Starting from the peaceful village of Sant'Apollonia, this route guides you along the historic southern approach to the Gavia Pass, nestled within the Stelvio National Park. The narrow, winding road up the south side has remained largely untouched in its rustic charm, with sections so tight that only one vehicle can pass at a time. Riders on a smart trainer will also experience a unique segment—a nearly 800-meter-long tunnel that adds a bit of mystery and intrigue to the route. On Street View, this tunnel is almost completely dark, but on a stationary bike, the lack of light is no obstacle ;-) Dating back to medieval times, the Gavia Pass has served as a crucial connection point across the Alps. The Venetians created a mule path here in the late Middle Ages to facilitate trade and bypass the rival territories that bordered their republic. Over the centuries, the road evolved, finally becoming fully paved on this rugged southern side in the 1990s, but it still retains much of its raw character and historical significance. As you make your way up the winding route, stunning views of high peaks like Monte Gavia and Corno dei Tre Signori reveal themselves. The glaciers of the Adamello range in the distance add a touch of alpine grandeur, rewarding those who virtually pedal up this road with a true taste of the wild, untouched beauty of the Alps.
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