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Itineraries
Via Francigena in Tuscany

Following in the footsteps of the ancient pilgrims, we discover the Tuscan stages of the cultural itinerary that leads from Canterbury to Rome

The path of the Via Francigena is an important cultural itinerary that connects Canterbury and Rome and continues to excite those who travel across the limestone traces left over the centuries through the unspoiled landscape, taking in historical and artistic beauties along the way.

This historical European route that crosses Tuscany represents a unique opportunity to discover almost 400 km (divided into 16 stages) of the ancient route once travelled by pilgrims, merchants and travellers, through forests, hills and medieval villages, all the while encountering intriguing history, art, food and wine.

Tuscany from north to south

A journey along the Francigena reveals an incredible beauty, from the north to the south of Tuscany. From the wooded Lunigiana, which contains villages (treasures such as Pontremoli), parish churches and castles, up to Pietrasanta, and then descends to the valley as far as Lucca, go up from San Miniato and cross the hills until you see the towers of San Gimignano, pass Monteriggioni, enter Siena and then continue to the Amiata and Val D'Orcia, going up to Radicofani.

Three variants depart from the official route. The water variant is located along stage 29 and allows us to pass through Ponte Buggianese and  Padule di Fucecchio; the second variant leads to the Abbey of Santa Maria Assunta in Coneo, deviating from stage 32, which connects San Gimignano to Monteriggioni; and the last one is the most well-known and touches the village of Abbadia San Salvatore by deviating from stage 36 (from San Quirico to Radicofani).

Walking along the Via Francigena in Tuscany
Walking along the Via Francigena in Tuscany

Let's discover some of the historical background. In 990, Sigerico, the Archbishop of Canterbury, went to Rome to receive the pallium - symbol of the pastoral mission - from the hands of the Pope. On the way back, he noted the stops of the journey in a travel diary thanks to which it was possible to reconstruct the route. However, the Lombards had formerly plotted the route in the 6th century as they crossed the Cisa pass, tracing a safe route to reach the historic seaport of Luni and Tuscia. Over the years, monuments and artistic treasures enriched the main points of a path that was able to link the Mediterranean area with the North Sea, thus contributing to the flourishing of European trade.

Today, the Francigena represents a wonderful journey (secular or spiritual) that is enriching as you encounter nature, culture and tradition treated with a conscious and respectful tourism.

1.
Section 22
From Passo della Cisa to Pontremoli

The 22nd stage of the Francigena is the first in Tuscany. It marks the crossing of the Apennine ridge, not far from the current Cisa Pass, and the descent into the valley of the Magra river. The peaceful landscape features rich forests surrounded by castles, Romanesque churches and charming villages that lead to Pontremoli, with its palaces and Medieval churches, including that of San Pietro, where the "labyrinth" is still preserved today, a symbol of pilgrimages to the Holy Land.

19,57 km
Difficulty: 
Very demanding
schedule
Duration: 
5 h
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The 22nd stage of the Francigena is the first in Tuscany. It marks the crossing of the Apennine ridge, not far from the current Cisa Pass, and the descent into the valley of the Magra river. The peaceful landscape features rich forests surrounded by castles, Romanesque churches and charming villages that lead to Pontremoli, with its palaces and Medieval churches, including that of San Pietro, where the "labyrinth" is still preserved today, a symbol of pilgrimages to the Holy Land.

  • straighten
    Length
    19,57 km
  • Difficulty
    Very demanding
  • schedule
    Duration
    5 h
  • trending_down
    Descent
    1327 m
  • trending_up
    Ascent
    527 m
  • vertical_align_top
    Maximum altitude
    1108 m
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Show on map
2.
Section 23
From Pontremoli to Aulla

Following on from Pontremoli, a series of dirt roads and paths pass through long stretches in the woods. After having seen the elegant parish church of Sorano, the Francigena crosses the historic village of Filattiera. Along the valley of the Monia torrent, we reach Filetto and then Villafranca in Lunigiana, where you can visit the ethnographic museum. After crossing the Bagnone stream, going up to Virgoletta, the path reaches Terrarossa, dominated by the Malaspina castle, continuing up to the abbey of San Caprasio in Aulla, founded in 884.

