If you’ve read my other post on Bergamo you would know that the transport in the evening could be better. The transport during the day is a little to shout about too.

So I want to arm you with an alternative method of transport in Bergamo.

‍Cycling.

I am not claiming that I have discovered a new means of travel simply that this is a worthy way to travel in this city.

Cycling in Bergamo has to be the best way to get around. At least it's my favourite.

It’s a great way to keep your fitness up without relying too much on the gyms.

It's also always a great way to see the city. That doesn’t only go for Bergamo.

Bike tours and cycling in general are very popular activities in Bergamo. This means the cars are more used to looking out for cyclists. It also means that it's popular for good reason.

Let’s delve deeper into why I think the best way to explore Bergamo is by cycling.

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Bergamo's Surrounding Areas Cycling Routes

Cycling to Lake Como & the Nearby Lakes

Accessories & Equipment for Cycling in Bergamo

Final Thoughts on Cycling in Bergamo

Bergamo

Now I have already spoken about Bergamo in a previous post so I won't go into much detail now.

I should mention that Bergamo is kind of split between the high city (Citta Alta) and the low city (Citta Bassa). You’d be pleased to know that both cities are great to cycle in while offering different experiences.

The low city is the more modern and trendy of the two. So you should expect more cars but more cycle/bus lanes.

If you haven't guessed already, the high city is up high, this makes for excellent biking between the two. The high city has fewer cars but tough, steep, and pebbly roads. Expect more pedestrians in the way too.

What makes the high city such a great environment to cycle in is the quintessential Italian ancient narrow streets. It's charming and downright beautiful.

Your bike ride through this part of town will not be boring I assure you. But it will be tough. Some of these climbs are ridiculously steep, so be prepared.

a road in bergamo with old buildings and balconies. road is pebbly.

A typical street in Citta Alta, Bergamo (Italy)

I know you are probably eager to know which part of town it is that I am referring to. Well, I recommend going from Bergamo train station (the low city) to the highest point of Citta Alta (the high city). Castello Di San Vigilio, you will not be disappointed with the views.

Here is a route you can take by bike. It’s as straightforward as you can get as the crow flies but the map does not show the steep gradients. You’d have to be in pretty excellent shape to get this done in the time Google thinks it will take…

If you take this route you will be close to one of the main landmarks in all of Bergamo - Piazza Vecchio. The heart of Bergamo. I suggest you either stop off here and look around or finish your route and return. There are lots of shops, restaurants, bars, and art and antiquity stores that will mesmerise you. The ancient landmarks and churches are fascinating to see too.

You can even plan your stay here if you want to be in the midst of it all. Here is a Booking.com link that leads directly to the hotels in Piazza Vecchia, Bergamo.

Piazza Vecchia, Citta Alta, Bergamo - Italy

As mentioned before I have a blog on Bergamo so check that out if you want to know more about the places to go and things to do.

And in that blog, I mention the thrilling bike ride downhill. The map below will show the way I took and various ways off the path you can pick. This is a park with some great scenery. But be warned I was able to pick up a lot of speed when coming down this route. Use your brakes wisely as this route can test them.

Bergamo's Surrounding Areas Cycling Routes

Outside of the old city, there is still a lot that Bergamo offers. For one there are lakes nearby that are fantastic attractions. Some of which are infamous.

To start with I would urge you to stay in Sarnico or Lovere on Lake Iseo.

You can see from the map that the cycle route isn't too far to Sarnico from Bergamo. Lovere is a bit further at 2 hours and 45 minutes bike ride. This would make a fantastic journey and worth it when you get there. Do not only look at the time it takes though as this route will be very hilly and difficult.

If you want to branch out and visit a beautiful lake then why not take the cycle trek to Lake Como?

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Cycling Lake Como

How much of a biker are you? If you are serious and can bike long distances, I would suggest taking your bike to Lake Como from Bergamo. Now you can take the train to Lake Como from Bergamo. But how fun would it be if you were to cycle that whole way?

This is the cycle route that Google Maps spits out. You may be able to find a better route on Komoot or similar apps.

This route must be challenging. Not because of the distance but because this area is very hilly and will test you if you are not a seasoned biker. Time to start practicing then.

If you do embark on this journey then hats off to you. Do not hesitate to email me pictures of your trek along this route if possible. Or get in touch on Instagram so I can be envious of all the wonderful places you'll see.

Once you get to Lake Como I’m sure you won’t be able to refrain from taking pictures anyway. A stunning place. And great to cycle the lake if you have the time. I suggest spending at least a couple of days in Lake Como.

Cycling Lake Endine

lake endine in italy near bergamo. the image shows part of the lake water and mountains in the background. The lake is very still with not a ripple in sight and it is creating a mirror effect of the lake surroundings — Lake Endine, Italy

Another lake worth mentioning is Lake Endine. A cycle trek from Bergamo train station to the lake will set you back around 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Here is a cycle route given courtesy of Google Maps:

Val Vertova Waterfalls

Not too far from Lake Endine are the Val Vertova waterfalls. This is pretty much uphill the whole way from Bergamo. So another tough climb. But you will reach the waterfalls and have a great walk or ride in this area. You can even jump in the stream here to cool off!

