One floor above the Valsugana, Alpe Cimbra is home to an exceptionally rich mountain bike area, even by Trentino standards. It encompasses the area of the "Cimbrian" communities of Folgaria, Lavarone and Lusérn, which were founded in the Middle Ages by emigrants from the Bavarian-speaking region. This can still be seen today in many field names (e.g. "Vielgereuth" as the German name of the main town "Folgaria").
At first glance, we are dealing with an extensive plateau, the highest elevations of which fall steeply to the Valsugana in the north. Towards the south, on the other hand, it slopes relatively gently towards Lake Garda. However, anyone who has ever taken part in the BIKE-Transalp or chosen Folgaria as a stage finish on a normal crossing of the Alps will have fond memories of the countless hills on the Alpe Cimbra.
The typical local mountain bike tour climbs over countless ascents and descents. Again and again, deeply incised valleys can only be ridden through steeply or in wide loops. Each of the climbs there may be manageable on its own. But taken together, they make up an area which, despite or perhaps because of its low mountain range character, demands a high level of fitness. An ideal area for a training camp. There are certainly some rewarding single trails to be found locally, not least in the small but excellent bike park in Lavarone.
However, the lion's share of all possible mountain bike routes are on the historic military trails, which cover countless kilometres of the Alpe Cimbra right down to the last corner. This network of trails goes back to the location of Alpe Cimbra on the former border between Austria-Hungary and Italy. Even before the First World War, this border was secured with mighty fortifications. Some of them, such as the Italian fort on Monte Campomolon and the Austrian fort Gschwent, were in sight of the battles that were inevitably to come from 1915 onwards. These battles were among the most murderous of the mountain wars and their traces can still be seen today.
Top mountain bike tours on the Alpe Cimbra
Trentino Tour 19: 100 km dei Forti - Lavarone Lusérn
Tour data and tour rating
Starting point
At the church in Lavarone, Chiesa district
Route
This tour corresponds to the northern part of the signposted MTB tour 100 km dei Forti. In a wide loop, the route connects the three Austrian forts of Verle, Lusérn and Gschwent. Mainly on old military paths, the tour runs along the precipices of the Val d'Astico for long stretches and offers sensational views over the entire Alpe Cimbra.
Highlights
The three forts are each worth a stopover and give a good insight into the fierceness of the fighting during the First World War.
Retreat
At Passo Vezzena, or various options in the various small villages along the way
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 20: 100 km dei Forti - Folgaria
Tour data and tour rating
Starting point
At the tourist information office in the centre of Folgaria
Route
In the southern section of the 100 km dei Forti, the three forts Cherle, Sommo Alto and Dosso delle Somme are on the programme. Here too, the tour runs mainly along old military paths and often through the forest. From the ridge of the Dosso delle Somme, however, there is an unobstructed view of the Brenta Dolomites, the Pasubio massif and the glaciers of the Adamello group. On particularly clear days, you can even see the Adriatic Sea on the horizon.
Highlights
Three forts, the "Emperor's Staircase", which was built especially for a visit to the front by Emperor Karl, panoramic views from the highest point
Retreat
Forte Cherle, after about 40 per cent of the route
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 Alpe Cimbra mountain bike area
GPS tours
On the Alpe Cimbra and in the neighbouring areas at www.trails.de
Events
100 km dei Forti - 1000 Grobbe Bike Challenge, date: 9-11 June 2017, info: www.100kmdeiforti.it
Bike park
Small but nice bike park with four lines. Info: www.bikeparklavarone.it
Culture tip
In Fort Belvedere (near Oseli), be sure to visit the old, restored fort and museum. Info: www.fortebelvedere.org
General information
www.alpecimbrabike.it
