Bike and MTB Trails
We are in a privileged position: the city can be reached in just a few minutes by bike thanks to a dense and efficient network of well-equipped cycle paths.
Reggio Emilia is in fact among the top cities in Italy for the quantity and quality of its cycling routes.
If you prefer to cycle towards the Reggio Emilia hills, the possibilities are endless. Numerous routes head in that direction, and you can choose the level of difficulty best suited to your needs.
Services for Cyclists
At the Agriturismo you will find:
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Secure and sheltered bicycle storage, with sockets for e-bike charging.
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Equipment for small repairs.
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Maps and information material about cycling routes.
E-bike rental
We offer a small number of e-bikes for rent. Advance booking is required by email at: agriturismo@larazza.it
Guided experiences with a local guide
We work with an expert guide to organize cultural and food & wine tours. Advance booking is required for this service as well.
Mechanical assistance
If needed, we can put you in contact with a local mechanic.
Suggested Cycling Routes (by difficulty level)
Difficulty levels
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Elementary
** Easy
*** Medium
**** Challenging
***** Expert
1) Crostolo Cycle Route to the City (*Elementary)
This route follows one of the most beautiful and popular cycle paths in Reggio Emilia, running along the Crostolo stream all the way to the city center.
Starting from La Razza, you first ride on a regular road before joining the cycle path that runs along the left side of the stream. Soon you’ll reach the Park of the Ducal Villa of Rivalta, also known as the Reggia di Rivalta or Little Versailles. Recently restored, the villa recalls the splendor of the 18th century, when the area belonged to the Duchy of Modena and Reggio. While visits to the interiors require advance booking, the large garden is open to the public.
The route continues along the cycle-pedestrian path, a favorite spot for locals who come here to walk or ride surrounded by greenery. Midway, during the warmer season, you’ll find a kiosk with a bar and children’s playground – perfect for a break.
Once you reach the bridge over the Crostolo, where two statues originally from the Rivalta Park are located, you can either return along the same path or continue under the tree-lined boulevards leading straight into the heart of Reggio Emilia. In just a few minutes, you’ll arrive at the city’s charming historic squares, well worth a visit.
👉 Route details
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Distance: approx. 18 km (round trip)
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Elevation gain: 40 m total
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Difficulty: easy, suitable for everyone
A flat and enjoyable ride, rich in nature and history, ideal for exploring Reggio Emilia at a slow pace.
2) Crostolo Park Cycle Route towards the Hills (**Easy)
Unlike the city route, after a few kilometers from La Razza this path turns south, towards the first Reggio hills.
Immersed in nature, it soon reaches the picturesque Vasca di Corbelli, a historic water basin that once supplied the fountains and water features of the Reggia di Rivalta. At its center is an islet with the small villa “Fuggi l’Ozio”, formerly the Duke’s hunting lodge and leisure retreat. A small refreshment point is nearby.
The route continues towards Puianello, passing under the old bridge, and on to Vezzano sul Crostolo. The cycle path ends just beyond, in La Pinetina, home to the Ecoparco, a green oasis with pinewoods, local wildlife, and a kiosk open in summer.
👉 Base route details
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Distance: approx. 25 km (round trip)
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Elevation gain: 80 m total
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Difficulty: easy, with short gentle climbs
[Click here to view the route on Komoot]
Vendina Loop Variant (more challenging):
From Vezzano you can take the climb up to Vendina: short but steep. From here there’s a beautiful view of the Castello del Più Bello, once the residence of renowned agronomist Count Filippo Re.
The descent leads back to Puianello, then either onto the Crostolo cycle path or past the Ducal Palace (now home to the Ferrarini factory), before returning to La Razza.
👉 Variant details
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Distance: approx. 20 km
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Elevation gain: 100 m
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Difficulty: medium – short but demanding climb
3) Scandiano Loop
-Variant Pedemontana (* Medium)**
From La Razza head towards Albinea, alternating between quiet roads and cycle paths, then continue along the Pedemontana cycleway to Borzano and Iano. The route is varied and enjoyable.
From Iano, ride to Cà de Caroli, cross the Tresinaro stream, and follow the cycle path on its right bank until you reach Scandiano, the province’s second largest town.
Scandiano is the birthplace of poet Matteo Maria Boiardo and naturalist Lazzaro Spallanzani, both honored with squares in the historic center. The town is welcoming and dominated by the impressive Rocca dei Boiardo, which now hosts events and cultural activities.
Return via Pedemontana:
Cross the Tresinaro again using a pedestrian bridge and head towards the church of Pratissolo. Here, you must ride a short (600 m) section of the Pedemontana road – the only part requiring attention due to traffic (an alternative variant is described elsewhere).
From the roundabout, follow country roads through the rural landscape of vineyards and fields. At Bellarosa, cross the Lavezza stream via another footbridge and return to La Razza.
