The most beautiful road: La Strada Verde

Is this the most beautiful road of them all? Several could claim the title, but the climb from the shores of Lake Iseo up to San Fermo is hard to beat. It’s nearly impossible to describe: almost 20 km of climbing (broken into segments), landscapes that roll from woods to pine forests to high pastures, cows grazing in the meadows, and long stretches where you might genuinely think you’ve teleported to the Alpine peaks. And then there’s the view: a sweeping, cinematic panorama over Lake Iseo—one of the very few roads that lets you admire the entire lake from such a privileged perch.

And everything before that? Consider it the warm-up before the main event. After about 20 km, the road rises toward Colle Gallo: 5 km to the top. If you have time—and if it’s open—drop into the little museum room beneath the church, where some cycling memorabilia is kept.

Next comes the short climb to Solto Collina, the appetizer before the stunning descent to Riva di Solto, your first real panoramic moment over the lake. The rocky spires of Monte Guglielmo loom above, as if they’re about to dive straight into the water.

In the central section, you tackle the ascent to the Strada Verde, preceded by the scenic climb to Parzanica. And then comes the highlight: a small, twisty, and at times very steep road winding through pastures and open meadows. Not long ago it was barely more than a trail; thanks to the Comunità Montana, a strip of asphalt has turned it into a cyclist’s paradise.

You climb all the way to San Fermo at 1,200 meters, but the vastness of the views makes it feel much higher—full alpine atmosphere, despite being just above the lake. Be careful on the descent, which is fast and brutally steep, with sections hitting 20%. Hold onto those brakes!

Before returning to Bergamo, there’s one last climb: the classic Colle dei Pasta.
In total: about 120 km and close to 2,500 meters of climbing. A tough day—
but what a reward.