Valsugana is the mountain bike region in Trentino where the Austro-Hungarian past is still very much in evidence. In the old spa town of Levico Terme, formerly Löweneck, aristocrats plagued by ailments used to come and go. Some even built their own permanent residences. For example, the still highly revered Empress Sissi, whose villa in the spa gardens still defines the cultural centre of the town today.
Situated not far from the then border with Italy, Levico Terme also had military significance. As the first ring of defence for the fortress of Trento, the Valsugana was developed into a bulwark with numerous fortresses long before the First World War. The logical mountain bike tour destinations around the valley reflect this past. There is hardly a tour here that does not run at least partly along old military roads, that does not pass a fortress, that does not have (often German-language) memorial signs commemorating the building activities of Austrian soldiers or the carnage of the mountain war.
Almost all of the local tours also have immense differences in altitude in common. The lakes of Levico and Caldonazzo lie on the valley floor at an altitude of 440 metres. The fort on the summit of Cima Vezzena, which can be seen from afar, is a whopping 1908 metres above sea level. And with a net difference in altitude of almost 1500 metres, the possible mountain bike tour destinations around the Valsugana are far from over.
Of course, not every tour in Valsugana starts at the bottom of the valley. The tour near Vetriolo Terme described below starts a good 1000 metres higher up and offers many relaxed single trails. There are plenty of them in the area, and many of them are of a quality that would make downhill-oriented bikers lick their fingers. However, if you consider the effort that is often required to reach the respective trail entrances, the Valsugana should be far too "enduro" for most downhill bikers. However, if you are prepared and fit enough for longer climbs, the Valsugana is an almost inexhaustible touring area with added cultural value.
Top mountain bike tours in Valsugana
Trentino Tour 17: Cima Vezzena
Tour data and tour rating
Starting point
Sports field at the southern end of Caldonazzo
Route
A full 1400 metres of ascent need to be conquered in one go right at the start of this tour. Despite the tarmac, the ascent on the famous Kaiserjägerweg trail is one of the highlights of the region. After passing the Passo Vezzena and the Busa Verle fort, which was destroyed during the war, the ascent on the old works road to Cima Vezzena saps the last bit of energy from your legs. From the ruined summit fortress, you are rewarded with a fantastic panoramic view that stretches north over the Dolomites to the main Alpine ridge and, on clear days, south to the Adriatic Sea.
Highlights
You should save this tour for a day with good visibility. The views are fantastic.
Retreat
At Passo Vezzena, then from the village of Bertoldi various possibilities
GPS download
You can download the GPS data for the 20 Trentino tours presented free of charge in the download area below this article.
Trentino Tour 18: La Bassa
Tour data and tour rating
Starting point
Launch site for paragliders in Vetriolo Terme
Route
With the exception of one section, this loop essentially corresponds to the route of the officially signposted Tour Giro delle Pozze. Here, however, the route is clockwise. In this way, most of the metres in altitude are covered right at the start during the sometimes very tough ascent to the La Bassa pass. The reward is a sequence of very flowing and fun single trails at S1 level. Along the way, there are always great views over the Valsugana and the mountain range opposite, which stretches from Cima Vezzena to Monte Ortigara.
Highlights
The trails are beautiful, but the last one towards Cinque Valli is a real fun ride.
Retreat
Maso Vetriolo Vecchio, Agritur Rincher, Malga Masi, Rifugio Erterle
GPS download
You can download the GPS data for the 20 Trentino tours presented free of charge in the download area below this article.
Info about the Valsugana Lagorai bike area
Tour information
Many beautiful tours in Valsugana can be found on: www.visitvalsugana.it/bike
Further official routes through the Valsugana and across to the surrounding bike areas can be found on www.dolomitilagoraibike.it
General information
Accommodation and further information about the region: www.visitvalsugana.it
