Alpago and Cansiglio

A route that is rather challenging and yet very scenic. It begins at the Stazione per l’Alpago [proper name of train station] on the Venezia-Pieve di Cadore line; trains are not that frequent, but they do provide train+bike service; upon leaving the station get onto the statale [state road SS51 heading south] and after a few hundred meters [about 1/3 mile] turn left onto SS422 [Viale Alpago] (altitude about 400 m/1,300 feet). Follow the signs for Tambre and Cansiglio, and after 7 km/ 4.4 miles, a section that is quite easy, the climb to Tambre begins, 6 km/3.7 miles with an average gradient of 6.5%. The road has relatively little traffic and is very panoramic; the steepest slopes are near the village of Borsoi.

Upon arriving at the village of Tambre (912 m/ 2,992 feet) the road levels off and then continues alternating between climbs and descents until reaching the Cansiglio plateau, famous for the forest that for centuries served as the supply of lumber for the Republic of Venice.

Here vehicular traffic increases considerably. Continue for a few more km until you reach the pass at La Crosetta, the highest point on the route (1,127 m/3,700 feet). The statale continues towards Vittorio Veneto plagued with constant traffic; it is preferable therefore [after another 800 m/1/2 mile] to take the left turn for the more peaceful road [SP61] to Caneva and Sacile. After a short section across the plateau the descent towards Sacile begins; the road is rather steep, narrow, with lots of curves and some potholes; therefore it requires good brakes and to pay careful attention. At the end of the dive, among spectacular views over the Friuli plain, you arrive at the village of Caneva with a small castle and from here, after another 5 km/3 miles [along SP12] at the FS train station at Sacile on the Venezia-Udine-Vienna line; there is frequent train service and almost all provide train+bike service.

Last visit: 8 July 2001

Photos

The climb up to Tambre The Cansiglio plateau