva del Garda, the full round trip makes for a wonderful half-day cycling adventure.

Cycling Tip

Lake Ledro is ideal for families with children and cyclists of all abilities. The lakeside path is well-signed and largely traffic-free. Combine with a swim in the lake during summer — the water is exceptionally clean and refreshing.

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Ciclovia del Sarca cycling route Lake Garda

E-Bike / City Bike

~40 km round trip

Distance

Gentle

Elevation

Dedicated Cycle Path

Surface

🟢Easy

Ciclovia del Sarca

From the Mountains to the Lake Along the Sarca River

The Ciclovia del Sarca is a dedicated cycle path that follows the course of the Sarca River from the mountains of the Trentino all the way down to the northern shore of Lake Garda at Torbole — a scenic and largely flat route that connects the alpine interior with the Mediterranean warmth of the lake. It is one of the most family-friendly and accessible cycling routes in the entire Lake Garda region.

The route runs for approximately 40 km from Sarche in the Sarca Valley down to Torbole, passing through the cycling mecca of Arco — a world-famous rock climbing and mountain biking destination — before arriving at the windswept shores of Lake Garda. The path follows dedicated cycle lanes and quiet riverside roads for most of its length, making it safe and enjoyable for cyclists of all ages. The gentle gradient means that even less experienced cyclists can enjoy the full route comfortably, especially on an e-bike.

Cycling Tip

Arco makes an excellent lunch stop midway — the town has a vibrant café culture and a spectacular medieval castle overlooking the valley. Connect with the Ciclovia del Garda at Torbole for a wonderful Lake Garda cycling adventure.

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Lake Garda Cycling Guide

Europe's Most Diverse Cycling Destination

Lake Garda is, without question, one of the most diverse cycling destinations in Europe. In a single visit, you can ride a world-famous suspended cycle path above the lake, climb a legendary mountain pass on a WWI military road, explore a hidden alpine lake on a gravel path, and cruise along a peaceful riverside cycle route — all within a short distance of each other.

Visitors staying in Limone sul Garda are ideally positioned to access many of these extraordinary routes. The town sits at the northern end of the western shore, within easy reach of the Strada della Forra, the Ponale road, Punta Larici, and the mountain passes above the Ledro Valley. With a premium KTM e-bike from Limone Bike Rental, even the most challenging climbs become achievable — allowing cyclists of all fitness levels to experience the full range of what Lake Garda cycling has to offer.

Each of the routes described in this guide deserves its own detailed exploration — and we will be expanding this section with full route guides, GPS tracks, and practical cycling advice for every destination. Whether you are planning your first visit to Lake Garda or returning for another unforgettable cycling adventure, this is a region that will never stop surprising you.

Strada della Forra Strada del Ponale Punta Larici Passo Nota Passo Tremalzo Lago di Ledro Ciclovia del Sarca

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