Lake Garda: The best hiking trails for your holidays!

For decades, Lake Garda has been a dream destination for many nature lovers and hikers. Located in the northern Italian Alps, it offers the perfect starting point for unforgettable excursions. Walk from your holiday home through the impressive mountain landscape or enjoy the breathtaking view over the lake from your chalet after active days.

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Lake Garda - 8 special hiking trails

Lake Garda - 8 special hiking trails

Lake Garda - Holiday homes & apartments

From San Nicolò in Bardolino to Monte Brione

The hiking route begins in San Nicolò in Bardolino. You pass several fortifications, some of which date back to the First World War. Worth seeing is the Forte Garda with its mighty bunker walls. From here, the route continues northeast. You have a wonderful view over Torbole. In the distance, the Cima di Valdritta and the Punta Telegrafo are outlined. The path gradually becomes flatter and leads to the historic fortress "Batteria di Mezzo." From the roof of the bunker, the view is stunning. A few steps lead you to the summit cross of Monte Brione.

Spina Path – Mount Altissimo

The hike takes about three hours, leading over the Colma di Malcesine and then along a marked path to the Bocca di Navene. Here, you rest at the local inn before tackling the next stage and ascending to the Bocca di Creer. The area is called Rifugio Graziani and offers wonderful natural panoramas. The last part of the hike is via switchbacks to the Rifugio Damiano Chiesa at the foot of Monte Altissimo. Upon reaching your hiking destination, you enjoy the magnificent view that opens up over Lake Garda from here.

Lake tour

Lake Ledro is located at an altitude of 665 meters at the eastern end of the Ledro Valley between Lake Garda and Lake Idro. On its shore are popular holiday destinations such as Molina di Ledro, Pieve di Ledro, and Mezzolago at the foot of Cima d'Oro. Numerous hiking routes run around the lake. The hiking trail around Lake Ledro passes through the towns of Pieve, Mezzolago, and Molina. On the 9.3-kilometer hike, you will also encounter the pile-dwelling museum and the forests of Pur. Also worth a visit are the Foletto Pharmacy Museum in Pieve and the art project "Ledro Land Art."

Hiking on Monte Altissimo di Nago

A moderately difficult and family-friendly mountain hike is the tour from Nago to Rifugio Altissimo Damiano Chiesa and up to Monte Altissimo di Nago. The hike is 7.8 kilometers long and you will overcome a total of 550 meters in altitude. Start from the hiking parking lot above Prato di Nago into this incomparable mountain landscape. In good weather, the view is breathtaking: Lake Garda lies glittering at your feet. Below the northeastern summit peak, a visit to the church is also worthwhile. Maps intended for this tour, such as the Kompass Map No. 101 Rovereto-Monte Pasubio, will always guide you safely on this mountain hike.

From Sasso to the San Valentino Pest Chapel

The hike from Sasso to the San Valentino Pest Chapel is short but quite strenuous. The trail leads through terraced orchards and olive groves. The closer you get to the chapel, the steeper the path becomes. In the last 500 meters, there are rope handrails you can hold onto. The hermitage is located at an altitude of 772 meters. The arduous ascent is worth it: from here, you have a breathtaking view over Lake Garda. The San Valentino Pest Chapel includes a sacristy with two small rooms. Inside the chapel, there is an altar with an image of the Madonna.

Ponale Road

The winding Ponale road begins in Riva del Garda on the shore of Lake Garda and ends after about 10 km in Ledro. In many parts, the road clings to the rocks. It leads through small tunnels and offers views of Monte Brione and Monte Altissimo. The hike ends in Pregasina. The path passes the place Prédi Ledro until it reaches Lake Ledro. Here, you visit the famous pile-dwelling museum. The route over the historic Strada del Ponale is most beautiful in spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the sun continuously shines.

Hike to Monte Pizzocolo

The best starting point for the tour on Monte Pizzocolo is the parking bay shortly after the viewpoint Croce di Ortello, which you reach from Sanico via a rough gravel road. From here, you ascend via the southern ridge. The hiking trail leads in switchbacks through the cool forest. The hiking trail takes you over the southern ridge to the summit. At times, you climb over large rocks and rock steps. Upon reaching the summit, you see wind vanes with the Italian and European flags. You have the opportunity to identify the mountains in the region through fixed telescopes and visit a chapel.

Hike to Rocca di Manerba

The hike on and around the Rocca di Manerba is easy and characterized by breathtakingly beautiful panoramas. The route begins at the southern shore of Lake Garda in the village of Montinelle. Via Via Leutelmonte and Via Rocca, you reach the castle ruins. At the highest point, there is a summit cross. From the Rocca di Manerba, you have a magnificent view over Bardolino, Lazise, the Rocca di Garda, Punta San Vigilio, or the cypress-covered island of San Biagio. You descend the mountain via a steep, rocky path. Lake Garda in the background offers an excellent photo backdrop.