Itineraries in Lombardy: places to visit by motorbike

Lakes, spectacular passes, castles, famous vineyards: this region has a variety of different and fascinating landscapes. In this article, we have selected 3 popular itineraries for motorbike tours in Lombardy.

Val Taleggio by motorbike

Val Taleggio is a small enclosed valley in the heart of the Pre Alpi Orobiche on the right bank of the Brembo river at 800 metres altitude. The landscape is characterised by meadows, woods, water, designed by a millenary agricultural, dairy and forestry activity, and a climate that remains mostly mild even in the cold months. It is crossed by the Enna torrent, which flows at the bottom of the valley from west to east for about 10 km as far as the Seràa, the gorges carved into the dolomitic rocks that mark the border with Val Brembana, and then flows into the Brembo river at San Giovanni Bianco.

Departure from Lecco in the direction of Ballabio, the gateway to Valsassina. We continue along the SP62 and at the height of Casere di Balisio take the right fork towards Maggio. Pass the small hamlet of Cassina dominated by the slopes of Zuccone Campelli, with its altitude of 2161 metres. A beautiful route begins along the SP64 with hairpin bends and curves through the green valley. We cross the provincial border and arrive at Olda (BG), a hamlet of Taleggio. We arrive at San Giovanni Bianco, a small village embellished by seven Romanesque bridges, offering a priceless view of the valley floor.
We take the SS470 northwards, passing the village of Mezzoldo, located 900 metres above sea level in the Upper Brembana Valley. At this point, if the SP8 is not closed, you can continue on to Morbegno in the province of Sondrio.
Otherwise, you can turn back to San Giovanni Bianco and continue south on the SS470 through San Pellegrino Terme, then take the SP342 along Lake Garlate to Lecco.

The Mortirolo Pass by motorbike

The Mortirolo, is a large basin full of meadows and woods that lies at an altitude of 1800 m, with peaks touching 3000 m. Much loved by motorcyclists, it has become an attractive tourist destination thanks to its small lake and beautiful mountains.

ATTENTION
Stelvio, Gavia, Mortirolo and Cancano: these are the famous and spectacular Alpine passes to which the ascent to Bormio 2000 will be added this year and which will be closed to motorised traffic and reserved exclusively for cyclists and hikers.

Itinerary from the north

Departure from Mazzo di Valtellina.

The road seems short at 11.5 kilometres, but it is considered one of the most difficult roads in Europe with an altitude difference of 1300 metres.

Route from the south

Departure from Brescia.

We take the SP345 northbound. We pass the villages of Gardone Val Trompia and Giogo del Maniva. Then the SS42 will take us to the junction with the SP81 at Monno. If the road is closed, we can opt for the State Road 42 of Tonale and Mendola.

Itinerary from the west

Departure from Aprica.

Take the SS39 eastbound. We pass the villages of Lombro, Cortenedolo until Edolo. Then we take the SS42 and after a few kilometres turn onto the SP81 that will take us directly to the pass.

Pian dei Resinelli in Upper Lombardy

As we have already written, there are many motorbike tours in Lombardy. In this case, the Pian dei Resinelli has a unique charm: a panoramic balcony with a view of Lecco that embraces a breathtaking landscape over the valley including the beautiful Lake Como.

Departure from Mandello del Lario, a place dear to motorcyclists for the presence of the historic Moto Guzzi brand. We head south on the SP72 along the lake to Abbadia Lariana. If you are looking for something to see in Lombardy, a short trip to Lecco could be very pleasant: famous for ‘I promessi sposi’ (The Betrothed), this town hides some evocative places such as Villa Manzoni, Museo Manzoniano, Palazzo Belgiojoso, not forgetting a stroll along the lakefront.
We get back on our motorbikes and ride along the SP62 towards Ballabio and up towards the Pian dei Resinelli. The route is fun and full of bends, immersed in the green woods, which accompany us up to the 1,200 metres of altitude of the plateau. A photo stop is a must, given the panorama, and there is no shortage of accommodation to refresh oneself.
We return towards Ballabio and take the SP62 northbound. At this point we can stop at the Troggia waterfall, which has a drop of 100 metres (a 5-10 minute walk from the car park is enough to reach it).
At Cortenova we follow the SP65 to Esino Lario, enjoying the magnificent panoramic stretches.

ph. credits @restucciacarlo – Fotolia