Lake Garda immediately brings to mind sunshine, beaches, and vacations… it’s perfect for a nice, refreshing swim, some water sports, a stroll along the bike path, and an ice cream or an aperitif at sunset. But have you ever seen it from above, with its blue waters glistening in the sunlight, surrounded by the green mountains? A spectacular sight from every angle!
We’ve put together a few ideas here for walks “with a view”—which one is your favorite?
Ponale Trail – Riva del Garda
It is considered the queen of all lakeside walks: this old road was the first drivable route connecting the Ledro Valley and Riva del Garda. Today it is a hiking trail, highly popular both for scenic walks and among cyclists. From the hydroelectric power plant, the trail climbs for about an hour through tunnels, along cliffs overlooking the lake, and past the remains of old trenches, until it reaches the Belvedere restaurant and bar: here you can enjoy quality cuisine or sip a refreshing drink while admiring the lake and the waterfall peeking out from the vegetation. From here, you can continue on to Lake Ledro. Not recommended for strollers. All information: Lake Garda: Ponale with Kids
Forti del Monte Brione – Riva del Garda
Another hike much loved by locals is the one up Monte Brione, the “mountain” that physically separates the Arco/Torbole area from that of Riva del Garda. The trail starts at Porto San Nicolò, just before the tunnel leading to Torbole. From here, a dirt trail—consisting largely of earthen steps and logs—leads through the woods and sections of olive groves to Forte Garda, the Batteria di Mezzo, and Forte Sant’Alessandro (of which only ruins remain).
The forts are an important testament to World War I; they are open to visitors on certain days (including guided tours offered by the MAG Museo Alto Garda in collaboration with Garda Dolomiti) and often host events and exhibitions. Kids will love getting lost in the tunnels inside Forte Garda. No strollers allowed. Information Conquering Monte Brione
Chapel of Santa Barbara – Riva del Garda
Have you always wondered what that little white dot on the mountain above Riva del Garda was? It’s the little church of Santa Barbara, built at an elevation of 625 meters in 1927 by the miners who worked on constructing the pipelines for the new hydroelectric power plant. Start from the Monte Oro parking lot along Trail 404 (which is easy to walk on and paved all the way to the Bastion—you can also reach the Bastion by elevator. After that, the trail becomes narrow and steep). It takes about an hour and three-quarters of strenuous hiking to reach your destination, where you’ll enjoy a spectacular view of Riva and the northern part of the lake. We recommend going in the morning: from early afternoon onward, the trail is completely in the shade. Learn more: To the Little Church of Santa Barbara.
Venetian Bastion – Riva del Garda
If you’d like to take it easy, the Bastione—the fortress that towers over Riva del Garda—can be reached in three minutes viathe panoramic elevator, which features a special glass cabin. Up here, you can freely explore the ruins of the bastion, admire Riva del Garda, the neighboring towns, and the surrounding mountains from the large panoramic terrace, or enjoy a drink or a bite to eat at the lovely bar/restaurant—perhaps at one of the tables jutting out over the lake. It’s also absolutely stunning in the evening, with all the city lights. Strollers are allowed (though not inside the fortress). You can then continue on to Santa Barbara or return to Riva, either by elevator or with a 20-minute walk. Here’s the story of our experience: Riva: To the Bastion by Elevator.
Monte Altissimo – Nago or Brentonico
There are several routes to the summit of Altissimo—a name that speaks for itself. Whether you set out from Prati di Nago (the best option if you want an immediate glimpse of the lake) or from the Graziani Mountain Hut in Brentonico, once you reach the summit of this 2,078-meter mountain, you’ll enjoy an incredible view of the entire Lake Garda, which will amaze you with its colors. But that’s not all. You can grab a bite to eat at the Damiano Chiesa Mountain Hut (and even stay the night, if you’d like!) and stroll through the World War I trenches. The trail is not suitable for strollers; it’s best for children who are used to hiking. A Family Trip to Monte Altissimo: Our Story
Busatte Tempesta Stairway – Torbole
Nearly 400 steps, arranged across three different metal staircases suspended between the blue of the lake and the azure of the sky, complete the walk that leads from Busatte, above the town of Torbole, all the way to Tempesta, a small cluster of houses on the Gardesana road, on the border with Veneto. Aside from the steps (take your time with them because there are so many!), the trail is mostly flat and easy to walk. Along the way, in addition to scenic viewpoints, you’ll find information boards with details about the flora and fauna that inhabit these woods.
