Alpe Cimbra looks like a huge rock bastion when viewed from the valley floor of the Valsugana. An impregnable 1000 metre high fortress. This was also the reason why the high plateau was of such strategic importance to the enemy during the First World War. Whoever occupied Alpe Cimbra also had the surrounding valley regions under control. The Austrian Kaiserjäger therefore used every means at their disposal to hold this position. Supply routes were elaborately blasted into vertical rock faces, forts with towers for cannons and howitzers were erected and trenches dug at scout positions. Nevertheless, the Italians dared to launch a massive assault on the Austrian military stronghold in May 1915 - thousands of soldiers on both sides died in the process.
In the meantime, much grass and peaceful forest has grown over these once so bloody battlefields. Mountain bikers can now enjoy the marvellous panorama where they once scouted. Where mules once laboured to carry heavy cannons, building materials and ammunition up the mountain, you can now enjoy spectacular paths and trails that would never be built today for cost reasons alone. But for all the joy of this extensive network of military paths, which winds its way up and down the high plateau: The goosebumps factor is a constant companion on the historic tours across the Alpe Cimbra.
Information about the area
Bikepark Lavarone: In Bertoldi there is a bike park with chairlift, rental bikes and 4 downhill variants in various levels of difficulty. Info: bikeparklavarone.it
Folgaria bike park and trail centre: A new bike park was opened on Monte Maggio near Folgaria in summer 2023. With two 4-kilometre-long flow trails, a trail centre, rental bikes, a skills area for kids and a long trail circuit for e-mountain bikers. Info: folgaride.alpecimbrabike.it
Accommodation: From campsites to four-star hotels with a tour programme - all information is available at alpecimbra.it
Our 3 tour favourites
The extensive network of military paths on the Alpe Cimbra branches out through forests and across alpine meadows. On the way from one fort to the next, you pass small villages, huts and trenches. The paths are mostly wider, sometimes rough forest tracks. There are no long climbs, but the constant ups and downs take their toll.
Tour 1: 100 Kilometres dei Forti
- Length: 94.6 kilometres
- Uphill: 2183 metres in altitude
- Difficulty: difficult
Tour description
The classic tour for mountain bikers leads in one large loop across the entire high plateau of Alpe Cimbra, taking in all seven forts from the First World War. The route was originally designed as a marathon route, but it is signposted throughout and can also be completed in several stages at a leisurely pace. This also gives you more time for the viewpoints and memorials. Fort Gschwent-Belvedere near Lavarone is now even a museum. There are no major technical difficulties, but the tour really is a marathon. If you prefer a more leisurely ride, you can divide the route into several stages.
Tour 2: The trails of Luserna
- Length: 39.2 kilometres
- Uphill: 1097 metres in altitude
- Difficulty: medium
Tour description
The tour across the Luserna plateau takes you along some challenging trails through the Tannbolt forest and then up and down to the highest point of the Val d'Assa, which marks the border between Trentino and Veneto. The route takes you past fantastic panoramic spots, forts from the First World War and into the "Lont of Cimbarn" region, as Luserna was once called. This town is known for its Cimbrian language. An old dialect that was spoken here by its German settlers in the 13th century.
Tour 3: Folgaria Megabike
- Length: 40.7 kilometres
- Uphill: 1176 metres in altitude
- Difficulty: difficult
Tour description
A beautiful tour with two somewhat longer climbs (highest point 1779 metres), a few pretty huts to stop off at, but also a few challenging trail sections, some of which are a little exposed along the rocks. At the end of the loop, the route takes you over the 1670 metre high Dosso delle Somme with its Fort Serrada before the long, trail-filled descent back to Folgaria begins.
Gitta Beimfohr
Editor