32,12 km
Difficulty: 
Demanding
schedule
Duration: 
7.20 h
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Following on from Pontremoli, a series of dirt roads and paths pass through long stretches in the woods. After having seen the elegant parish church of Sorano, the Francigena crosses the historic village of Filattiera. Along the valley of the Monia torrent, we reach Filetto and then Villafranca in Lunigiana, where you can visit the ethnographic museum. After crossing the Bagnone stream, going up to Virgoletta, the path reaches Terrarossa, dominated by the Malaspina castle, continuing up to the abbey of San Caprasio in Aulla, founded in 884.

  • straighten
    Length
    32,12 km
  • Difficulty
    Demanding
  • schedule
    Duration
    7.20 h
  • trending_down
    Descent
    565 m
  • trending_up
    Ascent
    386 m
  • vertical_align_top
    Maximum altitude
    250 m
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3.
Section 24
From Aulla to Sarzana

Passing castles and fortresses along the Lunigiana hills (for example, Fosdinovo), the first part of the section takes place largely on a trail that offers a beautiful view of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Interesting the atmospheres of the ancient villages along the way, the view of the ruins of the Brina Castle and the town of Sarzana.

17,44 km
Difficulty: 
Average
schedule
Duration: 
5 h
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Show on map

Passing castles and fortresses along the Lunigiana hills (for example, Fosdinovo), the first part of the section takes place largely on a trail that offers a beautiful view of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Interesting the atmospheres of the ancient villages along the way, the view of the ruins of the Brina Castle and the town of Sarzana.

  • straighten
    Length
    17,44 km
  • Difficulty
    Average
  • schedule
    Duration
    5 h
  • trending_down
    Descent
    646 m
  • trending_up
    Ascent
    608 m
  • vertical_align_top
    Maximum altitude
    539 m
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4.
Section 25
From Sarzana to Massa via Avenza

Leaving Sarzana, along a road among the vineyards that cover the hills, in a succession of panoramas of the Apuan Alps and the sea, the Francigena passes through the historic center of Massa, before going back up to Montignoso where the Aghinolfi castle stands on the hill. In Massa we recommend a visit to the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Francis and to the Diocesan museum.

28,49 km
Difficulty: 
Demanding
schedule
Duration: 
7 h
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Leaving Sarzana, along a road among the vineyards that cover the hills, in a succession of panoramas of the Apuan Alps and the sea, the Francigena passes through the historic center of Massa, before going back up to Montignoso where the Aghinolfi castle stands on the hill. In Massa we recommend a visit to the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Francis and to the Diocesan museum.

  • straighten
    Length
    28,49 km
  • Difficulty
    Demanding
  • schedule
    Duration
    7 h
  • trending_down
    Descent
    544 m
  • trending_up
    Ascent
    586 m
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Show on map
5.
Section 26
From Massa to Camaiore

Go up towards Aghinolfi Castle in Montignoso to take a panoramic road, which must be traveled with caution due to traffic. The section continues as far as Pietrasanta, "the little Athens of Italy", the adoptive homeland of artists from all over the world. Immediately after Pietrasanta and its beautiful Piazza Duomo, we can visit the historic Parish Church of San Giovanni, and continue up and down the hills of Lucca to the historic center of Camaiore and the centuries-old Abbey.

26 km
Difficulty: 
Average
schedule
Duration: 
6 h
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Go up towards Aghinolfi Castle in Montignoso to take a panoramic road, which must be traveled with caution due to traffic. The section continues as far as Pietrasanta, "the little Athens of Italy", the adoptive homeland of artists from all over the world. Immediately after Pietrasanta and its beautiful Piazza Duomo, we can visit the historic Parish Church of San Giovanni, and continue up and down the hills of Lucca to the historic center of Camaiore and the centuries-old Abbey.

