The best cycle paths in the Italian Alps, recommended itineraries

Condividi su...
cycle path in south tyrol

Discover 14 unmissable cycling itineraries in the alpine locations served by Rent and Go, perfect for your bike holidays in the Italian Alps.

Whether you ride a regular bike or an e-bike, you’ll find scenic routes suitable for families and cyclists of all levels—from valley bike paths to more challenging tours over Dolomite passes. Ride through nature, apple orchards, alpine lakes, and majestic peaks, following safe and well-equipped paths.

Here is a complete guide – including descriptions, technical data, points of interest and useful links (Komoot, Google Maps) – to the most popular and appreciated cycle paths in destinations where Rent and Go is present. Happy cycling!

Route index

Val Venosta Cycle Path (Resia – Malles – Merano)

The Val Venosta Cycle Path is a scenic 80 km route connecting the Resia Pass (1500 m) to the spa town of Merano, following the course of the Adige River. Suitable for all skill levels, including children and casual riders.

This is one of South Tyrol’s most picturesque trails, winding through apple orchards and mountains. It starts on the shores of Lake Resia with the famous submerged bell tower (or from Malles or Naturno for shorter versions) and descends gently through historic villages, orchards and castles to Merano. The route is mostly downhill and very easy.

Recommended: take a train or bus from Merano to Resia or Malles, then ride back downhill to Merano by bike.

  • Distance: 80 km
  • Duration: 4–6 hours
  • Elevation loss: ≈‑1,200 m
  • Surface: 95% asphalt • 5% gravel
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Altitude: 1,520 m → 325 m
  • Suitable for: Families, city/trekking bikes, e-bikes

Start and end points: Start in Curon Venosta by Lake Resia (on the Austrian border), or from Malles or Naturno (shorter versions), and finish in Merano

Points of interest: Submerged bell tower (Resia) • Lake della Muta • Glorenza • Lasa, the marble town • Castelbello • Silandro • Laces • Naturno (Castel Juval) • Merano

Nearby Rent and Go rentals: Resia, Malles • Naturno • Merano (you can rent a bike in Resia and return it in Merano)

📍 Route map: Komoot | Google Maps

Valle dell’Adige Cycle Path (Merano – Bolzano)

The Valle dell’Adige Cycle Path connects Merano to Bolzano following the Adige River and is part of the historic Via Claudia Augusta. About 35 km long, this bike path is almost entirely flat and paved, ideal for families and cycle tourists of all levels.

The route winds through the vast apple orchards and vineyards of the Burgraviato and Oltradige areas, offering bucolic views especially in spring (with apple blossom) and autumn. It’s a well-marked, very popular path that allows you to comfortably travel between South Tyrol’s two main cities with no traffic.

  • Distance: 32–35 km
  • Elevation gain: about +70 m (slight uphill from Bolzano to Merano)
  • Estimated duration: 2–3 hours
  • Surface: fully paved, with short sections on farm roads
  • Difficulty: Easy (also suitable for children)
  • Altitude: ~300 m a.s.l. (Merano 325 m, Bolzano 260 m)
  • Suitable for: families, city bikes, e-bikes, road bikes, handbikes

Start and end points: The path starts in the Maia Bassa area of Merano, initially following the Passirio River, then the Adige heading south. It ends in southern Bolzano near the industrial district (Adige Bridge). The route is of course rideable in both directions (Bolzano–Merano and vice versa).

Points of interest: Apple orchards and vineyards in Terlano, Nalles, Vilpiano, and Gargazzone framed by mountains • spectacular apple blossoms in spring • Fruit Growing Museum and cable car to Mount San Vigilio in Lana • Castel Firmiano (Messner Mountain Museum MMM) • onward cycling connections to the Oltradige cycle path toward Lake Caldaro or the Valle Isarco route toward Bressanone

Nearby Rent and Go rentals: Merano • Lana • Bolzano (you can rent bikes in one town and return them in another)

Follow the route on Komoot | Google Maps

Oltradige Cycle Path (Bolzano – Appiano – Caldaro)

Also known as the “Wine Road Cycle Path”, the Oltradige Cycle Path runs along the former railway track that connects Bolzano with the village of Caldaro and its lake, passing through Appiano.

