The best traffic-free bike rides around Lago di Piano
4.3
(203)
4,246
riders
8
rides
No traffic road cycling routes around Lago di Piano are found within a protected regional nature reserve, nestled in the Val Menaggio between Lake Como and Lake Lugano. The terrain is characterized by a glacial valley with lush forests, rolling hills, and expansive reed beds, offering a tranquil environment for cycling. Many routes utilize former railway lines, providing mostly paved surfaces with smooth inclinations, tunnels, and bridges, separating cyclists from main roads. The landscape is typically hilly, featuring continuous "up…
Last updated: June 1, 2026
3.5
(2)
14
riders
27.5km
02:11
870m
870m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
3.0
(1)
28
riders
15.0km
00:42
180m
180m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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4.3
(9)
128
riders
36.1km
02:03
800m
800m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.3
(3)
121
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.0
(2)
26
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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Popular around Lago di Piano
Tips from the Community
I thought you could see Lake Lugano from this point, but that's not the case
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It's a great ride. Good road conditions and good visibility.
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Section of very tight and spectacular hairpin bends going up towards Cuisino, very gentle slopes that make the climb very appreciable for its views, perfect asphalt and large sections in the shade
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Above Lanzo, a dead-end road leads up to the summit of Sigignola, offering magnificent views over Lake Lugano. Relatively quiet and mostly well-paved (06/2025), the route leads through fairly dense forest, offering plenty of shade even on sunny days.
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Osteno is a beautiful village at the beginning of the climb to the Alto Valle de Intelvi - worth a visit and if you want to fill up your water bottles you can do so in one of the bars on the Lungo Lago.
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The climb through the Val Rezzo is wonderful - the road is narrow, winding and steep, partly through shady forest but also repeatedly through open terrain with magnificent views of the wild mountain landscape.
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After Cusino, the route descends without any further climbs to Carlazzo, where a magnificent series of elegantly curved switchbacks is a wonderfully smooth ride. The road surface is excellent (06/2025).
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The view of the lake from the road is simply magnificent. The road is very narrow, so there are pullovers every few hundred meters. These can also be used for photos.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic road cycling routes are available around Lago di Piano?
There are 9 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Lago di Piano, offering a range of experiences from easy to moderate difficulty. This includes 1 easy route and 8 moderate routes, ensuring options for various fitness levels.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Lago di Piano?
The komoot community highly rates the no-traffic road cycling experience around Lago di Piano, with an average score of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 186 ratings. Cyclists often praise the tranquil ambiance of the protected nature reserve, the scenic views of Lago di Piano, Lake Como, and Lake Lugano, and the unique experience of riding on repurposed former railway lines that offer smooth inclinations and car-free paths.
Are there any easy, family-friendly no-traffic road cycling routes?
Yes, there is an easy, family-friendly no-traffic route available. The View of Osteno and Lake Lugano – Lake Lugano loop from Corrido is a 15 km path that offers scenic views and a gentle ride, suitable for families looking for a relaxed cycling experience away from traffic.
What kind of terrain can I expect on these no-traffic road cycling routes?
The region around Lago di Piano features varied terrain, often utilizing former railway lines which provide mostly paved surfaces with smooth inclinations, tunnels, and bridges. While many routes are traffic-free, the landscape is typically hilly, characterized by continuous 'up and down' riding, with options for short climbs of 2 to 5 km. You'll cycle through lush forests, rolling hills, and alongside the lake's reed beds.
What interesting landmarks or natural features can I see along the no-traffic routes?
Many routes offer views of the protected Lago di Piano Nature Reserve, known for its rich biodiversity and marshland. You can also cycle along the Former railway line Menaggio-Porlezza, a unique historical path. Other notable sights include the Lake Piano itself, and the medieval village of Castel San Pietro, located on a drumlin called Brione.
Are there any loop routes for no-traffic road cycling?
Yes, all the no-traffic road cycling routes listed are loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Serpentine Descent to Carlazzo – Hairpin Bends Towards Cuisino loop from Bene Lario offers a moderate 27 km ride with smooth inclinations and valley views.
Can I find routes that offer views of Lake Como or Lake Lugano?
Absolutely. The strategic location of Lago di Piano between Lake Como and Lake Lugano means many routes offer stunning vistas of these larger lakes. For instance, the Lakeside Promenade of Porlezza – View of Osteno and Lake Lugano loop from Porlezza provides beautiful views of Lake Lugano.
What is the best season for no-traffic road cycling in Lago di Piano?
The region is generally pleasant for cycling from spring through autumn. Spring and early summer offer lush greenery and comfortable temperatures, while autumn provides beautiful foliage. Migratory birds can be observed during autumn and spring, adding to the natural beauty of the reserve.
Are there any specific starting points recommended for these routes?
Many routes start from towns like Bene Lario, Corrido, or Porlezza, which are well-situated for accessing the former railway lines and scenic paths. These towns often provide convenient parking and access to the cycling network.
Are there any facilities or visitor centers along the routes?
Within the protected nature reserve, you can find the Lago di Piano Nature Reserve Visitor Center. This center often provides information about the area's biodiversity and features a naturalistic observatory with a botanic walk, enhancing the educational and observational opportunities during your ride.
What are the typical distances for the no-traffic road cycling routes?
The no-traffic road cycling routes around Lago di Piano vary in length. You can find shorter, easy routes like the 15 km View of Osteno and Lake Lugano – Lake Lugano loop from Corrido, up to moderate routes around 27-28 km, such as the Serpentine Descent to Carlazzo – Hairpin Bends Towards Cuisino loop from Bene Lario.
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