Lakes of Northern Italy Bike Tours

16/03/2026

We have put together a collection of cycling digital maps, paper maps and info regarding cycling routes in the Italian and Swiss Lake District.

https://www.lakesnorthernitalybiketours.com/blog/maps-database-cyclists-northern-italy-lake-district-blog-LNIBT.php

1. Two bike maps around the upper part of Lake Maggiore,
2. Bike map around Lake Lugano,
3. Bike maps on the West side of Lake Maggiore,
4. Bike maps in Province of Varese,
5. A paper map regarding the Province of Varese,
6. A digital map from https://map.geo.admin.ch,
7. SwitzerlandMobility: a route planner for rides,
8. Cycling climbs map of the Italian and Swiss Lake District.

09/03/2026

Cycling holiday in Varese: bike rides, cycling routes, maps.
The article has been updated on our Cycling Resourses

https://www.lakesnorthernitalybiketours.com/blog/cycling-holiday-varese-bike-rides-cycling-routes-maps-blog-LNIBT.php

Nestled in the heart of Lombardy and in the foothills of the Italian-Swiss Alps, Varese is the perfect launchpad from which to explore the best lakeside riding and the mountainous roads in between.
Lake Maggiore is 20 km - 13 mi away, Lake Lugano 15 km - 9 mi, Lake Como 40 km - 26 mi, Milan Malpensa Airport 40 km - 26 mi.

You can learn more by reading through the five points:

1) - Monte Campo dei Fiori and Sacro Monte di Varese: a classic climb,
2) - A tough bike ride : Gran Fondo Tre Valli Varesine,
3) - A list of cycling climbs close to Varese,
4) - A list of cycling routes close to Varese,
5) - Cycle paths around Varese.

02/03/2026

The Challenge: 5 Days, 650+ km, 10,000+ metres of climbing around the Lakes: Maggiore, Lugano, Varese, Como.
https://www.lakesnorthernitalybiketours.com/blog/routes-with-gps-data-italian-swiss-lakes-advaced-cyclists-blog-LNIBT.php
Last season, we had the pleasure of providing GPS data and planning for a group of 15 dedicated road cyclists who chose Varese as their base for their annual cycling holiday. Their request was clear: they wanted a 5-day itinerary consisting of rides between 120km and 150km, with significant vertical gain (1,500m to 3,000m per day).

24/02/2026

https://www.lakesnorthernitalybiketours.com/blog/cycle-lake-lugano-blog-LNIBT.php

13/02/2026

100+ Strava Climbing Segments.
We have created a list of climbing Segments and a interactive map for the Italian-Swiss Lake District, showcasing 100+ Strava Climbing Segments in the Region. Find out on:
https://www.lakesnorthernitalybiketours.com/blog/strava-segments-swiss-italian-lakes-blog-LNIBT.php

09/02/2026

2026 bike tours are open for sign ups!

- Weeklong Tours,
- Women's Cycling Camps,
- Women's Bike Tours,
- Escape Tours,
- Weekender Tours,
- Gentle Cycling Tours,
- Group Tours Lake Lugano,
- Self Guide Tours.

Find out on: https://www.lakesnorthernitalybiketours.com/tour-type-around-lakes-of-northern-italy.php

03/02/2026

Road cycling routes Lake Maggiore.
The article has been updated on our Cycling Resourses
https://www.lakesnorthernitalybiketours.com/blog/cycle-lake-maggiore-blog-LNIBT.php

The area around Lake Maggiore offers a real cycling destination from April to October. The area has plenty for cycling routes and climbs along the side valleys especially in the upper part of the lake.
The roads among the towns of Baveno, Stresa and Arona, in the lower part of Lake Maggiore, might get congested for the traffic.

31/01/2026

We often get asked info regarding...
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.

25/01/2026

90 Cycling photos – Italian & Swiss Lake District.

Get inspired to get on your bike with a wide selection of our cycling photos around Lake Maggiore, Lugano, Varese.

Get inspired to get on your bike with a wide selection of our cycling photos around Lake Maggiore, Lugano, Varese

17/01/2026

We often get asked info regarding...

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.

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

12/01/2026

Morcote on Lake Lugano.

2026 scheduled dates for our Weeklong Tours Italian-Swiss Lakes:
May 2nd – 9th 2026
May 9th – 16th 2026
June 6st – 13th 2026
June 13st – 20th 2026
June 20st – 27th 2026
August 22nd – 29rd 2026
August 29th – Sep 5th 2026
September 5th – 12th 2026
September 26th – Oct 3rd 2026