This short but scenic route (about 16–17 km) starts on the southern edge of Bolzano (Adige Bridge) and gently climbs through the vineyards of Frangarto and Cornaiano, crossing several historic tunnels and viaducts from the old railway. Once in San Michele Appiano, the path splits: one branch leads to Lake Caldaro, the other continues to the town of Caldaro.

Both options end in the wine-growing region of Caldaro, near an old steam locomotive on display. Along the way, cyclists can enjoy panoramic views of the vineyard-covered hills, castles, and farms.

  • Distance: 16–17 km
  • Elevation gain: about +200 m
  • Estimated duration: 1–1.5 hours
  • Surface: mostly paved, with short rural road sections
  • Difficulty: Easy (also suitable for families)
  • Altitude: 240 m (Bolzano) – 430 m (Caldaro)
  • Suitable for: city bikes, trekking bikes, e-bikes, road bikes

Start and end points: From Bolzano’s Adige Bridge, following the former railway below Castel Firmiano to the "Crossroads" in Appiano; from here, branch off to either Lake Caldaro or the center of Caldaro.

Points of interest: Vineyards of the Oltradige region • Hochfrangart residence with modern art installations • historic tunnels and viaducts of the old railway • wine cellars of “Lago di Caldaro” • Lake Caldaro and its rest areas

Nearby Rent and Go rentals: Bolzano • Caldaro (you can rent a bike in one town and return it in another)

Follow the route on Komoot | Google Maps

Valle Isarco Cycle Path (Bolzano – Bressanone)

The Valle Isarco cycle path (also called the Brenner cycle path) connects Bolzano to Bressanone, following the Isarco river through vineyards, forests, and scenic gorges. This 42 km route has a gentle uphill slope (+350 m) if ridden northbound, but it’s still easy and suitable for families.

After leaving Bolzano, the route follows the river on a dedicated path, passing through lit tunnels and repurposed bridges. There’s also an art section called the “Cycle Art Trail” up to Prato all’Isarco. The entire route is paved and well-marked.

  • Distance: approx. 42 km
  • Elevation: +350 m / −90 m
  • Estimated duration: 2.5–3 hours
  • Surface: mostly paved; lit former railway tunnels
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Altitude: 260 m (Bolzano) – 560 m (Bressanone)
  • Suitable for: all bikes; ideal for e-bikes and trekking bikes

Start and end points: Bolzano (Ponte Campiglio/Lido) → Bressanone (near the Abbey of Novacella and Ponte Aquila); also doable downhill from Bressanone to Bolzano, with a return by train.

Points of interest: Sabiona Monastery • medieval town of Chiusa • terraced vineyards of the Novacella Abbey • historic tunnels and viaducts • Bressanone’s cathedral, arcades, and Bishop’s Palace

Nearby Rent and Go rentals: Bolzano • Bressanone • Plose

Track on Komoot – Google Maps

Alta Valle Isarco Cycle Path (Brennero – Vipiteno – Bressanone)

The Alta Valle Isarco cycle path runs through the upper Wipptal valley from the Brenner Pass (Italy-Austria border) to Bressanone, passing through Vipiteno. The 55 km route follows the old Brenner railway and is mostly downhill (−980 m) when ridden north to south, offering scenic views of mountains, tunnels, and historic bridges. When done uphill (+880 m), it's suitable for e-bikes or trained cyclists.

