The River Adige Route: Bolzano to Lake Garda

Your adventure begins in the charming city of Bolzano, nestled in the South Tyrol region and framed by the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites. Known for its unique blend of Italian and Austrian influences, Bolzano is a city where languages, cultures, and cuisines meet. The colourful facades of its old town, cobblestone streets, and traditional Tyrolean-style houses make it an inviting place to explore on foot.

Take some time to wander through Piazza Walther, the lively heart of the city, or visit the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, home to the famous ice mummy, Ötzi. Food lovers will enjoy sampling local specialities at the markets or trying a mix of Alpine and Mediterranean dishes in one of the city’s many restaurants.

Tonight, you will rest in your comfortable hotel, ready to begin your journey along one of Europe’s most beautiful cycling routes in the morning.

After breakfast, you will be transferred by minivan to the Resia Pass, sitting at an impressive 1,500 metres above sea level. This is where your cycling journey begins. The route quickly rewards you with stunning alpine scenery, including the striking Lake Resia, famous for its mysterious submerged church tower, a haunting reminder of the village that once stood there before the area was flooded in the 1950s.

From here, you follow the well-maintained cycle lane downhill through the Vinschgau Valley. Along the way, you will pass the medieval Montemaria Abbey, one of the highest Benedictine monasteries in Europe, perched dramatically above the valley floor.

The route meanders through charming hamlets such as Clusio and Glorenza, the smallest walled town in Italy, where cobbled lanes and historic towers create a timeless atmosphere. Further along, you will pass through Lasa, renowned for its pure white marble, used in buildings and sculptures across Europe.

You end your day in Silandro, a peaceful market town surrounded by orchards and mountains. The gentle descent and scenic beauty make this first ride a perfect introduction to the week ahead.

Leaving Silandro, you continue along the Adige River, riding through orchards that fill the air with fresh, sweet scents. The route is mostly flat and smooth, making it a leisurely ride that allows plenty of time to enjoy the scenery. Along the way, you will pass the striking Castle Dornsberg, a medieval fortress standing proudly over the valley.

You will soon approach Merano, the second-largest town in South Tyrol and one of the region’s most elegant destinations. Famous for its spa culture, Merano offers a mix of Belle Époque architecture, lush gardens, and a pleasant microclimate. The town has long been a retreat for poets, artists, and royals, including Empress Sissi of Austria.

After checking into your hotel, you might stroll along the Passer Promenade, lined with palm trees and flowers, or relax in the famous Merano Thermal Baths. For dinner, you can enjoy a local meal combining Alpine flavours with Italian finesse.

Today’s ride follows a gentle route along cycle paths and quiet roads, leading you through one of the largest apple-growing regions in Europe. The neatly arranged orchards stretch for miles, backed by mountain views. This area is particularly beautiful in spring when blossoms blanket the fields, but equally charming during harvest when the trees are heavy with fruit.

In the village of Lana, you have the opportunity to visit the South Tyrol Museum of Fruit-Growing, which offers fascinating insights into the history and traditions of apple farming in the region.

Continuing along the valley, you reach Bolzano once again, completing a loop that connects the alpine landscapes of the north with the vibrant city atmosphere. This is a shorter ride, leaving you time to revisit parts of Bolzano you may have missed on your first day. Perhaps take the cable car up to the Renon Plateau for panoramic views of the Dolomites.

Today you follow the Adige River south through orchards and vineyards, riding along the famous Wine Route. You have the option to take a hilly detour to the scenic Lake Kaltern, known for its mild climate and as a hub for white wine production. This variant offers rewarding views and a peaceful lakeside setting, though it does involve more climbing.

If you prefer a relaxed ride, you can stay on the main river path, which is flat and smooth, perfect for steady cycling. Midway, you will reach Salorno, marking the linguistic border between the German-speaking and Italian-speaking regions of South Tyrol.

The route continues towards Trento, a city rich in history and Renaissance architecture. You might explore Piazza Duomo, admire the Buonconsiglio Castle, or simply enjoy the lively cafés that fill the historic centre.

From Trento, you follow the Adige River towards Rovereto, a charming city known for its modern and contemporary art museum. The ride is peaceful, with the mountains gradually opening up to reveal a warmer, Mediterranean atmosphere.

After Rovereto, you begin the climb to Passo di San Giovanni. While the ascent is short, it rewards you with spectacular views over the northern shores of Lake Garda. From the pass, you descend into Torbole, where the sparkling blue waters meet the surrounding cliffs.

Your hotel is located near the lake, giving you the rest of the afternoon to relax, take a swim, or enjoy a lakeside meal. The combination of alpine scenery and lake views makes this one of the most memorable stages of the trip.

This is your chance to enjoy Lake Garda at your own pace. You might choose to explore the charming lakeside towns of Riva del Garda, Limone, or Malcesine, each with its own unique character. Take a boat trip, wander along the promenades, or ride the panoramic lift up to Il Bastione fortress for sweeping views.

The lake’s crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming or trying water sports, while the surrounding hills offer gentle walking trails. Cafés and gelaterias line the waterfront, making it easy to indulge in a relaxed Italian day.