The most beautiful bike climbs

It's time to discover the charms of high-altitude cycling: 9 bike climbs in Lombardy

Automatically translated

For lovers of two wheels, Lombardy is full of more or less challenging routes that wind along tourist routes in the region.

In fact, it is not difficult to meet during the year large groups of cyclists who on the weekend
weekends they ride the most characteristic routes.

The best time to visit Lombardy by bike? Whatever!
Spring and summer, with the arrival of good weather and the lengthening of the days are the ideal periods to enjoy a long ride, autumn gives the pleasure of moving in solitude appreciating the magnificent hilly landscapes that can be encountered along the routes. Finally, true enthusiasts also move in winter, so there is no risk of being completely alone during the ride.

Get on your two-wheeler to discover the bike climbs to ride in Lombardy!

-

Cover image by Ig: @albi88325

Ghisallo Pass — Described as mystical for its historical and religious value, a symbol of the Giro in Lombardy and the Larian triangle, the Ghisallo is a climb that a cyclist must tackle at least once in his or her lifetime. It is a climb that starts in Bellagio and reaches the Sanctuary of Madonna del Ghisallo, the patron saint of cyclists. In addition to catching a fantastic view of the Lecco branch, it is possible to visit the Cycling Museum and the monument to the cyclist. The Ghisallo Pass is a 9-kilometer route with an average gradient of 5.5 percent.
Photo by Ig: @ray.cycling.

Read more

Sormano Wall — Located in the Larian Triangle in the province of Como, the Muro di Sormano has entered the legend of international cycling as one of the most challenging climbs of the past. Known to cyclists for its impossible and extreme gradients that put even champions to the test. Two kilometers of the course with an average gradient of 15.8 percent with peaks of 23 percent.
Photo by Ig: @giordanacycling

Learn more

Cuvignone Pass — Between Valcuvia and Luino, just a few kilometers from the Swiss border is Cuvignone, the mountain of the Varesotto cyclists. It is the climb where two great champions trained: Alfredo Binda and Ivan Basso. Almost 800 meters of elevation gain in about 9 km of ascent with a gradient of 8%. A magical place, surrounded by a wild and sparsely inhabited valley.
Photo by Ig: @ferrarosimone84

Learn more

Gavia Pass — The Gavia Pass is one of the highest alpine passes that joins the Camonica Valley to Valtellina and has seen Giro d'Italia riders pass through several times. The climb begins north of the village of Ponte di Legno and reaches the Gavia Pass with a constant gradient of around 8 percent.
Photo by Ig: @bandofclimbers.

Learn more

Mortirolo Pass — The Mortirolo climb, from the Valtellina side, is considered by many to be the toughest in Europe. It represents, with its meadows, pastures and forests, a rewarding place for sight and spirit. Making it famous was the solo escape of the up-and-coming Marco Pantani, who in '94 made it a coveted destination for racing bike enthusiasts, earning him victory in the race. The average gradient of the climb is 10.4 percent.
Photo by Ig: @elena.ferrus.

Read more

Stelvio Pass — A legendary climb so much so that it is considered the "Mecca" of cycling, the road to the Stelvio Pass is nestled in a natural park in an area steeped in history. There are three alternatives to reach the pass: from the Lombardy side starting in Bormio, from the South Tyrol side starting in Prato allo Stelvio, and finally from the Swiss side starting in Santa Maria. The average gradient of the climb is 8 percent.
Photo by Ig: @chris.avila.74.

Learn more

Pass Note Tremalzo — Tremalzo is one of the most popular destinations for two-wheel enthusiasts capable of attracting cyclists from all over Europe. Drawing the slopes of the area are the beautiful views and intertwined roads that form the route from where you can admire Lake Garda and hairpin bend after hairpin bend you get closer and closer to the imposing Tremalzo Mountain. The average gradient of the climb is 7 percent.
Photo by Ig: @tremosinesulgardaproloco.