  • straighten
    Length
    26 km
  • Difficulty
    Average
  • schedule
    Duration
    6 h
  • trending_down
    Descent
    412 m
  • trending_up
    Ascent
    410 m
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6.
Section 27
From Camaiore to Lucca

After visiting the historic center of Camaiore and the centuries-old Abbey, go up towards Monte Magno and through the Freddana valley, where you will reach Valpromaro. From here, a path through the woods leads to Piazzano. We then descend into the valley of the Contesola stream and, crossing the Serchio river at Ponte San Pietro, we soon arrive at Lucca, entering from the historic San Donato gate. In the Cathedral of San Martino is kept the Holy Face, destination of veneration of the path that bears his name. In Lucca, is also the Via Francigena Entry Point complex, which offers a series of services designed for slow and religious tourism.

24,88 km
Difficulty: 
Average
schedule
Duration: 
6 h
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After visiting the historic center of Camaiore and the centuries-old Abbey, go up towards Monte Magno and through the Freddana valley, where you will reach Valpromaro. From here, a path through the woods leads to Piazzano. We then descend into the valley of the Contesola stream and, crossing the Serchio river at Ponte San Pietro, we soon arrive at Lucca, entering from the historic San Donato gate. In the Cathedral of San Martino is kept the Holy Face, destination of veneration of the path that bears his name. In Lucca, is also the Via Francigena Entry Point complex, which offers a series of services designed for slow and religious tourism.

  • straighten
    Length
    24,88 km
  • Difficulty
    Average
  • schedule
    Duration
    6 h
  • trending_down
    Descent
    286 m
  • trending_up
    Ascent
    238 m
  • vertical_align_top
    Maximum altitude
    286 m
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Show on map
7.
Section 28
From Lucca to Altopascio

After Lucca, continue in the direction of the Arno river where the Francigena reaches Capannori, with its parish church of San Quirico with its thirteenth-century facade, then arriving at Porcari. From here, with a deviation of 500 meters, you reach Badia di Pozzeveri and then Altopascio, home of the "Spedale" of the Knights of the Tau, a safe refuge for pilgrims.

18,6 km
Difficulty: 
Easy
schedule
Duration: 
4 h
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After Lucca, continue in the direction of the Arno river where the Francigena reaches Capannori, with its parish church of San Quirico with its thirteenth-century facade, then arriving at Porcari. From here, with a deviation of 500 meters, you reach Badia di Pozzeveri and then Altopascio, home of the "Spedale" of the Knights of the Tau, a safe refuge for pilgrims.

  • straighten
    Length
    18,6 km
  • Difficulty
    Easy
  • schedule
    Duration
    4 h
  • trending_down
    Descent
    30 m
  • trending_up
    Ascent
    30 m
  • vertical_align_top
    Maximum altitude
    24 m
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Show on map
8.
Section 29
From Altopascio to San Miniato

In the initial part of the route, in Galleno, you walk on the pavement of the ancient Via Francigena. You then pass the wild and deserted hills of the Cerbaie to head towards Ponte a Cappiano and its Medici bridge. From here along the embankment of the Usciana canal you cross an ancient marsh now reclaimed and go back to the historic center of Fucecchio, whose museum preserves splendid works of art. After passing the Arno, you will soon reach San Miniato, the powerful and rich medieval village known in the gastronomic field for the truffle.

A spectacular alternative route of the Via Francigena called the "water variant" departs from Altopascio. It crosses the canals and marshy areas of Padule di Fucecchio, a nature reserve rich in biodiversity and historical evidence, a paradise for birdwatchers, and then rejoins the main route at Ponte a Cappiano. A variant that can be traveled along the banks on foot, by bike, on horseback or aboard barchini (run by local associations), traditional boats that ply the waters of the marsh. Download the route of the Water Variant (kml).

