The most beautiful abandoned railway lines in Italy

Abandoned railway lines are a hidden treasure in the heart of Italy. In the 1940s and 1950s, the rise of the automobile industry marked the beginning of the end for thousands of miles of railway lines that once connected Italy’s cities.

This railway heritage consists of lines that wind through picturesque landscapes, enriched by majestic works of art such as bridges, viaducts and tunnels, as well as stations and toll booths of remarkable architectural beauty. Today, however, many of these wonders now lie in a state of neglect, exposed to vandals and the slow but inexorable recovery of nature.

Let’s take a trip through the most beautiful abandoned railways lines in Italy, some of which are now back in the hands of the community and have been turned into cycle paths or hiking trails, right where the trains once travelled.

Railway lines turned into cycle paths

Turning disused railway lines into cycle paths is an innovative way of bringing forgotten railway heritage back to life. One example is the Vecia Ferrovia della Val di Fiemme cycle path, a fascinating route that winds through the Autonomous Provinces of Trento and Bolzano, from Ora in the Adige Valley to Cavalese, crossing the San Lugano Pass at 1097 metres above sea level. These 24.4 km pass through vineyards and forest, offering breathtaking views. Built by Russian prisoners under Austrian direction, it fell into disuse in the 1960s, but today its easy route attracts cyclists with spectacular views of bridges, vineyards and surrounding peaks.

Continuing in Friuli Venezia Giulia, there is another unmissable cycle route: the Alpe Adria cycle path, part of the route that connects Central Europe to the Adriatic. This fascinating stretch follows the old Tarvisio-Resiutta railway line, known as the Pontebbana, opened in the 1870s. At over 61 km, it offers exciting stretches between daring viaducts, tunnels dug into the rock and stunning views. A cycling experience that reveals the beauty of the Julian Alps as it crosses the valleys of Canal del Ferro and Val Canale, with majestic meadows and woods against the imposing rocky peaks.

Descending towards the south, divided between Calabria and Basilicata, we find another example of a cycle path that follows the ancient route of the Lagonegro–Castrovillari–Spezzano Albanese mountain railway. With 34 km of cycle paths, it offers spectacular views and unique biodiversity. It is the first stage of a 545 km cycle route through four parks, characterised by majestic viaducts, tunnels, iron bridges and railway trenches. Through valleys and mountains, this cycle path crosses the Pollino National Park and the Lucanian Appennines National Park.

Hiking along abandoned railway lines

Not all abandoned railways can be explored on two wheels: some routes require you to do some walking. Hiking along these railways is a unique experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in history and natural beauty, passing through picturesque landscapes and forgotten railway structures.

In Veneto, the “Trenino di Montagna” (‘Mountain Train’) is a walk that follows the historic route of the “Vaca Mora” (‘Dark Cow’) on the Asiago Plateau. This fascinating itinerary starts from the remains of the bridge over the Astico and continues for about 12 km to Campiello, through the picturesque Val Canaglia, with twists and turns and old railway tunnels along the way.

In Tuscany too, there are many routes that follow the old tracks of forgotten railways. A fascinating itinerary stretches from Saline di Volterra to Volterra, a 9 km hike along the route of the old railway line, which is a unique opportunity to explore the railway history of the region.

Another interesting suggestion is the ecological, cultural and gastronomic itinerary along the historic Adriatic-Apennine railway in the Marche, which once linked the mountains, hills and coast. This route, around 11 km long, is suitable for all ages, and runs from the heart of the historic centre of Fermo to the shores of the Adriatic Sea.

Article translated by Jasmina Towers

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Curiosities

Transport and Mobility

Travel

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