👉 Route details
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Distance: 25.8 km
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Elevation gain: 90 m
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Difficulty: medium, with short climbs
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Estimated time: approx. 1h30 (without breaks)
[Click here to view the route on Komoot]
-Variant Spergola (* Medium)**
The beginning is the same as the Pedemontana loop: from La Razza towards Albinea, then on the Pedemontana cycle path to Borzano, Iano, Cà de Caroli, and across the Tresinaro to reach Scandiano.
Return via Spergola:
Cross back over the Tresinaro, and at Pratissolo turn right towards Cà de Miani. From here, a cycle path leads to Spergola, a small hamlet that gave its name to the local white grape variety, grown only in this area.
This variant avoids the busier section of the Pedemontana, allowing a quieter ride through vineyards and countryside. Like the previous route, it passes Bellarosa and crosses the Lavezza stream before returning to La Razza.
👉 Route details
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Distance: 27.4 km
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Elevation gain: 90 m
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Difficulty: medium, with short climbs
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Estimated time: approx. 1h30 (without breaks)
[Click here to view the route on Komoot]
4) Historic Villas Route (**Easy)
A charming route that explores the historic villas of Reggio Emilia’s first suburban belt, blending nature and culture.
The itinerary includes:
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Ducal Palace of Rivalta, summer residence of the Este dukes;
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Villa of the Vasca di Corbelli, linked to the water features of the Reggia;
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Villa Levi, former university seat;
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Villa Gastinelli;
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the Reggia di Rivalta with its monumental park, recently restored to its original 18th-century splendor.
The route winds along cycle paths, quiet roads, and country lanes, crossing the Bosco della Cavalla and the Crostolo Park. In some sections it skirts the edge of the city, with the option of a short detour into the historic center.
👉 Route details
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Distance: 28 km
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Elevation gain: minimal (mostly flat with gentle ups and downs)
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Difficulty: easy, suitable for all
An itinerary rich in history and greenery, perfect for discovering some of Reggio Emilia’s most beautiful noble residences by bike.
5) Ducal Villas and Albinea Countryside Route (*** Medium)
From La Razza, the route heads towards the Crostolo stream, following a short section of the cycle path with the same name, before entering the park of the Reggia di Rivalta. Known as the “Little Versailles”, the villa and its gardens have been recently restored, along with the Ducal Palace itself, built in the 18th century by the Duke of Modena and Reggio to host Carlotta d’Orléans, cousin of the King of France Louis XV.
From the park, the ride continues towards the historic Vasca di Corbelli, near today’s Villa d’Este, passing through the Parco delle Ginestre. The itinerary then follows the Crostolo cycle path to reach Albinea, a peaceful town at the foot of the hills, lively in summer with fairs, markets, and a wide range of food and wine offerings.
The route then continues towards Scandiano with a few short climbs and descents, crossing charming countryside along gravel roads. Returning towards La Razza, the trail passes through the village of Bellarosa, completing the loop.
👉 Technical details
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Length: 22 km
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Elevation gain: 70 m
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Difficulty: medium, with a few short climbs
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Estimated time: approx. 1h20 (without stops)
[Click here to view the route on Komoot]
6) Squares and Landmarks of Reggio Emilia’s Historic Center (* Easy)**
Starting from La Razza, the route heads toward Reggio Emilia, taking the road that connects Rivalta to the city. This is the only short section shared with motor traffic. Once you reach the bridge over the Crostolo stream, you enter the comfortable cycle and pedestrian path that runs alongside the watercourse, surrounded by greenery and often shaded.
Along the way, on the left, you’ll find the park of the Ducal Palace, also known as the “Reggia di Rivalta,” an elegant Este residence recently restored together with its surrounding gardens. The route then continues toward the city center, crossing the monumental Crostolo bridge, decorated with statues representing the Enza and Panaro rivers — symbols of the boundaries between Reggio, Parma, and Modena.
From here, continue along Viale Umberto I until you reach the hexagonal perimeter of the historic center. The itinerary takes you through Reggio Emilia’s main squares: Piazza Fontanesi, the heart of the city’s nightlife; Piazza San Prospero, dedicated to the city’s patron saint; and the large open area formed by Piazza Martiri del 7 Luglio, Piazza della Vittoria, and Piazza D’Armi, overlooked by the Romolo Valli Municipal Theatre, the Ariosto Theatre, the Public Gardens, and the Civic Museums.
You’ll then pass through Piazza del Monte, the physical center of the city, and finally reach Piazza Prampolini, home to the Cathedral, the Town Hall, and the Sala del Tricolore — the historic hall where the Italian flag was born.
The return can follow the same route or, alternatively, you may choose one of the other pleasant and safe cycle paths along the Crostolo that lead back to La Razza.
👉 Technical data
Length: 19 km
Elevation gain: 50 m
Difficulty: easy, mostly flat
Estimated time: about 1h10 (without stops)
Click here to view the route on the Komoot app



