North Cape 4000

A cycling adventure from Rovereto to the Arctic Circle

The North Cape 4000 is one of the world's most renowned unsupported ultra-distance cycling challenges, starting from the town of Rovereto in the province of Trento (Trentino-Alto Adige). Every year, the event attracts hundreds of cyclists from dozens of countries, who must autonomously tackle a route of approximately 4,000 kilometers. Crossing eight nations and an entire continent, the journey leads to the North Cape, the northernmost tip of Europe overlooking the Arctic Ocean.

What is self-supported bikepacking?

Unlike a traditional race, the North Cape 4000 is a self-supported challenge: each participant tackles the journey alone, without support teams, carrying all necessary gear and managing stages, rest, food, and repairs independently. There are no cash prizes or speed rankings in the classic sense: the goal is to reach the North Cape within the designated time frame and earn the Finisher title. This sense of freedom and personal challenge has made the event a benchmark for the international extreme cycle-touring community.

The route: from the Adige to the fjords

The departure from Rovereto immediately takes cyclists along the cycle paths of Trentino, through vineyards, apple orchards, and fruit groves that line the Adige and Isarco rivers, before climbing toward the heart of Europe. From there, the route traverses Austria, Germany, and the Nordic countries, reaching the vast Scandinavian expanses and the arctic landscapes of Norway. An alternative starting point from Berlin is also available, offering a shorter route for those seeking a more contained adventure.

An international event based in Trentino

Launched in 2018, the North Cape 4000 has seen its number of participants grow year after year, attracting cyclists to Rovereto from every continent, from the United States to Australia, and from India to South America. The town in the Vallagarina valley has thus become the gateway to this adventure, with the start hosted in the Progetto Manifattura area. The event also promotes values related to climate action, inclusion, and sustainable mobility, in line with the spirit of bicycle travel.

Why follow the North Cape 4000

• The official start in Rovereto, with hundreds of cyclists ready at the starting line
• A route of approximately 4,000 km through eight nations to the North Cape
• The self-supported format, with no external assistance
• GPS tracking that allows you to follow the competitors in real time