29,5 km
Difficulty: 
Demanding
schedule
Duration: 
6 h
Show on map
Show on map

In the initial part of the route, in Galleno, you walk on the pavement of the ancient Via Francigena. You then pass the wild and deserted hills of the Cerbaie to head towards Ponte a Cappiano and its Medici bridge. From here along the embankment of the Usciana canal you cross an ancient marsh now reclaimed and go back to the historic center of Fucecchio, whose museum preserves splendid works of art. After passing the Arno, you will soon reach San Miniato, the powerful and rich medieval village known in the gastronomic field for the truffle.

A spectacular alternative route of the Via Francigena called the "water variant" departs from Altopascio. It crosses the canals and marshy areas of Padule di Fucecchio, a nature reserve rich in biodiversity and historical evidence, a paradise for birdwatchers, and then rejoins the main route at Ponte a Cappiano. A variant that can be traveled along the banks on foot, by bike, on horseback or aboard barchini (run by local associations), traditional boats that ply the waters of the marsh. Download the route of the Water Variant (kml).

  • straighten
    Length
    29,5 km
  • Difficulty
    Demanding
  • schedule
    Duration
    6 h
  • trending_down
    Descent
    173 m
  • trending_up
    Ascent
    283 m
  • vertical_align_top
    Maximum altitude
    130 m
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Show on map
9.
Section 30
From San Miniato to Gambassi Terme

From San Miniato an extraordinarily beautiful trail follows along the hilly ridges of Val d'Elsa, scattered with castles, fortresses, lodges and abbey complexes, reaching the parish church of Coiano with its steep stone staircase, and the parish church of Santa Maria in Chianni, rebuilt in the 12th century. Shortly afterwards, you reach Gambassi Terme which takes its name from its beneficial waters.

23,7 km
Difficulty: 
Average
schedule
Duration: 
6 h
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Show on map

From San Miniato an extraordinarily beautiful trail follows along the hilly ridges of Val d'Elsa, scattered with castles, fortresses, lodges and abbey complexes, reaching the parish church of Coiano with its steep stone staircase, and the parish church of Santa Maria in Chianni, rebuilt in the 12th century. Shortly afterwards, you reach Gambassi Terme which takes its name from its beneficial waters.

  • straighten
    Length
    23,7 km
  • Difficulty
    Average
  • schedule
    Duration
    6 h
  • trending_down
    Descent
    231 m
  • trending_up
    Ascent
    406 m
  • vertical_align_top
    Maximum altitude
    305 m
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Show on map
10.
Section 31
From Gambassi Terme to San Gimignano

Departing from Gambassi Terme there is a short route along the beautiful ridges of Val d'Elsa, scattered with castles, historic parish churches and abbeys, before reaching the Pancole sanctuary, leading back to the village of Collemuccioli with a stretch of medieval pavement, and from here to the parish church of Cellole, then going up towards the hill where the towers of San Gimignano rise. To see: the frescoes of the municipal palace.

13,3 km
Difficulty: 
Easy
schedule
Duration: 
3 h
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Show on map

Departing from Gambassi Terme there is a short route along the beautiful ridges of Val d'Elsa, scattered with castles, historic parish churches and abbeys, before reaching the Pancole sanctuary, leading back to the village of Collemuccioli with a stretch of medieval pavement, and from here to the parish church of Cellole, then going up towards the hill where the towers of San Gimignano rise. To see: the frescoes of the municipal palace.

  • straighten
    Length
    13,3 km
  • Difficulty
    Easy
  • schedule
    Duration
    3 h
  • trending_down
    Descent
    329 m
  • trending_up
    Ascent
    344 m
  • vertical_align_top
    Maximum altitude
    388 m
Show on map
Show on map
11.
Section 32
From San Gimignano to Monteriggioni

From San Gimignano, through dirt roads and up and down paths, we enter the valley of the Foci stream, finding a ford near Molino d'Aiano, one of Sigeric's precisely identified places. Continuing on, one intercepts the splendid fortified village of Colle Val d'Elsa, lapped by the turquoise waters of the Elsa river. Finally we reach the complex of Abbadia a Isola, before seeing Monteriggioni, with its walls and unmistakable crown of towers dominating the hillside.

