June 27 – July 1, 2016
The Cicloturismo staff went exploring the magnificent territory of Alpe Cimbra: about 105 kmq in south-eastern Trentino, between the towns of Folgaria, Lavarone and Luserna.
For a week we photographed and tracked km and km of paths, helped along the way from the local APTs and often directly from the local people.
We arrive on the spot on a beautiful summer day, after days of uncertain weather.
Immediately we meet Ilaria and Marco responsible for a local APT with whom we begin to schedule our documentary stay in this wonderful corner of Trentino.
After shortly we reach the Hotel Due Spade in San Sebastiano in the town of Folgaria and we are welcomed by the smile of Maria Pia. This meeting puts us in a good mood to face the first excursion of the week.
Starting from the hotel we arrive to Forte Cherle at 1.440 mt. It is one of the many Austrian military installations that characterize these uplands. Woods and alpine meadows accompany us all the way to the summit of the hill, for a total altitude of about 500 mt.
A short but very suggestive tour then brings us to Hotel Due Spade. The great restorative lunch of the facility give us the energy for the next hike.
The second day that we pass in Folgaria, what strikes us most is the painful memory of the wars that all of these Austrian fortifications call back to our minds along the paths. In a landscape that seems to be designed for bicycles, in the midst of nature, in the fresh air of the mountain, the strongholds symbolize the World War I: the Forte Sommo Alto, at the Passo Coe, and Forte Campomolon, in the Vicenza territory.
To notice the roads of the Trentino Alto-Adige region compared to those in the Veneto region: the first are excellent, the second are full of holes and cracks….
On the third day we deal with the climb which goes from the village of Serrada to 1,603 mt until the Rifugio Finonchio of the F. Filzi. After about 4 km of challenging pedal we arrive from Michela and Alberto who delight us with their Trentino-Mantuan specialties. The panorama from here is wonderful and it is enough to repaid for the fatigue made during the climb.
In the afternoon the friends of Alpe Cimbra Bike and Alpe Cimbra Activity reach us and they illustrate all the activities that can be practiced in the Folgaria-Lavarone-Luserna area: mountain-biking, Nordic walking and food and wine excursions!
On the fourth day our tour continues in the territory of Lavarone.
The day starts with a short itinerary called “The Breath of the Trees“, which develops entirely on a regular forest gravel road. Along the path, the autumn trees create the suggestion of a natural open-air museum: a real art event in the woods!
Later, history and wars return to mind. By bike we arrive at the cemetery of Slaghenaufi where are resting 700 fallens of every nationality who have lost their lives in the clashes that took place during World War I. From here the view of the valley and the mountains confirms that the Alpe Cimbra is a treasure chest of beauty and reflections from the unique charm.
In the end comes the time to leave and say goodbye to the Alpe Cimbra territory. We visited a magical place where, taking a break in a Alpine cottage along the path, it happens to meet a dairyman that warms and breaks the curd or to see turning milk into “Vezzena” molds. Discover the exceptional experience that gives you crossing all the scents of the wood, discover the Alpe Cimbra!