Lakes of northern italy
bike tours

At LNI BT, our mission is to make your cycling experience in the Italian and Swiss Lake District easy, smooth, and adventurous. We offer a full range of services, including guided and self-guided tours, women’s cycling camps, digital route packs, and professional guides to act as your "human GPS."

The Lake District offers the perfect terrain for every rider—from those seeking a flat, leisurely spin to intermediate and advanced cyclists in search of challenging alpine adventures. Our network of roads is designed to blow your mind.

• When to visit: The lakes are at their best from April to June and from mid-August to October. However, the local microclimate is so mild that cycling is possible almost all year round.
• Our Location: We are perfectly situated on the border between Southern Switzerland and Northern Italy, at the foot of the Alps. This area is a cyclist's paradise, boasting a vast network of bike-friendly roads and a climate that remains pleasant for most of the year.
• The Lakes: You will explore the four iconic lakes—Maggiore, Lugano, Varese, and Como—as well as hidden gems like Lake Orta to the west, Lakes Monate and Comabbio to the south, and the alpine Lakes Ganna, Ghirla, and Brinzio nestled between Varese and Lugano.

We believe in riding for fun while soaking in everything Northern Italy has to offer. Beyond the "narrow climbs and fast descents," you will discover:

• Picturesque pastel villages and grand villas with botanical gardens.
• Historic churches, parks, and hermitages dating from the 16th to the 19th century.
• Art, culture, and exhibitions that make this region unique.

Our territory’s diversity allows you to cruise along gentle lakeshores one moment and tackle steep, rewarding valley climbs the next.

 

>  “ What info can I get about rides and mapping? ”

You can get the gpx files to load onto your gps device and our exclusive link to Google My Maps file for highlighting the routes. No Apps, No Sign-Ups required.
Plus you can get the essential info regarding the routes (distance, elevation gain, stepness/lenght of the climbs, tourist attractions along the routes).

 

>  “ How is the car traffic? Are the cyclists respected? ”

We think the key is just ride in the side valleys or up passes away from the lakes. 10% of the traffic is on these roads and then you get to see even more stuff.
The Lakes are lovely, but the main roads and a few lakeside routes suffer from traffic. There's barely anyone up the side valleys.
90% of the traffic is on the main roads, once you turn off you can go much time without encountering another vehicle.

Some of the hidden gems are off the beaten track and less well-known ones as well.
Only a few minutes out of the front door and you can be at the foot of 5-10 kilometres climbs.
It's gorgeous up the hills, we'd totally recommend it. The roads are quieter.

You'll encounter road cyclists of all skill levels, from amateurs to those who appear pro.
Though drivers are used to cyclists and they are generally patient with cyclists, however it's crucial to ride single file (not side by side), particularly when cars are present, to maintain good relations.

 

>  “ Is it going to rain? ”

Always a tricky one! We keep an eye on the forecast, but sometimes the weather here can be unpredictable. We'll give you the best advice we can, but always be prepared for a bit of everything.

 

>  “ What cycling apparel or accessories should I bring? ”

This packing list should give you a good starting point.
Bib shorts, short sleeve jersey, socks, gloves, helmet and one or two water bottles. However, depending on the period you come here (Spring or Autumn), we recommend for you to bring some extra warm clothes like arm warmers, leg warmers, bib tights, long sleeve jersey.
Cycling layering is crucial to stay comfortable no matter what.
Comfort is king! and nobody local is judging your old and discolored cycling apparel, unmatched socks or unmatched arm warmers...
Even if the forecast looks promising, it's always best to be prepared for a bit of drizzle. So it's usefull to bring a set of waterproofs (a rain jacket, bags for your phone and your packed lunch, etc.).
A small backpack is handy for carrying bits and bobs during the rides.

 

>  “ What fitness level should I have if I want to join a group bike tour? ”

Head over to the web pages Difficulty Levels (easy, intermediate, challenging) and tours, so you can choose a tour that aligns with your fitness level (daily distance, elevation gain, pedalling pace).
Some folks are after a gentle pootle through the back roads and cycle pathes bypassing the hills , while others are itching for a bit more of a challenge. That's why we offer a range of tours to suit different fitness levels.

 

>  “ What're the most rewarding areas? ”

For the most rewarding cycling experiences, head North of Varese, around Lake Lugano, around the upper Lake Maggiore and areas straddling the Italian-Swiss border. While a few stretches of the lakeside roads can be busy in summer, you'll find numerous easily accessible climbs and back roads that offer stunning views away from the shoreline.

 

>  “ We prefer to handle the stay ourselves. Could you provide us with some advice on where we should base ourselves? .”

If you are used to small villages you can stay in Ponte Tresa (on Lake Lugano) half in Italy and half in Switzerland, or in Gavirate (on Lake Varese).
Ponte Tresa is a village on Lake Lugano. the Italian side is well-equipped with three supermarkets: Coop, Tigros and Bennet. Its location makes it a superb starting point for exploring numerous climbing opportunities in the surrounding Italian and Swiss mountains. Obviously the Switzerland part of the village is more expensive.
Gavirate is a village on Lake Varese which hosts AIS European Training Centre. As a result, many Aussies live here. Reach out, they might be able to lend a hand for your stay. Plus, you won't want for anything. Gavirate has all the supermarkets and stores you need and it offers a great launchpad for cycling.