The Valchiavenna cycle path, a beautiful bike itinerary from Lake Como to the Alps, has just won the third prize of the 2022 Cyclotourism Oscars behind the Grand Tour of the Savio Valley. The 42 km long valley floor route from Colico (LC) to the bottom of Val Bregagliaon the border with Switzerland, was awarded at the Italian Green Road Award as “among the most interesting continuity cycle paths“: in fact, the Valchiavenna cycle path is not only part of the Bicitalia network n.17 Adda cycle path but is also connected both to the Valtellina path and to the Lake Como cycle path, in perfect synthesis of the award that has been promoting cycle tourism and holidays for years slow. Furthermore, both Colico, the starting point to the south, and Villa di Chiavenna, to the north, are perfectly integrated with public transport, with Trenord stations along the cycle path and buses with bike transport in service between Chiavenna, Splügen and St. Moritz in Switzerland. Added to this are rest areas, water fountains, bike and e-bike rental and assistance, charging stations, restaurants, farmhouses and bars and completely new vertical signage.
Ciclabile Valchiavenna, the beautiful bike itinerary from Lake Como to the Alps
The Valchiavenna cycle path “officially” starts from Colico, still the province of Lecco as well as the northernmost point of Lake Como at the fork of Valtellina and Valchiavenna. From here you skirt the Pian di Spagna nature reserve and Lake Mezzola and then follow the course of the river Mera, always remaining in the valley floor. In addition to the mountain landscape of indisputable beauty, it is also interesting to note, as you pedal, the contamination of the Italian world with those of Central Europe which is located just beyond the Alps. in a meeting also almost unique and typical culture of this territory.
In the villages of Samolaco, Gordona and Mese before Chiavenna there is no shortage of opportunities for a short stop, but it is undoubtedly Chiavenna, Orange Flag of the Italian Touring Club and Cittàslowwhich is worth stopping to admire the historic center which dates back to the 16th century with its Sforza walls.
From here the Valchiavenna cycle path continues towards the village of Piuro, also called the Pompeii of the Alps because of its archaeological excavations, and then towards the sixteenth-century Palazzo Vertemate Franchi, with its frescoes and beautiful garden, up to the spectacular Acquafraggia waterfalls which also struck the imagination of Leonardo da Vinci. From here, with just a few more pedal strokes, you finally reach Villa di Chiavenna, where the cycle path “officially” ends but from where, with a bit of leg, you can continue towards Val Bregaglia and up to the Engadine.
For information on the structures and to download the GPX tracks: valchiavennabike.it.
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