4.5
(1081)
12,598
riders
27
rides
Touring cycling around Vedano Olona offers diverse landscapes within the Olona Valley, a glacial valley characterized by wetlands and broadleaf forests. The region features undulating terrain, rolling hills, and a mix of gentle to challenging climbs, catering to various cycling preferences. Its strategic location provides access to the shores of Northern Italy's lakes and historical sites. This area combines natural beauty with cultural interest for touring cyclists.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
4.2
(5)
18
riders
55.1km
03:59
970m
970m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
11
riders
23.6km
01:31
160m
160m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

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2
riders
37.8km
02:29
510m
510m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.9
(9)
93
riders
52.1km
03:18
530m
530m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
73
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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It looks like a high mountain climb ........... only 7 curves but with great charm and zero traffic
0
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Unfortunately there is no cycle path here, but you can see Monte Generoso to the right
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You approach the route of the former Valmorea Railway, with its disused station and enter the cycle path that heads towards the real Gurone Dam, a structure 12 metres high above the river level and 156 metres long, built between 2004 and 2009 and capable of generating a reservoir of more than a million cubic metres. The construction was necessary because this stretch of the valley has always been subject to flooding from the Olona (around 70 have been recorded since the 15th century), such as the most recent ones in 1995 and 2002. The cycle path now climbs along its embankments with an almost linear route and a gradient of almost 12%, built in this way so as not to interfere with the structure of the dam and its hydraulic characteristics. Once you reach the top, be careful on the descent. After reaching the closest point to the river, you start following the railway again, of which you can see sections of tracks in the woods. Now on the right we have the Pedemontana motorway and you cycle in one of the tunnels created during its construction. You can now reach the small public garden equipped with a rack with e-bike charging and a self-repair kit or, keeping to the left at the roundabout and crossing the provincial road, you head south. We are in the Lozza plain, which you cross on the side of the railway embankment with a long straight stretch before arriving at a narrow peninsula formed on the left by the Olona and on the right by the Selvagna stream. After crossing the stream, the path goes to the side of the provincial road to enter Castiglione Olona. On the right, the railway system of the former station opens up, where you can still see some carriages. At the crossing, keep left to continue on the cycle path, while instead you will go to the right to reach the historic village.
1
0
Nice hairpin bends and well maintained road
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0
Unfortunately, there is a lot of traffic on this scenic stretch
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I recommend the complete tour of Lake Lugano by bike, leaving the car in one of the towns overlooking Ceresio you can complete the tour in between 4 and 8 hours. Continuing to cross the various borders between Italy and Switzerland several times, the tour offers ever-changing and breathtaking scenery
2
0
Climbing the "little Stelvio"
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0
There are over 20 touring cycling routes in the Vedano Olona area, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. The komoot community has explored 24 routes, with options ranging from moderate to difficult.
The region features diverse landscapes within the Olona Valley, characterized by undulating terrain, rolling hills, and a mix of gentle to challenging climbs. You'll find routes suitable for various preferences, with 7 moderate and 16 difficult options available. For example, the From Vedano Olona to the Grotte di Valganna – loop tour is a difficult route with significant elevation gain.
Yes, for a more relaxed experience, the Valle Olona Cycle Path Loop is a moderate 23.6 km route that follows a former railway line. It offers a relatively gentle journey through the Olona Valley, showcasing industrial heritage and natural beauty, making it a good option for families or those new to touring cycling.
The routes around Vedano Olona offer a rich blend of history and nature. You can explore remnants of industrial culture, disused railway stations, and cultural sites like Castiglione Olona with its Renaissance Collegiate. The Valganna and Valmorea Railway Loop, for instance, features lakes, forests, and historical elements. You might also encounter natural features like the Valganna Waterfalls and Caves or the Sandstone Caves of the Molera Gorges.
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in the area are loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the Valganna and Valmorea Railway Loop (55.1 km) and the Valle Olona Cycle Path Loop (23.6 km), both offering convenient circular journeys.
For longer rides, you can explore routes that extend towards nearby lakes. The Como Seaplane Base – Passeggiata Lino Gelpi loop from Vedano Olona is a challenging 79.9 km route, while the Lake Lugano – Beautiful view of Monte Generoso loop from Vedano Olona covers 52 km, offering scenic views and significant distances.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 38 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, the blend of natural beauty with historical sites, and the variety of routes that cater to different skill levels, from moderate paths through the Olona Valley to challenging climbs towards the lakes.
Vedano Olona is located about 7 kilometers southeast of Varese, which is a regional hub. While specific public transport connections directly to trailheads may vary, Varese offers train connections, and local bus services might provide access to the general area. It's advisable to check local transport schedules for the most up-to-date information on reaching specific starting points.
Yes, the region is rich in natural beauty. The Olona Valley itself, a glacial valley with wetlands and broadleaf forests, offers picturesque scenery. Routes often provide views of the surrounding rolling hills and access to the shores of Northern Italy's beautiful lakes. You might also encounter the Castelseprio Archaeological Park, which is a significant historical and natural monument.
The region generally offers pleasant cycling conditions during spring, early summer, and autumn. These seasons typically provide milder temperatures and beautiful scenery, especially with the changing foliage in autumn. Summers can be warm, but routes that pass by lakes or through shaded forests can still be enjoyable. Winters are generally cooler and may have less predictable weather.
Absolutely. The region provides access to Northern Italy's lakes, and some routes are designed to showcase these beautiful water bodies. For example, the Valganna and Valmorea Railway Loop features lakes. Additionally, you can find natural attractions like the Valganna Waterfalls and Caves, which are accessible via some of the touring routes.
While specific bikepacking routes are not detailed, the diverse terrain and network of paths, including connections to the Ciclovia dei Laghi, suggest that the area could be suitable for multi-day touring. The longer routes, such as those extending towards Lake Como or Lake Lugano, provide a good foundation for planning extended trips, with various towns and villages along the way for accommodation and supplies.


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