It is possible to take an alternative route, leaving the main one in the vicinity of Molino d'Aiano. It then continues by intercepting the picturesque Badia a Coneo, passing through the towns of Gracciano and Quartaia, and then rejoining the main route near Le Caldane, where thermal springs known since Roman-Etruscan times flow. Download the track of the alternative route (kml).

31 km
Difficulty: 
Demanding
schedule
Duration: 
7.30 h
Show on map
Show on map

From San Gimignano, through dirt roads and up and down paths, we enter the valley of the Foci stream, finding a ford near Molino d'Aiano, one of Sigeric's precisely identified places. Continuing on, one intercepts the splendid fortified village of Colle Val d'Elsa, lapped by the turquoise waters of the Elsa river. Finally we reach the complex of Abbadia a Isola, before seeing Monteriggioni, with its walls and unmistakable crown of towers dominating the hillside.

It is possible to take an alternative route, leaving the main one in the vicinity of Molino d'Aiano. It then continues by intercepting the picturesque Badia a Coneo, passing through the towns of Gracciano and Quartaia, and then rejoining the main route near Le Caldane, where thermal springs known since Roman-Etruscan times flow. Download the track of the alternative route (kml).

  • straighten
    Length
    31 km
  • Difficulty
    Demanding
  • schedule
    Duration
    7.30 h
  • trending_down
    Descent
    563 m
  • trending_up
    Ascent
    513 m
  • vertical_align_top
    Maximum altitude
    320 m
Show on map
Show on map
12.
Section 33
From Monteriggioni to Siena

From Monteriggioni, we walk along the dirt roads of the Sienese mountainous area towards the medieval village of Cerbaia. After passing the castles of Chiocciola and Villa, following the ups and downs, you reach Siena from Gate Camollia. The city will surprise you with the beauty of its Piazza del Campo, the Duomo and the hospital of Santa Maria della Scala, one of the most important museum centers in Siena.

20,6 km
Difficulty: 
Average
schedule
Duration: 
4.30 h
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Show on map

From Monteriggioni, we walk along the dirt roads of the Sienese mountainous area towards the medieval village of Cerbaia. After passing the castles of Chiocciola and Villa, following the ups and downs, you reach Siena from Gate Camollia. The city will surprise you with the beauty of its Piazza del Campo, the Duomo and the hospital of Santa Maria della Scala, one of the most important museum centers in Siena.

  • straighten
    Length
    20,6 km
  • Difficulty
    Average
  • schedule
    Duration
    4.30 h
  • trending_down
    Descent
    282 m
  • trending_up
    Ascent
    330 m
  • vertical_align_top
    Maximum altitude
    354 m
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Show on map
13.
Section 34
From Siena to Ponte d'Arbia

From Siena there is a challenging route along the dirt roads of the Val d'Arbia where you reach the Grancia di Cuna, a centuries-old fortified farm owned by the hospital of Santa Maria della Scala. Continuing along the offshoots of the Crete Senesi, and passing Monteroni, you reach the fortified village of Lucignano d'Arbia up to Ponte d'Arbia.

25,79 km
Difficulty: 
Average
schedule
Duration: 
6.20 h
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From Siena there is a challenging route along the dirt roads of the Val d'Arbia where you reach the Grancia di Cuna, a centuries-old fortified farm owned by the hospital of Santa Maria della Scala. Continuing along the offshoots of the Crete Senesi, and passing Monteroni, you reach the fortified village of Lucignano d'Arbia up to Ponte d'Arbia.

