The Via Claudia Augusta

For centuries, this ancient road was the backbone of communication between south and north, between the Adriatic and Rhaetian regions, between Latin and Germanic cultures: the Via Claudia Augusta made cultural and economic exchange possible beyond the Alps and promoted mobility, trade and economy. Today, its route, which remains intact in some local stretches, can be traced in pathways and minor mid-mountain roads, as well as in the major communication routes.

This part of the route starts in Mezzolombardo and runs along the Adige River, crossing the vineyards of the Piana Rotaliana, and then reaches the city of Trento. This is one of the most important cycle paths in Trentino: the Adige Valley remains a privileged route for those travelling by bicycle. The track runs along the river, using the old embankment roads and crossing countryside and orchards, protected from vehicular traffic. In the San Michele-Nave San Rocco-Lavis-Trento section, the difference in height is minimal and does not even reach 100 metres. There are also numerous equipped rest areas.

From Mezzolombardo, take the Teroldego cycle path (7 km), which heads towards San Michele all’Adige. Continuing along the Adige, you reach the village of Nave San Rocco and cross the river. The ride continues in an environment characterised by endless rows of vineyards covering both banks of the river. The numerous equipped rest areas along the route invite you to stop for a short rest or to admire the surrounding panorama. We then move away from the river, skirting the Foce dell’Avisio Biotope, a protected area for avifauna created to study the migratory routes across the Alps. We cross the stream on a footbridge on the outskirts of Lavis and return to the embankment at the Trento Nord exit. For the next 3 km, the cycle path remains at the sheer cliffs of the Soprasasso. It then enters the city: initially along a pavement, then on the tree-lined embankment.

The cycle path does not pass through the heart of the city of Trento, it barely touches it, but a stop to visit the City of the Council is an absolute must.