Unspoilt nature and great facilities characterise the lakes, one of the most popular excursion destinations in the Oltradige
Image gallery: Bike tour to Lake Monticolo
At the station square in San Michele, we take the street towards Monticolo at the roundabout, and we are already heading in the right direction. Soon, we turn left into Via Weisshaus road and cycle gently uphill towards the forest. Where the vineyards and orchards meet the Monticolo Forest nature reserve, the paved section of the route ends, and a pleasantly wide forest path begins.
We soon reach the car park of the Maso Ronco sports zone. From here, we continue along forest paths for about 10 minutes, turning first left, then right. Every junction is excellently signposted. The forest path ends at the Small Monticolo Lake, and a paved road leads us to the Big Lake.
The large lake can be circled via the lakeside circular trail - which takes you past a biotope, the Lake Castle, and rocky shores. Please be considerate of walkers! A bicycle is the perfect way to reach the recreation area around the lakes: no parking worries, no dependence on bus timetables, and you get some gentle exercise in the fresh air. In addition, both lakes have their own lido.
The Small Monticolo Lake Lido and the Big Monticolo Lake Lido open their gates in late May or early June. Afterwards, we cycle back to San Michele Appiano along the same route.
If you may try an alternative: The mountain bike tour starts at the Crocevia crossroads in San Michele and also leads to the legendary Col dell'Uomo hill and on to Colterenzio in Cornaiano - it is twice as long. On foot, you can try the hike from Maso Ronco to the Monticolo Lakes.
Author: AT
Experienced: May 2011
Last updated: 2026
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- Starting point:
- station square at San Michele Appiano (399 m a.s.l.)
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- Overall time:
- 01:15 h
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- Total route length:
- 14,5 km
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- Altitude:
- from 399 m to 579 m
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- Altitude difference (uphill | downhill):
- +266 m | -266 m
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- Signposts:
- cycle route "Montiggler Seen/Laghi di Monticolo"
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- Destination:
- Big and Small Monticolo Lake
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- Resting points:
- Sportbar Rungg, Seehotel Sparer at the Big Monticolo Lake, Small Monticolo Lake snack station (April/May to November)
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- Track surface:
- in part asphalted, in part gravel path
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- Recommended time of year:
- Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
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- Download GPX track:
- Bike tour to Lake Monticolo
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- More information:
- The overall time shown above refers to the cycling time only, not including breaks or stops. Although a good part of the route is unpaved, we made good progress - whilst a mountain bike is best suited to this, it isn't essential. The inclines are easy to manage, and the forest provides welcome shade. Please note: The Monticolo Forest is a tick-infested area!
We highly recommend checking the weather and trail conditions in advance and on site before starting this tour.
