The Bolzano–Ferrara cycle route is one of the most fascinating long‑distance itineraries in Northern Italy: a journey of about 315 km connecting South Tyrol, Trentino, Veneto, Lombardy and Emilia‑Romagna, crossing alpine landscapes, historic villages, art cities and great rivers. It is a slow, panoramic ride, perfect for travellers who enjoy discovering a region by bike, immersed in nature, culture and local traditions.
The route starts in Piazza Walther in Bolzano and ends in Piazza Savonarola in Ferrara, the “city of bicycles”. The difficulty is moderate: the trail is mostly flat, with the only real climb near Affi (VR). Because of its length, it is advisable to divide the journey into two or three stages to fully enjoy each section.
Stage 1 – Bolzano → Rovereto (approx. 90 km)
The first section follows the Ciclopista del Sole, one of Europe’s major long‑distance cycling routes. Leaving Bolzano, the path runs along the Adige and Isarco rivers, passes the wine‑growing villages of Ora, Egna and Salorno, and reaches the Piana Rotaliana, a land of vineyards and agricultural traditions.
Entering Trentino, the route continues towards San Michele all’Adige, Mezzocorona and Mezzolombardo, then reaches Trento, a city rich in history and museums. From here it proceeds to Besenello and Nomi, home to a well‑equipped Bicigrill, and ends in Rovereto, known for the MART museum and the Peace Bell.
Stage 2 – Rovereto → Mantua (approx. 117 km)
From Rovereto, the route continues along the Adige to the Mori Dam, where it crosses the river and enters the vineyards of the Vallagarina. It reaches Pilcante and Borghetto all’Adige, the end of the valley’s cycle path.
The trail continues between Monte Baldo and the river, passing Belluno Veronese, Rivalta and Peri. At Zuane begins the only significant climb of the entire itinerary, leading to the plateau of Caprino–Costermanno–Affi, before descending towards Lake Garda.
From Peschiera del Garda, the beautiful Mantua–Peschiera cycle path begins, following the former railway line and the Mincio River to Valeggio and Borghetto, one of Italy’s most picturesque villages. Crossing the Mincio Park, the route finally reaches Mantua, a Renaissance UNESCO World Heritage city.
Stage 3 – Mantua → Ferrara (approx. 107 km)
From Mantua, the route heads towards Bagnolo San Vito, climbing onto the Po embankment to join the Sinistra Po cycle path. It continues to Governolo, then Ostiglia and Revere, crossing peaceful river landscapes.
After the last towns of the Mantua province, the route enters Emilia‑Romagna at Stellata di Bondeno, where it becomes the Destra Po cycle route. From here it continues to Bondeno, following the Burana cycle path all the way to the heart of Ferrara, the final destination.