  • straighten
    Length
    25,79 km
  • Difficulty
    Average
  • schedule
    Duration
    6.20 h
  • trending_down
    Descent
    408 m
  • trending_up
    Ascent
    234 m
  • vertical_align_top
    Maximum altitude
    318 m
Show on map
Show on map
14.
Section 35
From Ponte d'Arbia to San Quirico d'Orcia

From Ponte d'Arbia you reach the perfectly preserved village of Buonconvento. Going up the Ombrone valley, you travel along a stretch of the Cassia to Montalcino. Along dirt roads, you reach Torrenieri accompanied by the panoramas of the Val d'Orcia, finally arriving at San Quirico d'Orcia.

26,25 km
Difficulty: 
Demanding
Show on map
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From Ponte d'Arbia you reach the perfectly preserved village of Buonconvento. Going up the Ombrone valley, you travel along a stretch of the Cassia to Montalcino. Along dirt roads, you reach Torrenieri accompanied by the panoramas of the Val d'Orcia, finally arriving at San Quirico d'Orcia.

  • straighten
    Length
    26,25 km
  • Difficulty
    Demanding
  • trending_down
    Descent
    258 m
  • trending_up
    Ascent
    513 m
  • vertical_align_top
    Maximum altitude
    399 m
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Show on map
15.
Section 36
From San Quirico d'Orcia to Radicofani

From San Quirico d’Orcia, through the bare hills, you come to the little fortified town of Vignoni, with its views of Val d’Orcia, and then descend to Bagno Vignoni, which is famous for its vast thermal pool. It is worth stepping off the beaten track to have a look at the historic center of Castiglione d’Orcia and the tower of the Tentennano Fortress. A long undulating stretch through the valleys of the Orcia and Paglia rivers take you to the old guest house of Le Briccole, and eventually to Radicofani.

It is also possible to take a nice variant route that meets the village of Abbadia San Salvatore. Download the route of the Abbadia San Salvatore variant (kml).

33,02 km
Difficulty: 
Very demanding
schedule
Duration: 
7.15 h
Show on map
Show on map

From San Quirico d’Orcia, through the bare hills, you come to the little fortified town of Vignoni, with its views of Val d’Orcia, and then descend to Bagno Vignoni, which is famous for its vast thermal pool. It is worth stepping off the beaten track to have a look at the historic center of Castiglione d’Orcia and the tower of the Tentennano Fortress. A long undulating stretch through the valleys of the Orcia and Paglia rivers take you to the old guest house of Le Briccole, and eventually to Radicofani.

It is also possible to take a nice variant route that meets the village of Abbadia San Salvatore. Download the route of the Abbadia San Salvatore variant (kml).

  • straighten
    Length
    33,02 km
  • Difficulty
    Very demanding
  • schedule
    Duration
    7.15 h
  • trending_down
    Descent
    532 m
  • trending_up
    Ascent
    908 m
  • vertical_align_top
    Maximum altitude
    790 m
Show on map
Show on map
16.
Section 37
From Radicofani to Acquapendente

From Radicofani - whose Fortress is admired - descending along the ridge, with a far-reaching view towards the hills, of Val d’Orcia and of Mount Amiata, the Via Francigena comes to Ponte a Rigo, enters Lazio and then along a dirt track with views of the Paglia valley it reaches Proceno up to Acquapendente. 

Visit the official website: ViaFrancigenaToscana.it

24 km
Difficulty: 
Demanding
schedule
Duration: 
7 h
Show on map
Show on map

From Radicofani - whose Fortress is admired - descending along the ridge, with a far-reaching view towards the hills, of Val d’Orcia and of Mount Amiata, the Via Francigena comes to Ponte a Rigo, enters Lazio and then along a dirt track with views of the Paglia valley it reaches Proceno up to Acquapendente. 

Visit the official website: ViaFrancigenaToscana.it

  • straighten
    Length
    24 km
  • Difficulty
    Demanding
  • schedule
    Duration
    7 h
  • trending_down
    Descent
    400 m
  • trending_up
    Ascent
    220 m
  • vertical_align_top
    Maximum altitude
    780 m
Show on map
Show on map

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