Da Bolzano alle Dolomiti

A very long and challenging route due to the elevation gain, but without any particular technical difficulties; I’d say it can even be done on a gravel bike as long as it has good gear ratios and good tires.

The route starts at the parking lot of the Colle di Bolzano cable car (arrive early to find a spot) and climbs up to Colle on paved road. From there, continue climbing on a forest road until you reach Nova Ponente. Following narrow roads and forest trails, you’ll reach the beautiful Pietralba Sanctuary. Then there are long ups and downs through the woods, passing by many mountain huts offering refreshments, until you reach the Lavazè Pass with stunning views of the Dolomites.

Descend a stretch on paved road and then follow a wide trail to Obereggen, where a long, scenic, flat forest road leads to Lake Carezza.

You descend to Nova Levante, climb slightly again to San Valentino di Sopra, and then take a very long descent—almost entirely on paved road—to Cardano, from where you return to Bolzano via a bike path.