Val Rendena cycle path: routes, stages, and advice
There are many ways to explore the Val Rendena starting from Madonna di Campiglio. One of these, perhaps the most evocative, is to do it by mountain bike.
The bike allows us to cover medium to long distances crossing different landscapes and environments, from the Dolomites to the flat valleys, through woods and waterfalls. It is a sport suitable for everyone, because each person can do it based on their abilities and athletic preparation. The important thing is not to be in a hurry and to take the rhythm most suited to our physical condition.
The route of the Val Rendena cycle path
The Val Rendena, with its unspoiled landscapes and charming villages, is the right place to go cycling. The entire valley is crossed by a cycle-pedestrian route of over 25 kilometers, which for the most part runs alongside the Sarca.
It starts from Madonna di Campiglio, with a mixed car-bike section (the ancient road that led from Carisolo to Madonna di Campiglio), while the actual cycle path starts from Carisolo. Once you reach the town of Carisolo, we can choose whether to cross the river and pedal along the loop that surrounds the town, or head towards the town of Pinzolo, or even continue towards the villages of Spiazzo, Daré, and Coltura.
Duration
To complete the cycle path it takes about 3h and 30’ at an average speed. Naturally, without counting the stops along the way. The ideal, if we are on vacation, is to take a whole day for this experience, bringing a packed lunch with us or stopping at one of the traditional Trentino inns that we come across along the way.
Difficulty
The cycle-pedestrian path is completely paved, mostly flat and with only small climbs. If we travel it from north to south (therefore starting from Madonna di Campiglio) the uphill elevation gain is only 15 meters. If instead we go in the opposite direction, the elevation gain becomes 245 meters. This excludes the elevation change that occurs when descending from Madonna di Campiglio to Pinzolo, which is equal to about 750 meters, to be done downhill.
Are you tired? Take the Bicibus
From June to September a convenient Bicibus service runs through the entire Val Rendena, connecting the Brenta Dolomites to Lake Garda. With line 1, in particular, we can move from Madonna di Campiglio to Carisolo; line 2 then continues from there to Villa Rendena, Tione, and Comano Terme.
The Stages of the cycle path
Exploring the Val Rendena by bicycle is the best way to fill your eyes with beauty. That of nature, first of all. But also that of the small villages you pass through, with typical alpine architecture, medieval churches, and small museums of customs and traditions. Do not miss the spectacular Cascate del Nardis near Carisolo, the fascinating frescoed church of San Vigilio in Pinzolo, and the Casa della Cultura in Caderzone Terme.
Bike rental in Madonna di Campiglio
If we do not own a bicycle, in Madonna di Campiglio we can find everything we need for our excursion. Classic mountain bikes, if what we need is a simple Shimano multi-gear shifter, or an e-bike, if we want to start with an extra gear. And for downhill lovers there is the possibility to rent all the equipment to dedicate themselves safely to this daring sport.
Our hotel offers an interesting partnership with the “Olimpionico Sport” mountain bike rental, which offers attractive discounts on all equipment.
Activities for children along the cycle path
In Val Rendena everyone has fun, adults and children alike! Along the cycle path there are many attractions suitable for them: educational farms, playgrounds, a swimming pool, and an ice rink. Getting bored here is truly impossible!