  • Distance: 55 km
  • Elevation: −980 m (downhill) / +165 m (uphill)
  • Estimated duration: 3 hours
  • Surface: mostly asphalt with short farm road sections
  • Difficulty: easy downhill; medium-difficult uphill
  • Altitude: 1,370 m (Brenner Pass) – 560 m (Bressanone)
  • Suitable for: trekking bikes, e-bikes, MTB; families (downhill)

Start and end points: Brenner Pass → Bressanone

Points of interest: Val di Fleres peaks • medieval town of Vipiteno • Torre delle Dodici and Tyrolean bakeries • Maria Trens Sanctuary • Castelveltro-Stilves village • Franzensfeste Fortress • Novacella Abbey

Nearby Rent and Go rentals: Brennero • Ladurns • Vipiteno • Bressanone

Track on Komoot – Google Maps

Val Pusteria Cycle Path (San Candido – Brunico – Fortezza)

Known as the “Pusterbike”, the Val Pusteria cycle path connects San Candido (Innichen) to Fortezza, following the Rienza river for about 70 km. The route is mostly flat or gently downhill (−670 m), with a few small climbs in Valdaora and Casteldarne. The surface is a mix of asphalt and stabilized gravel, with rest areas and info panels along the way.

  • Distance: 70 km
  • Elevation: +240 m / −670 m
  • Estimated duration: 4–5 hours
  • Surface: asphalt and stabilized gravel
  • Difficulty: moderate
  • Altitude: 1,175 m (San Candido) – 750 m (Fortezza)
  • Suitable for: trekking bikes, MTBs, e-bikes; trained families

Start and end points: From the Rent and Go rental at the Punka service center (Versciaco), reach San Candido, then continue to Fortezza (Franzensfeste) via Brunico, with optional stops and return by train.

Points of interest: Lake Dobbiaco • Landro Valley and views of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo • Villabassa • Monguelfo Castle • Lake Valdaora • Brunico’s old town (arcades and MMM Ripa Castle) • Rienza Gorge between Brunico and Vandoies • Sciaves and scenic confluence views • Franzensfeste Fortress

Nearby Rent and Go rentals: Versciaco • Valdaora • Brunico • Maranza

Track on Komoot – Google Maps

Drava Cycle Path (San Candido – Lienz)

The San Candido–Lienz route is part of the international Drava cycle path (Drauradweg) and is one of the most famous cycling routes in Italy. This 44 km itinerary descends about 500 m from San Candido to Lienz with a gentle 1–2% gradient, making it ideal for families. The path is almost entirely paved and wide, running through the green Tyrolean landscape with play areas and rest stops along the way.

  • Distance: 44 km
  • Elevation: −500 m
  • Estimated duration: 2–3 hours
  • Surface: fully paved
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Altitude: 1,175 m → 673 m
  • Suitable for: families, city/trekking bikes, e-bikes

Start and end points: Rent and Go Drei Zinnen (Versciaco) → Lienz (train station); return by train (~50 min)

Points of interest: Sillian Wichtelpark • Loacker Factory in Heinfels • Thal public swimming pool • Galitzenklamm in Assling • Lienz historic center and Bruck Castle

Nearby Rent and Go rental: Versciaco

Track on Komoot – Google Maps

Dolomites Cycle Path (Dobbiaco – Cortina – Calalzo)

The “Lunga Via delle Dolomiti” follows the route of the old Calalzo–Dobbiaco railway for about 65 km, connecting Calalzo di Cadore to Dobbiaco via Cortina d’Ampezzo. The route is split into two main segments: Calalzo–Cortina (~35 km, moderate climb) and Cortina–Dobbiaco (~30 km, climb to Cimabanche Pass then descent). It’s mostly paved or on compact gravel, closed to car traffic, and winds through coniferous forests, tunnels, and historic train stations.

