Monte Grappa | 1775 METER | Bassano del Grappa Bassano del Grappa

Monte Grappa (1,775 metres) is the undisputed giant of the Venetian Pre-Alps. For motorcyclists, it is almost an iconic mountain, standing isolated like a huge fortress on the edge of the plain.

The route up Monte Grappa is unusual and rare. There is not just a single pass road over the mountain, but almost a network of numerous, yet fully tarmac-surfaced, ascents. They all converge at the summit plateau near the Rifugio Bassano mountain hut and the monumental war memorial.

The most interesting ascents:

1. The Classic: Strada Cadorna (from Bassano del Grappa via Costalunga): Wide, smooth, perfectly constructed and around 32 kilometres long. This is the historic military road that General Cadorna had built during the First World War. It is the most relaxed route in terms of riding technique: the bends are wide, the tarmac is good and the gradient remains constant. Along this route, there are repeated breathtaking views down into the Venetian plain.

2. The hairpin marathon: (from Bassano del Grappa via Semonzo): This route is narrower, steeper and extremely winding – with a length of around 26 kilometres. For lovers of bends, this route is perhaps the most beautiful climb. It leads steeply upwards via countless hairpin bends clinging closely to the rocks. Well worth a look: There are several launch sites here for paragliders, who can enjoy good thermals heading south. In the upper third, the road joins the Strada Cadorna.

3. The Shady Route across the Piave Valley (from Alano di Piave): This route can be very secluded. It is wooded and a pleasure to drive – about 22 kilometres long. The north-eastern approaches from Caupo or Alano lead through a completely different landscape. Instead of the rugged rock and wide plains, here you look out over dense forests and green valleys. The road is slightly narrower than Strada Cadorna, but it’s wonderfully smooth to drive on.

4. The “Salto della Capra” (from Bassano del Grappa via Fietta): A route that has also been described as the “Goat’s Leap” – around 30 kilometres long. An extremely narrow road, the middle section of which features an extremely challenging climb with gradients of up to 18%. Once at the top, you pass the Goat’s Leap monument before heading over the treeless ridge to the summit – via the route that climbs up from the Piave Valley.

5. From Seren del Grappa (via Chiesa Nuova): The absolute northern ramp and not for beginners – around 26 kilometres long. In places, this road is so steep (maximum gradient of 20%), narrow and blind that you have to ride in first gear. The landscape is extremely remote and rustic – you’ll hardly meet any tourists here.

But there is an alternative for the northern approach from Seren del Grappa: via the Col de Baio. This route is easier to ride and of a similar length.