What're the routes like? Which lakes we're talking about
You can see all the road cycling routes in the Italian and Swiss Lake District on Google Maps.
Cycling routes map
We are talking about a unique district encompassing Lake Maggiore, Varese, Lugano, Como.
Nestled in Northern Lombardy at the foothills of the Italian-Swiss Alps, the area is incredibly accessible.
Just a 43-minute train ride every hour (no change) to Milan Malpensa airport and a 60-minute train ride to Milan.
The most equipped, enjoyable and flexible road cycling area in Italy, boasting a network of over 1,600 km (1,000 mi).
Our routes are carefully planned to avoid busy roads and often include dedicated cycle paths. The variety of the terrain—ranging from dead-flat plains to undulating hills and tough climbs—allows you to be completely flexible, tailoring your daily schedule to suit exactly what you want to explore.
Looking to ride these routes on your own?
Check out our Digital Route Packs with verified GPX files and maps.
Winding routes and unique charms
The cycling routes in the Italian-Swiss Lake District are winding. You will take on a constant flow of "ups and downs," conquering hills, mountain passes (cols), and densely wooded routes in the northern reaches of the area. Along the way, you'll pass through tiny, secluded villages—some featuring historic cobblestone paths, others with lanes so narrow they are wide enough for only one car at a time.
Discover our bike maps.
Ten lakes
The region, with its ten lakes, offers a unique mix of charms for any cycling lover: a perfect blend of climbing and descending, of challenge and reward. While there are many lakes across Italy, this specific area in the north is unique; here, a string of narrow glacial lakes lies interspersed among the Prealpine foothills, straddling the border with Switzerland. Framed by the high Alps, you can often see the majestic Monte Rosa (4,637 m – 15,213 ft)—the second-highest mountain in the Alps.
Geography of the lakes
The three major lakes are, from West to East: Maggiore, Lugano, and Como.
- Lake Maggiore: Italy’s second-largest lake and the longest of the group, measuring 65 km (40 mi) in length with a surface area of 215 sq km (83 sq mi). A small northern portion falls within the Swiss Canton of Ticino.
- Lake Lugano: Covering 49 sq km (19 sq mi), 67% of its surface is Swiss (Canton of Ticino) and 33% is Italian (Lombardy).
- Lake Como: With an area of 146 sq km (56 sq mi), it is the third-largest lake in Italy.
Between and around these major lakes are several minor lakes—such as Lake Orta to the west of Maggiore, Lake Varese midway between Maggiore and Lugano, and countless alpine tarns tucked away in the high valleys: Lake Brinzio, Ganna, Ghirla, Comabbio, and Monate. In total, ten lakes of various sizes surround the hubs of Varese and Como.
Terrain and climbs
The distance between Lake Maggiore and Lake Como does not exceed 70 km (45 miles) as the crow flies. While the southern end of the district is relatively flat (approx. 300m a.s.l. - 990 feet a.s.l.) and more populated, the northern end becomes increasingly hilly and mountainous as the lakes reach the foothills of the Swiss Alps, with peaks exceeding 1,000 m a.s.l. (3,280 ft a.s.l.).
The landscape is typically hilly, meaning your tour profile will be characterized by continuous "up and down" riding. You can tackle short climbs of 2 to 5 km or much longer, more demanding ascents.
You may have never heard of them, but this area hosts some truly massive and excellent climbs. We have compiled 100+ Strava climbing Segments near Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano. Famous peaks include: Cuvignone, Alpe di Neggia, Sette Termini, Campo dei Fiori, Passo San Michele, Monte Bar, Lake Naret, Sighignola, Monte Brè, and Mottarone. Discover the Full list & map.
Note: For those who prefer a slower, easier experience, we have also designed itineraries that completely bypass the big and medium-sized hills.
Lake Orta
Some say the ancient village of Orta San Giulio, on the eastern shore, is one of the most beautiful lake villages in existence. It is largely traffic-free, filled with medieval buildings and narrow cobbled streets flanked by old stone walls. In the middle of the lake lies the Island of San Giulio, dominated by its Romanesque church and ancient monastery. On the western shore, the Sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso sits in a stunning panoramic position overlooking the water.
Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore straddles the border between Italy and Switzerland. While the Swiss side hosts Ascona and Locarno, most of the lake is Italian. The central tourist area revolves around the grand resorts of Stresa, Baveno, and Verbania, and the famous Borromean Islands (Bella, Madre, and Superiore). While Stresa is elegant, its roads can get congested. For road cycling, the upper part of the lake is much better. Side valleys near Locarno, Ascona, Luino, and Laveno offer car-free roads where you can climb deep into the interior territory.
Learn more: Road cycling routes Lake Maggiore.
Lake Varese
Lying at the foot of the Campo dei Fiori Regional Park, Lake Varese is framed by the majestic profile of Monte Rosa. It is only 5 km from Varese city centre. A 28 km cycle path surrounds the lake; its occasional, gentle uphill sections make it accessible even to less experienced riders. However, it is not suited for fast training, as it is winding and popular with pedestrians.
Learn more: Road cycling routes Varese
Lake Lugano
While most of the lake and the town of Lugano are in Switzerland, parts are in Italy. The lake is surrounded by mountains, with Monte Generoso (1,704 m - 5,590 ft) being the highest. From the Capolago station, a rack railway takes you to the summit, where you can see Milan, Maggiore, and Como on clear days. On the shores lies Morcote, officially one of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland. It is a true all-round playground for cyclists. Other mountains are Monte Lema and Monte Arbostora.
Learn more: Road cycling routes Lake Lugano.
Lake Como and Shrine of Madonna del Ghisallo
Famous for its inverted "Y" shape, Lake Como is best seen from the water or from its high viewpoints. The triangle of land south of Bellagio is one of the most legendary cycling spots in the world. Here, you can climb to the Shrine of Madonna del Ghisallo, the Patroness Saint of cyclists. Inside the tiny church, you will find cycling memorabilia—historic bikes and jerseys—pinned to the walls. Right next door is the modern Cycling Museum, a must-visit for every rider.
Photographer: Lakes Northern Italy Bike Tours
Copyright: Lakes Northern Italy Bike Tours
Credit: Lakes Northern Italy Bike Tours
