The best gravel rides around Osmate
4.6
(90)
603
riders
41
rides
Gravel biking around Osmate offers a diverse landscape characterized by numerous lakes, rivers, and forested areas. The terrain includes varied elevations, with routes often traversing alongside water bodies and through natural woodlands. This region provides a mix of flat sections and climbs, suitable for different levels of gravel biking experience.
Best gravel bike trails around Osmate
- The most popular gravel bike trail is Forests, rivers and swamps by gravel bike, a 47.7 miles (76.8 km) trail that takes 6…
Last updated: July 3, 2026
4.5
(2)
11
riders
44.7km
04:48
620m
630m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
2.8
(6)
28
riders
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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4.3
(3)
21
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(7)
39
riders
50.9km
03:07
480m
480m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
5.0
(1)
10
riders
68.3km
04:36
570m
570m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Stop for a few minutes to enjoy the view...truly relaxing!
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Convenient, protected connection. Interesting views of the railway bridge and old factories, now, I fear, abandoned to their fate.
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Cycle path legacy of the World Championships.
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A beautiful glacial lake. Water lilies bloom in season.
1
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Barrier-free concrete bridge to cross the stream, convenient for entering the woods
1
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a nice relaxing route
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Santa Caterina del Sasso, Leggiuno Santa Caterina del Sasso Ballaro (actually Eremo di Santa Catarina del Sasso Ballara) was originally a hermitage. It is now located in the Italian municipality of Leggiuno in the province of Varese. In the 13th century, Dominicans converted the building into a monastery. This is a destination for many pilgrimages. It is located directly on Lake Maggiore and, like many former hermitages, is built on a rock in a location that is difficult to access. Construction began in the early 13th century, but the main work dates back to around 1300/1320. The core of the complex is the small church dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria. The nickname "del sasso" means that the building stands on a rock; "Sasso Ballaro" refers to a rockslide in 1640 that caused significant damage. "Sasso ballaro" roughly translates as "wobbly rock." According to tradition, the merchant Alberto Besozzi founded the monastery after he had successfully survived a shipwreck on the lake. He later became a hermit and is buried in the church. In 1230, Dominicans built the small convent and oratory. Around 1450, additional staircases were added to connect the individual parts of the building. In the following centuries, the monastery was rebuilt and expanded several times to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims. The 14th-century church tower is still Romanesque. The Renaissance decorations on the current façade date from the 15th century, the numerous frescoes in the former refectory, the arcade, and the church date from the 14th to 17th centuries, and the paintings in the church are Baroque. Due to the steep slope and the difficult subsoil, the interior of the church is shaped to follow the curve of the mountain. It is richly frescoed, although moisture damage has destroyed significant portions of the paintings. The frescoes date primarily from the 16th century and were further enhanced with floral motifs in the 17th century. At the center of the church stands the sarcophagus of the founder, the hermit Alberto. In the courtyard separating the church from the convent building stands an old wine press dating from 1769. Text / Source: Province of Varese - Piazza Libertà No. 1 - 21100 Varese http://www.santacaterinadelsasso.com/
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The Santa Caterina del Sasso church impresses with its unique construction. When visiting the sanctuary, you will encounter three buildings that make up the entire structure: the southern cloister, the small cloister, and finally the church, which houses the body of St. Besozzi and the Chapel of St. Catherine. The southern cloister was built in 1300 and renovated in 1624 by Prior Giulio Cesare Martignoni after part of the old wooden structure collapsed into the lake. It is accessed through an archway supported by slender granite columns. The small cloister is located opposite the courtyard where a large wine press stands. Text / Source: Lago-Maggiore.de https://www.lago-maggiore.de/ausflugsziele/kloster-santa-caterina-del-sasso.html
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many gravel bike trails are available around Osmate?
There are over 50 gravel bike trails around Osmate, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels. You'll find routes traversing alongside numerous lakes, rivers, and through extensive forested areas.
What kind of terrain can I expect on gravel bike trails near Osmate?
The terrain around Osmate is diverse, featuring varied elevations. You can expect a mix of flat sections, especially alongside water bodies, and climbs through natural woodlands. Routes often explore diverse natural environments including wetlands and forests.
Are there any easy gravel bike trails suitable for beginners or families?
While many routes are rated moderate to difficult, there are a few easier paths available. For example, the region offers routes with less elevation gain, allowing for a more relaxed experience through its scenic landscapes. Look for routes specifically marked as 'easy' on komoot.
What are some notable landmarks or viewpoints I can discover along the gravel routes?
Many routes offer scenic views of the surrounding lakes and natural areas. You can find highlights such as the View of Lake Maggiore from Monte San Clemente or explore the Monte San Giacomo Summit and Stone Platform. The trails often pass through picturesque spots like the Monte San Giacomo Nature Reserve.
Are there any circular gravel bike routes around Osmate?
Yes, many of the gravel bike routes around Osmate are designed as loops. For instance, the Lakeside Promenade of Ispra – Bastion of Quassa loop from Taino Angera is a popular circular option, leading through lakeside promenades and historical points. Another is the Bridge over the Strona stream – Podere Santantonio loop from Ternate-Varano Borghi.
What do other gravel bikers say about the trails in Osmate?
The gravel biking routes in Osmate are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 70 reviews. Many riders praise the diverse landscapes, including the numerous lakes, rivers, and extensive forests, as well as the variety of terrain suitable for different ability levels.
Can I find routes that connect multiple lakes in the Osmate area?
Absolutely. The region is known for its numerous lakes. A great example is the Two lakes Tour, which connects two significant lakes and offers extensive lakeside riding, allowing you to experience the beauty of the area's aquatic features.
Are there any long-distance gravel routes for experienced riders?
Yes, for experienced riders looking for a challenge, there are longer and more difficult routes. The Forests, rivers and swamps by gravel bike is a demanding 47.7-mile (76.8 km) trail that explores diverse natural environments and takes nearly 7 hours to complete.
What is the best season for gravel biking around Osmate?
Given the region's diverse landscape of lakes and forests, spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be warm, but lakeside routes provide refreshing breezes. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.
Are there any routes that feature both lakes and forests?
Many routes in Osmate combine both lakes and forests, which is a defining characteristic of the region. For example, the Lake Varese cycle path – Lake Comabbio loop from Besozzo offers a scenic ride around two lakes, often passing through wooded sections along the way.
What is the typical elevation gain on gravel bike trails in Osmate?
The elevation gain varies significantly depending on the route. While some paths offer flatter sections, many routes feature moderate to difficult climbs. For instance, a challenging route like the 'Forests, rivers and swamps by gravel bike' can have over 600 meters of elevation gain, providing a good workout for riders.
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