  • Distance: 65 km
  • Elevation: +750 m / −750 m
  • Estimated duration: 4–5 hours downhill from Dobbiaco; 6 hours uphill from Calalzo
  • Surface: mix of asphalt and compact gravel; illuminated tunnels
  • Difficulty: medium
  • Altitude: 720 m (Calalzo) – 1,530 m (Cimabanche Pass) – 1,250 m (Dobbiaco)
  • Suitable for: MTBs, hybrid/trekking bikes, gravel, e-bikes; families with teens

Start and end points: Calalzo di Cadore (train station) → Dobbiaco (train station) via Cimabanche Pass

Points of interest: Tre Cime di Lavaredo • Mount Cristallo • Sorapiss • Pelmo • Antelao • Lake Landro • historic tunnels and abandoned stations

Nearby Rent and Go rentals: Versciaco • Cortina d'Ampezzo • San Vito di Cadore

Track on Komoot – Google Maps

Val di Fassa and Val di Fiemme Cycle Path

This bike path connects the Fiemme and Fassa valleys in Trentino, following the Avisio stream from the forests at the foot of the Latemar to the Dolomite peaks. We recommend a circular tour starting in Soraga (where a Rent and Go rental is located), passing through Vigo, Pozza di Fassa, Fontanazzo, Campitello, Canazei, and Alba.

The path is almost entirely paved and well maintained, with moderate but noticeable climbs in the central part. It’s medium difficulty uphill, easy downhill, and extremely scenic, passing through meadows, farms, and the Dolomites of the Catinaccio, Sella Group, and Latemar. Picnic areas and playgrounds (e.g., in Soraga) make it family-friendly.

  • Distance: 38 km
  • Elevation: +390 m / −390 m
  • Estimated duration: 2.5 hours
  • Surface: 100% paved
  • Difficulty: medium (easy downhill)
  • Altitude: 1,200 m (Soraga) – 1,384 m (Alba di Canazei)
  • Suitable for: city/trekking bikes, MTBs, e-bikes; families with teens

Start and end points: Soraga (Ski & Bike Giuliani rental)

Points of interest: Lake Soraga • Catinaccio/Rosengarten • Sassolungo • Sella Massif • Vigo di Fassa • Pozza di Fassa (Dolomia Spa) • Mazzin • Campitello di Fassa (Col Rodella) • Canazei/Alba (Marmolada and Porta Vescovo) • bilingual signage and Ladin specialties

Nearby Rent and Go rental: Soraga

Track on Komoot – Google Maps

Livigno Cycle Path

The Livigno cycle path is a loop route through the valley, suitable for everyone—from families with children to experienced cyclists. The main route follows the Spöl River for about 17 km, offering breathtaking views and a unique nature experience. You can start from Livigno and explore the area via several different routes, including alternative starting points.

  • Distance: 28 km following the Spöl River through the Livigno valley
  • Elevation: 200 m
  • Estimated duration: 1–2 hours
  • Surface: mostly paved
  • Difficulty: medium
  • Altitude: 1,800 m – 2,000 m
  • Suitable for: families with children, strollers, city bikes, MTBs, e-bikes

Start and end points: Rent and Go Bike Livigno (town center)

Points of interest: Spöl River • Livigno Dairy (tastings) • playgrounds • duty-free shopping in the town center • “Stralivigno” summer events

Nearby Rent and Go rental: Livigno

Track on Komoot – Google Maps

Valtellina Trail (Bormio – Colico)

The Valtellina Trail is a long valley cycle route of 114 km connecting Bormio to Lake Como along the Adda River. The route is mostly flat or slightly downhill, ideal for relaxed “slow” cycle tourism. It’s well marked with rest areas and train stations along the way for flexible stages.

  • Distance: 114 km
  • Elevation: +1,000 m / −1,000 m
  • Estimated duration: 7–8 hours (or divided into stages)
  • Surface: mixed asphalt and stabilized gravel
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Altitude: 1,225 m (Bormio) – 200 m (Colico)
  • Suitable for: all bikes; perfect for bike touring with panniers or trekking e-bikes

Start and end points: Colico (Piona promontory) → Bormio (at the foot of the Stelvio Pass); main stages: Sondrio, Tirano, Grosio

Points of interest: Bormio Thermal Baths • Adda waterfalls • historic hydroelectric plants • terraced vineyards of Sassella • Sondrio old town • Tirano Sanctuary • villages and orchards • Valtellina food and wine (pizzoccheri, Bitto cheese, sciatt)

Nearby Rent and Go rental: Bormio

Track on Komoot – Google Maps

Val Rendena Cycle Path (Pinzolo – Ponte Pià)

The Val Rendena cycle path connects the villages of the valley, from the Adamello-Brenta Nature Park to the Giudicarie area, over about 70 km. The profile is a gentle up-and-down route along the Sarca River. The surface is mainly asphalt with some gravel sections, and the path is separate from traffic for most of the way. Once at Lake Ponte Pià, you can choose to return to make the route easier.