There are other routes in and around Bergamo that you can check out on Komoot. Of course, your routes depend on the time you have in Bergamo and your cycling experience.

The routes I have mentioned and directed you to, offer plenty to ensure you have a great time in Bergamo.

If you’re a beginner and are not looking to go crazy then perhaps Bergamo is not the right destination for cycling. Yes, you can take your bike and cycle around your town. Find a nearby park and cycle there. To experience Bergamo on a bike you are likely to find daring hills at least and full-on mountains at most. This is an area of the pre-alps; the mountains before the Alps!

But even if you are a beginner, I would suggest you get in good shape with your stamina and try to push for one of these adventure cycles. Remember, it doesn’t have to be a race and you can stop when you get tired.

If the above routes don’t tickle your fancy then check out the E-Bike tours in Bergamo on TripAdvisor. They have great reviews from people all over. A guided tour on an e-bike sounds like a good idea to me. If you think so too then follow the link provided.

Accessories for Cycling in Bergamo

If you do find yourself in the wilderness it’s good to have some accessories that could save your life.

I recommend wearing some gear that will help you on your cycling journey. Accessories or clothes that have helped me:

A helmet is the obvious first choice, this should be provided by the rental place. If you are borrowing or buying a bike then make sure you buy or burrow a helmet too. Amazon has great selections follow the link to see more.

A high vis or reflecting clothing. If you happen to stay out later than planned, wearing reflective gear keeps you safer. Especially in low visibility/dark streets.

Bright lights. When I first started riding a bike I thought any lights would be ok. And yes any lights are better than no lights, more for the cars to see you than for you to see. But the more I rose, especially at night I started to realise how important a bright light is. There are so many roads and pavements around the world that have unexpected potholes or dips. A bright light can help avoid them and other dangers you could come across.

Other accessories to consider:

A case for your phone that sits on your bike frame. So you do not have to keep taking it out of your pocket or stopping to check on it.

an image of a bike holder on a bike frame

Bike holders can be very useful

A pair of normal sports glasses or...

AR (Augmented Reality) glasses that have navigation in the lens. If you got the budget then why not give these a go? Image having the navigation on your glasses without distracting your view. It may sound too good to be true but these are becoming better by the day and more popular. Cyclists are the perfect use case for this new technology.

I have never tried these glasses myself but if you want to stay on the bleeding edge of technology and be the subject of envy then why not go for it? Check out Cosmo Connected Glasses here.

A bracket to put your filtered water bottle. Distributing weight so you and the bike are as balanced as possible. This is sure to make a big difference over a long distance. Rather than have all the weight on your back/backpack it is wise to use the bike where possible.

We can go a step further and say get yourself filtered bottled water. So if you are waaay off-road then at least you have a bottle that can filter most water you will come across. I always like to recommend the water bottles with the UV filtration in the cap. These are excellent for killing off most if not all bacteria.

an image of a reuasble bottle that uses UV to filter harmful bacteria

UV filtered water bottles can make excellent accessories

Cycling shorts with protective padding. Guys this is a no-brainer. If you are renting a bike they may not care as much as you do regarding the saddles. Give yourself as much padding as possible with your own cycling shorts.

A pump and or a puncture repair kit. These do not have to be expensive nor do they have to take up a lot of weight. The pump can even find a place on the bike frame somewhere. It may be an inconvenience to repair a bike tyre but sometimes it is necessary. This could take 30 minutes to an hour or longer to repair. Getting it fixed and back on the road will bring a fantastic sense of satisfaction.

Check out the links, and you'll see that pumps and repair kits won't hog space in your backpack. These essential tools guarantee peace of mind, keeping you on course to reach your destination safely. 🚴

Let’s be clear, the roads mentioned aren’t exactly off-road and you will be fine for the most part. But better safe than sorry. These tips also add to the adventure, no?

Final Thoughts on Cycling in Bergamo

If you find yourself in Bergamo I would urge you to hire a bike if possible. In the summer months, you will have great weather to cycle in (sometimes maybe too hot). Make sure you have all your proper gear, accessories, and water.

Once you have your bike and are ready to trek your way around Bergamo. You can check out the routes I have mentioned but do not be afraid to explore your own routes. The beauty of cycling is that you can go anywhere. With Google Maps and other apps to help plan your route you can find and choose something perfect for you.

Tailor your cycling trip to match your vibe. Dive into an awesome adventure in the beautiful terrain of Bergamo.

In the end this post is simply about finding ways to enjoy your stay in Bergamo or any city for that matter. Not having to rely on transportation. Explore the city at your own pace.

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The Gymsy Traveller

Cycling in Bergamo, Citta Alta, Piazza Vecchio, and Beyond!

Bergamo