Lake Garda attracts short holidaymakers from Germany and Austria over the Brenner Pass almost all year round. The mild, pleasant climate, the landscape and the Italian flair are perfect for outdoor fans and of course also made for hiking. We present three circular routes on Lake Garda that are particularly recommendable.
Finding beautiful hiking trails on Lake Garda is truly not difficult. Around the lake, well-maintained routes extend in all degrees of difficulty with views that outdo each other. However, many hiking enthusiasts prefer circular routes, as they simply offer the advantage that you don’t have to go back the same way you came, so you can always discover something new. We particularly like these three circular walks:
Monte Castello circular trail
Monte Castello, or simply Monte Cas for short, stands out even from a distance. It is the prominent hump on the western shore that rises steeply a little south of Camione. At the top of the rocks you can already see from below the white walls of the sanctuary and monastery of Madonna di Montecastello. Here is the first Lake Garda circuit that we would like to introduce to you.
The starting point of the hike is the Santuario Di Montecastello parking lot on the west side of the mountain. From here you can’t miss the pilgrimage path with its stations of the cross up to the monastery. Once you reach the top, you can enjoy the breathtaking view over the lake. A visit to the church is also worthwhile. Then you pass the church on the left and follow the red and white marked path until you reach a viewpoint with a cross after about 30 minutes. From here, with a good view, you can admire Malcèsine and the Monte Baldo ridge on the opposite side of the lake.
On the eastern side of the mountain, follow the path that runs just along the steep cliff through shady woods to the northern end of Monte Castello, which, by the way, is 779 meters high. After passing the newly built nature trail, you then head back south to the starting point of the hike.
This really rewarding hike is not difficult and can also be done with children. You should plan about two hours for the route.
Also interesting: The 3 most amazing vie ferrate around Lake Garda
Cima Comer – circular route
Not far from our first hike, the second circular trail begins, which we would like to introduce to you. It leads up to the Cima Comer.
A good starting point for the circuit is Sasso, near Gargnano, where you will find a large parking lot. First you follow Via Sasso into the village until you reach the village fountain. There you will find a signpost that already indicates route number 31 to Cima Comer. From here on you can’t miss the path.
Passing vegetable gardens and vineyards, the path climbs quickly, passing the rock chapel of San Valentino, until you reach the first viewing platform. The trail then passes through a deciduous forest and becomes a bit more difficult, so that it is sometimes secured with a wire rope.
Then you reach the rocky edge of the slope, which you follow further uphill, while the blue of Lake Garda shines at you through bushes and leaves. After a small meadow, you finally climb up a rocky path to the summit.
The descent north is pleasant through woods and across meadows. There is also a small self-catering hut waiting along the way. From here you follow the narrow road, past the turnoff to Sasso, past the Faiol farm until you reach the Pernice accommodation on the edge of the forest. Here you turn left at the fork and follow the path with the number 38, which brings you back to Sasso.
All in all, you should allow five hours for this easy to moderately difficult tour. Surefootedness is required, even if most of the paths on the eight kilometers of trail are well paved.
Circuit around Lago di Ledro
Just five kilometers separate Lake Garda and its small tributary, Lago di Ledro. Its length of 2.8 kilometers makes it perfectly suitable for a circular walk – also for families with children.
You can start, for example, at the pile-dwelling museum in Molina. There is a large parking lot available and if you feel like it, you can visit the museum right after your tour.
First you keep to the right in the direction of the camping site Al Sole. Here you will find the first of the four beaches along the route, where you can always cool off in the water. Don’t forget your bathing suit or bikini! The water of the lake is one of the cleanest in Trentino.
The circular route itself leads almost all the time directly along the shore and has only slight climbs. Thus it is not too strenuous and you have enough time to let your eyes wander over the idyllic nature. The villages of Mezzolago, with its beautiful church decorated with mosaics, and Pur, with its famous pine forest, are on the way and invite you to take a break with an espresso or a snack.
All in all, you should plan about 2.5 hours for the nine-kilometer tour. By the way, the tour is also suitable for hiking enthusiasts with dogs and there are even bag dispensers along the way.
