Luxuriant nature, the blue of the lake, the areas provided with facilities and the many sites of cultural interest that are dotted around the lake make this route one of the most beautiful of the province - a unique, agreeable opportunity to get to know the lake environment and its civilisation, past and present.
Twenty-seven kilometres is the length of the circuit that surrounds Lake Varese, a well-equipped path that is decidedly unique and charming thanks to the picturesque views that bring together the green of lush vegetation with the blue of the lake. Occasional uphill sections, which are never demanding, make the route accessible even to less fit or experienced riders.
Joining the cycling and walking path In Buguggiate - where parking facilities are available by the shopping centres in Via Verdi - and travelling clockwise, a few hundred metres further on one comes to the little Sanctuary of the Madonna del Lago in Azzate.
After a brief visit the journey continues towards Galliate Lombardo and Bodio Lomnago. Skirting the lake shore visitors can enjoy picturesque views of the lake.
A few kilometres from Bodio it is possible to leave the path for a short visit to Cazzago Brabbia, where a number of ice-houses are still perfectly preserved. These curious circular eighteenth-century buildings were used to store winter ice so that the low temperatures required to preserve fish caught in the lake were maintained inside all year round.
Returning to the cycle path one comes to the landing stage of Biandronno. From here one can break off the journey to pay a visit by boat to Isolino Virginia, a small islet where some of the most important finds from prehistoric times in Europe have been made, and are partly collected in the small archaeological museum on the islet.
After returning ashore once more, after passing over a picturesque little wooden bridge, the journey continues to the lakefront of Gavirate, enlivened by bars and restaurants and with several benches along the lakefront.
The journey then continues towards the pretty village of Calcinate del Pesce, where the path is interrupted for a short stretch, and so it is necessary to take the low-traffic roads that pass by the church and the oratory to rejoin the dedicated route a few hundred metres later.
A few kilometres further on one comes to Schiranna Lido, Varese's lively lakefront, where visitors can take a break amid the greenery of Parco Zanzi, find refreshment at one of the many bars and restaurants, visit the city's exhibition pavilion on days when it is open and even have a dip in the swimming pool on the lake shore.
From here, finally, the journey begins once again towards Buguggiate, completing the ride around the lake.
Twenty-seven kilometres is the length of the circuit that surrounds Lake Varese, a well-equipped path that is decidedly unique and charming thanks to the picturesque views that bring together the green of lush vegetation with the blue of the lake. Occasional uphill sections, which are never demanding, make the route accessible even to less fit or experienced riders.
Joining the cycling and walking path In Buguggiate - where parking facilities are available by the shopping centres in Via Verdi - and travelling clockwise, a few hundred metres further on one comes to the little Sanctuary of the Madonna del Lago in Azzate.
After a brief visit the journey continues towards Galliate Lombardo and Bodio Lomnago. Skirting the lake shore visitors can enjoy picturesque views of the lake.
A few kilometres from Bodio it is possible to leave the path for a short visit to Cazzago Brabbia, where a number of ice-houses are still perfectly preserved. These curious circular eighteenth-century buildings were used to store winter ice so that the low temperatures required to preserve fish caught in the lake were maintained inside all year round.
Returning to the cycle path one comes to the landing stage of Biandronno. From here one can break off the journey to pay a visit by boat to Isolino Virginia, a small islet where some of the most important finds from prehistoric times in Europe have been made, and are partly collected in the small archaeological museum on the islet.
After returning ashore once more, after passing over a picturesque little wooden bridge, the journey continues to the lakefront of Gavirate, enlivened by bars and restaurants and with several benches along the lakefront.
The journey then continues towards the pretty village of Calcinate del Pesce, where the path is interrupted for a short stretch, and so it is necessary to take the low-traffic roads that pass by the church and the oratory to rejoin the dedicated route a few hundred metres later.
A few kilometres further on one comes to Schiranna Lido, Varese's lively lakefront, where visitors can take a break amid the greenery of Parco Zanzi, find refreshment at one of the many bars and restaurants, visit the city's exhibition pavilion on days when it is open and even have a dip in the swimming pool on the lake shore.
From here, finally, the journey begins once again towards Buguggiate, completing the ride around the lake.
