Biking itinerary on lake garda: from Malcesine to the malga Fabio

The itinerary starts out from the parking lot and heads south on the Gardesana road. After 700 meters you'll turn left and follow signs for the “Strada panoramica” (panoramic road). You'll ride uphill amidst homes and olive groves until you reach Hotel Panorama, then turn right on the road to s. Marggiore. At the next junction, the biker will turn left and head uphill to S. Maggiore.

Once you've reached the village, with a level meadow dotted with a few restored old farm houses, the itinerary continues straight on the unpaved trail with the CAI trail marker. Now comes the toughest part, because the gravel makes some stretches difficult. Further ahead, the cement road makes riding easier, even though the pitch is at the very limit and the rider risks flying head over heels. Your leg muscles will relax only on the green meadows of malga Fiabio. Beyond the malga farmhouse, you'll turn left on the uphill road for S.S. Benigno and Caro. This last sharp ascent takes you to the highest part of the itinerary in Porta del Vescovo. After a few steep hairpin curves on the hill, you'll reach the S.S. Benigno & Caro Hermitage, where the two saints lived in the 9th century. Two hundred meters before the Hermitage, look for several tunnels on the left: these tunnels from W.W.I merit a visit. The excursion with the mtb will follow the signs for Cassone and you'll begin a descent that is one of the most technically difficult in the area: this “arm breaker” is an old cobblestone trail that quickly takes you to the area with old farm houses.

As the road descends, you'll have a glimpse of old washing troughs and fountains. At km 13,30 you'll turn right on the unpaved road that is closed to motor vehicles. Once you reach the square in Cassone, you'll then head downhill to the Gardesana road and turn right to reach Malcesine.

Box:

strong>Malcesine. Thanks to its position, its castle and Goethe, Malcesine is one of the most popular and best equipped tourist spots on the lake garda. Although its origins are unknown, the castle was rebuilt by the Franks, and Pipino, the first son of Charlemagne and King of Italy, lived there. The town was under Venetian rule from 1405 to 1797, and the renowned German poet Wolfgang Goethe stayed there in 1786. The world's shortest river. Ri River (the world's shortest river) flows near the bridge on the state road in Cassone, a district of Malcesine on lake garda.

INFO

• Zone: Malcesine.
• Map: Kompass n. 102.
• Access: Gardesana orientale S.S. n. 249 road.
• Departure: Malcesine, parking lot in front of the cableway.
• Length: 18.40 km.
• Maximum altitude: 855 m.
• Difference in altitude: 766 m.
• Time: 2 – 3 hours.
• Bikeability: complete.
• Beauty (1-5*): ***.
• Difficulty: very difficult.
• Rest stops: none.
• Nota: short but very difficult itinerary. The descent is ideal for expert bikers with very good technique.

Text: Claudio Kerschbaumer

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Useful Advice:

• Mountain hiking or trekking is an adventure and an experience that brings you in contact with the mountains and nature. Since some itineraries can be difficult for an amateur or untrained excursionist or mountain climber, caution is advised.

Clothing:

• Clothing must not be exaggerated and always suitable for the season, taking into account the type of excursion, altitude and weather, which can change quickly in the mountains. Bring in your backpack sunglasses, a hat, a change of clothing, waterproof jacket with hood (the change of clothing, be it heavy or light, should depend upon the season underway).

Equipment:

• Besides wearing the right shoes (mountain or trekking boots), bring a water bottle or another beverage, a first aid emergency kit, maps, and a Swiss Army knife.

Safety:

• Always notify someone of your excursion, and if you are not accompanied by family members or friends, speak with the staff at the reception desk in your residence or hotel, and let them know of your plans. Bringing a mobile phone with you during the excursion is very helpful and might come in handy.

These measures might seem extreme, but there are many potential dangers in the mountains, and you want to avoid them. In fact, it is better to be safe than sorry!