Learn more

Mount Penice — A pleasant bike route with no extreme gradients, starting from the Po Valley atta crosses vineyards and arriving through mountain forests, toward the southern borders of Lombardy. The road to the pass, from Varzi, is a progressively more challenging climb that measures an average gradient of 5.5 percent, although the final five to six kilometers are more severe.
Photo by Ig: @marcodeepsub

Learn more

Vivione Pass — The Vivione Pass is a wonderful place in all seasons where nature is master. A charming bike route that crosses the Scalve Valley. The route consists of about 21km with gradients touching peaks between 9%-10%, while the average gradient is around 5%.
Photo by Ig: @marmaz

Learn more

MTB-Chiesa, Rifugio Bosio

Chiesa in Valmalenco, strada per Primolo, Lago di Chiesa, Alpe Airale, Rifugio Bosio, Lago di Chiesa, Alpe Pirlo, strada per Lago di Chiesa - ritorno a Chiesa Valmalenco

Cycle Tourism

MTB-Ponte, Val Fontana

Ponte stazione, San Rocco, Sant’Antonio, Piano dei Cavalli, Alpe Campiascio - ritorno a Ponte stazione

Cycle Tourism

MTB-Fusine, Valmadre

Fusine, La Madonnina, Casa Borghetti, Dosso di Sopra, Valmadre, Le Tecce, Baita Forni, Casera Dordona, Passo Dordona - ritorno a Fusine

Cycle Tourism

Tour of San Genesio

A trail climbing up the sides of the Brianza hills - which mirror the, much taller, Alpine foothills and puts even the most seasoned biker to the test

Cycle Tourism

Cycling from Tirano to Sondrio

Discover the Beauties of Alta Valtellina: The terraces, the Sanctuary of Madonna di Tirano, the Little Red Train and much more

Cycle Tourism

Along Cremona’s streams

Discovering the high natural and environmental value of the this territory

Cycle Tourism

On Two Wheels From Pavia to Milan

From Pavia to Milan: six stages to discover on two wheels.

Cycle Tourism

Cycling to Cernusco sul Naviglio

Cycle Tourism

The Valtellina-cyclopedestrian trail

A bicycle and pedestrian route that runs along the Adda River between Colico and Bormio, with a total distance of 114 km

Cycle Tourism

Historic Villas and the Groane Park

A cycle touring itinerary, suitable for everyone, to get to know and enhance the landscapes of the area west of Milan.

Cycle Tourism

MTB-Piateda, tracciolino Gaggio

Piateda, Sazzo, Arigna, Briotti-Dosso del Grillo, tracciolino, Gaggio, Bessega, Piateda Alta, Piateda

Cycle Tourism

The Po plain

Let's discover the park of the Po Plain

Cycle Tourism

The cycle routes of the Po

An old pontoon bridge. Swamps and reeds. Handcrafted jewelry. And tasty boiled meat dishes and Grana Padano to eat. 10 stages to discover

Cycle Tourism

Tour the cycle road of the val seriana

La ciclovia della Val Seriana è uno degli itinerari più belli e varii della Lombardia.

Cycle Tourism

MTB-Montagna, Carnale, Davaglione

Montagna, Paini, Cà Bongiascia, San Giovanni, Carnale, Davaglione Piano, Oniscio, Scessa, Barca, S.Maria Perlungo, Cà Zoia, Cà Mazza, Farina, Montagna

Cycle Tourism

Cycling along the waterways

From Brianza's lakes to the canals of Milan, a cycle tour in surrounded by nature, villages and some surprising views

Cycle Tourism

Cycling from Lodi to Senna Lodigiana

Cycling amidst nature to discover historical sites and striking landscapes

Cycle Tourism

MTB-Alpe Campelli di Albosaggia, Lago Casera

Albosaggia Alpe Campelli, Baita Campello, Casera del Meriggio, Baita Zocche, Baita Lago della Casera,Bedolessi, Albosaggia Alpe Campelli

Cycle Tourism

Valsassina cycle route

This trail is ideal for the entire family

Cycle Tourism

MTB-Chiesa Campo Moro

Chiesa Valmalenco, Lanzada, Tornadri, Campo Franscia, Largone, Campo Moro - ritorno a Chiesa Valmalenco

Cycle Tourism