  • Distance: 70 km
  • Elevation: +1,300 m / −1,300 m
  • Estimated duration: 5 hours
  • Surface: 95% asphalt, 5% compact gravel
  • Difficulty: medium-difficult
  • Altitude: 800 m (Carisolo) – 1,000 m (Durone Pass)
  • Suitable for: families, city bikes, MTBs, e-bikes

Start and end points: Starts in Carisolo (near the Tulot cable car), passes Ponte Pià, Durone Pass, and the Sarca Bridge. Short stages are possible (e.g., Carisolo–Villa Rendena or Carisolo–Tione). Rent and Go rental in central Pinzolo.

Points of interest: Adamello-Brenta Nature Park • Sarca River • Caderzone Terme (educational farm) • Crosetta Park • Spiazzo • Masere Park in Pelugo • San Valentino Church in Villa Rendena • forested gorges near Ponte Pià

Nearby Rent and Go rental: Pinzolo

Track on Komoot – Google Maps

Sella Ronda Bike Tour (Four Dolomite Passes Tour)

The Sella Ronda Bike Tour is a road cycling loop around the Sella massif via four iconic Dolomite passes: Gardena, Sella, Pordoi, and Campolongo. The 60 km loop features a total elevation gain of ~1,600 m, with challenging climbs (7–10 km at 6–8% gradient) and breathtaking views of Sassolungo, Sella, Marmolada, and Civetta. During the Sellaronda Bike Day, the roads are closed to cars and reserved for bicycles.

You can start the loop from several towns: Selva Val Gardena, Corvara, Arabba, Canazei, or Campitello di Fassa.

  • Distance: ~60 km (full loop)
  • Elevation: ~1,600 m
  • Estimated duration: 5–8 hours (depending on fitness level)
  • Surface: paved mountain roads (Dolomite pass routes)
  • Difficulty: medium–difficult
  • Altitude: 1,500 m → 2,244 m
  • Suitable for: road bikes, e-road bikes

Start and end points: Arabba • Corvara • Selva Val Gardena • Canazei (counterclockwise is recommended: Arabba → Campolongo → Gardena → Sella → Pordoi → Arabba; with e-bikes, counterclockwise is common)

Points of interest: Campolongo Pass • Marmolada • Sassongher • Gardena Pass • Sciliar • Sella Pass • Sassolungo • Canazei basin • Pordoi Pass • Padon • Refuges and mountain huts

Track on Komoot – Wikiloc

Nearby Rent and Go rentals: Arabba • Selva Val Gardena

Val Seriana Cycle Path (Presolana – Clusone Pine Forest)

The Val Seriana cycle path is a 31.5 km pedestrian and cycle route from Clusone to Ranica along the Serio River. The recommended route starts from the Rent and Go rental in Castione della Presolana and forms a loop passing through Clusone and returning back.

  • Distance: 75 km
  • Elevation: ~650 m
  • Estimated duration: ~5–6 hours
  • Surface: mix of compact gravel and asphalt
  • Difficulty: difficult
  • Altitude: 950 m → 330 m
  • Suitable for: MTBs, hybrid/gravel bikes, e-bikes

Start and end points: Castione della Presolana

Points of interest: Valle Rossa • Clusone (Astronomical Clock • frescoes) • old railway line and stations • lower Val Seriana cycle path

Nearby Rent and Go rental: Presolana

Track on Komoot

retour