Just a week ago, a new project dedicated to cycling tourism was launched in the hills surrounding the lower Garda area: Garda-Hills Bike. This initiative, promoted by the Municipality and the Pro Loco of Valeggio sul Mincio, aims to expand and enhance the area's tourism offerings. This area, already heavily frequented thanks to the famous Mincio Peschiera–Mantua cycle path, is now seeking to take things to the next level, appealing to a more informed audience eager to explore.
The route design is by Patrick Kofler, whom we've already had the pleasure of riding with on another of his projects, the Transhumance Cycle Routes in Abruzzo. This time, through his company Helios, he explains the project's genesis as follows: "It was the guys from Borgo Stazione Bike Inn who put me in touch with Mayor Gardoni, who wanted to invest in cycle tourism to add this dimension to Valeggio's tourism, which is heavily centered around Borghetto and Sigurtà Park . However, the surrounding area is beautiful, and from there the idea of building something that would enhance it was born."
The hills south of the lake
The project began with observation of the territory and the desire to organize an existing but fragmented offering. "When we began exploring the area," Kofler continues, " we realized there were already several routes, but they lacked a coherent logic. The territory itself suggested a structure, with the Mincio River as the central axis and paths branching off to the sides. From there, the idea of the butterfly was born, which we also used as a visual element for the brand."
Five itineraries, with lengths from 37 to 83 kilometers, which develop like wings on the sides of the river: three on the slope of the moraine hills, to the west, and two to the east, among the Custoza hills. "Here you find a very interesting mix," he explains, "vineyards, meadows, dirt roads. Sometimes you feel like you're in Tuscany, then you look up and see the lake and the mountains. It's this combination that makes the area special. The ideal bike is the gravel, but a touring bike or a lightweight mountain bike are also fine. The idea is to offer an open experience, suitable for all levels."
The Mincio is the hub
The heart of the system is Valeggio sul Mincio, the starting and finishing point for all the routes, following a "daisy chain" logic that encourages visitors to stay in the area for several days. "We want to create a stay-at-home tourism offering," Patrick explains. " You can take a short ride and combine it with a visit to a winery or park, or pedal all day. The important thing is that the cyclist has reasons to stay."
A key aspect is also the desire to reach a different audience than those who typically ride the Mincio cycle path. "Those who ride the Peschiera–Mantua route often don't cover more than 20 or 30 kilometers. We want to attract a slightly more cycling-oriented audience, one who wants to explore and go further."
The battles of the Risorgimento
Content-wise, the itineraries aren't strictly thematic, but they nonetheless pass through places rich in history and culture. From the areas of the Risorgimento battles between Solferino and San Martino, to the castles of the so-called quadrilateral, passing through villages and countryside that tell a significant story of Italian history. "We haven't created thematic itineraries in the strictest sense, but those interested in history will find a wealth of information here."
As for accessibility, at least in this initial phase, Garda Hills Bike will be accessible primarily in digital format, with downloadable tracks and informational materials. "Complete physical signage would be too expensive to implement immediately, especially since the routes cross multiple territories. For now, we're starting with digital access, then we'll see how it evolves."
However, the first tangible signs are not lacking: the first information panel has been installed in Borghetto, symbolizing a project that aims to grow step by step. Around it, a reception system is already in place, with high-quality facilities and services dedicated to cyclists . "There are very well-equipped facilities, with bike storage and services designed even for the most demanding cycle tourist."
The mayor? He's a cycle tourist...
At the unveiling of the Garda Hills Bike sign in Borghetto, just over a week ago, the mayor of Valeggio sul Mincio, Alessandro Gardoni, was also present. So we asked him how the idea for this project came about: "Since I took office, I've been committed to transforming the hit-and-run tourism of those who come to visit Borghetto or Sigurtà Park into a form of tourism that generates revenue for the area. Over the years, tourist tax revenue has increased from €150.000 to €800.000. Since it has remained unchanged, this means that the number of visitors has increased, so we have high expectations."
Indeed, Valeggio sul Mincio's ambitions are high: "The goal would be to create a hub for the southern shore of Lake Garda, just as Riva del Garda is for the northern shore. I'm a cycle tourist myself," the mayor explains, "so I fully understand the importance of a project like Garda-Hills Bike, which would allow us to deseasonalize tourist flows, considering that we're already full in July and August."
