Ciclovia Svizzera-Mare Self-Guided: Stages, Accommodations & Map 2026
The Ciclovia Svizzera‑Mare (BI15) runs through six provinces in Piedmont. According to Bicitalia, it goes from the lake basin in Verbano‑Cusio‑Ossola into the plains of Novara and then on through the rice landscapes of the Vercellese.
For the Ciclovia Svizzera‑Mare (BI15), the published sources don’t give any verified key facts on the exact start and finish, and there’s no confirmed total distance; the official Bicitalia page even leaves the length field blank. What is clear: the route runs through six provinces in Piedmont, starting in the lake basin of Verbano‑Cusio‑Ossola, then dropping into the plains around Novara and cutting through the rice fields in the Vercelli area. That’s exactly the point. You go from lake scenery to big, open agricultural land, with long straight stretches and wide views, instead of constantly hopping from town to town. It sounds basic, but it’s ideal if you just want to roll at a steady pace and you care more about landscape than ticking off sights. Who’s it for? Mainly touring cyclists who like planning flexible stages and don’t mind the more repetitive sections; the sources don’t describe family-friendliness, gradients, or surface in a way you can really rely on. You’ll need to build the trip yourself: use BI15 as the framework, then check surface, traffic and stage lengths before you set off using current tracks and local info.
Route Profile
| Distance | 188 km |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Best Season | Spring, Summer, Autumn |
| Signage | unknown |
| Suitable For | Recreational cyclists, Experienced cyclists, E-bike |
| Surface | Mixed |
Ciclovia Svizzera-Mare Map
BikeTouri Tip: View the complete route on a map in BikeTouri – with all accommodations and supply points. Also available offline.
The Most Beautiful Section on the Ciclovia Svizzera-Mare
The biggest contrast is between the opening in the lake area of Verbano‑Cusio‑Ossola and the transition into the flat plain towards Novara: you can feel the landscape “open out”, and suddenly your pace becomes steady. Highlight: the stretch through the rice fields in the Vercellese — not because of specific spots, but because of the huge, open agricultural landscape that feels completely different from the lake district.
Highlights on the Ciclovia Svizzera-Mare
- Lake basin in Verbano‑Cusio‑Ossola as the scenic opener, according to Bicitalia.
- Shift into the Novara plain (Pianura Novarese), according to Bicitalia.
- Rice landscapes in the Vercelli area (risaie del Vercellese), according to Bicitalia.
Accommodations on the Ciclovia Svizzera-Mare
Along the Ciclovia Svizzera-Mare you'll find numerous accommodation options – from hotels and guesthouses to campsites and small tent meadows.
Campsites & Tent Options
Along the Ciclovia Svizzera-Mare there are numerous places to camp – from large campsites to small tent meadows on farms. Campsites usually don't need to be booked in advance.
Hotels & Guesthouses
Numerous accommodations along the route – from hostels and guesthouses to hotels. Important for cycle tourists: secure bike storage and no minimum stay requirements.
BikeTouri Tip: BikeTouri shows you all accommodations along the route – with prices, amenities, and reviews from cycle tourists. Also available offline.
Planning Your Ciclovia Svizzera-Mare Trip
What should you book in advance?
During peak season (June-August), it's recommended to book accommodations in popular stops 1-2 days ahead. Outside peak season, spontaneous booking is usually possible.
What can you decide spontaneously?
Daily distances, rest stops, restaurant visits, and detours to attractions can all be decided on the day based on weather and how you're feeling.
Typical daily costs
Practical Information
Getting There & Away
The route is well connected by train at both start and end points. Most regional trains accept bicycles, though reservations may be required during peak season.
Shopping Along the Way
Supermarkets and grocery stores can be found in most towns along the route. Plan for longer stretches in rural areas where shops may be limited.
Bike Shops & Repairs
Bicycle repair shops are available in larger towns. Carry basic tools and a spare tube for emergencies between service points.
More Information
Conclusion
The route is at its best where you really feel the switch from lake country to plain and then on to rice fields. The downside: the published sources don’t give solid, reliable details on total length, surface, signage, or any official stage breakdown. If you’re planning it yourself, you’ll need to properly verify those points before you roll out.
Why BikeTouri?
We don't just show the big campsites – but also small tent meadows, farms, and cyclist-friendly guesthouses. With prices, reviews from cycle tourists, and offline maps.