Don’t miss the small detour to the left near the start of the trail, which leads to a “lunar” overlook facing the lake and dotted with little stone figures. The return trip follows the same route as the way there (total time: about 4 hours). Alternatively, you can take the bus. Not suitable for strollers or those who are afraid of heights. Find more information at The Busatte Tempesta Trail: wow!
Ventrar Trail – Malcesine (VR)
A beautiful trail offering a superb view of Lake Garda. It’s located on the Venetian shore of the lake. You walk along the mountain ridge, which is why this route isn’t suitable for those who are afraid of heights or for small children. However, if you have older children, you absolutely must add it to your list: the nature up here is truly wild, and you’ll really feel like you’re overlooking the lake from above. We’ve been there ourselves, even though it’s been a few years… read On the Ventrar Trail: A Dream
Croce del Colodri – Arco
From the church of Santa Maria di Laghel, followthe “holm oak trail” for about one kilometer. Along the way, you’ll also find a climbing wall perfect for beginners (Muro dell’Asino). In just over half an hour, you’ll reach your destination. On a terrace of smooth stones, worn down by water and ice, stands a large metal cross that’s visible from throughout the valley. Up here, it’s also common to encounter wild goats: observe them without disturbing them—they’re not domestic animals! The view is breathtaking, taking in not only Lake Garda but also the Arco Castle (another spot from which to admire the lake), Monte Brione, Monte Baldo, and Monte Altissimo. We’ve got all the details here: Arco: To the Colodri Cross.
Monte Stivo – Arco
Perhaps one of the most beautiful spots from which to admire the surrounding landscape, given its commanding view of the entire Upper Garda area. At the summit of Mount Stivo, accessible from Santa Barbara (Val di Gresta) or Malga Campo (Drena), you’ll find the Marchetti Mountain Lodge welcoming you. The view is spectacular; on the clearest days, it not only takes in the entire Lake Garda but also stretches all the way to the Adriatic Sea. Getting up here is quite challenging (the elevation gain is about 1,000 meters in both cases), but if you’re an avid hiker and haven’t been there yet, be sure to add it to your list. Monte Stivo: Top View of Lake Garda: our experience.
San Pietro Mountain Hut – Tenno
A beautiful, family-friendly spot that can be reached either by taking a walk through the woods (starting from Canale di Tenno or Lake Tenno—about a couple of hours) or by car (the nearest parking lot is just a 15-minute walk away). Up here, you’ll find a large meadow where you can relax, a nice playground for the kids, and plenty of delicious dishes to enjoy—either indoors by the stove (with lovely little windows offering a view of the landscape) or sitting on the terrace overlooking the lake.
The mountain hut also has very cozy rooms: watching the sunrise from up here is a truly unique experience. The mountain hut is open year-round. Stroller-friendly. Info San Pietro: a balcony overlooking Lake Garda!
Colle Grom and Col Bussé – Tenno
Two trails wind their way around Tenno Castle and the villages of Tenno and Frapporta, offering scenic viewpoints and intriguing installations. The route also passes by the ancient little church of San Lorenzo, accessible via an easy path that’s stroller-friendly. From up here, you’ll have a commanding view of the entire “Busa,” the plain where Arco and Riva del Garda are located. Both trails are easy and suitable for children. You won’t be able to go everywhere with a stroller, so with small children, it’s best to use a backpack or baby carrier. We’ll tell you about our experience here: Colle Grom and Col Bussè: what a view!
Marmitte dei Giganti – Nago
Do you know what the “giants’ cauldrons” are? They are very unique rock formations, technically known as glacial potholes. The erosive action of water, ice, and wind has carved these large basins into the rock. Some are very large, while others are a bit smaller. There are also iron staircases on site that allow you to explore some spots that would otherwise be inaccessible. The walk can continue downhill toward Torbole along a trail that passes through a grove and then an olive grove. To learn more, click The Marmitte dei Giganti between Nago and Torbole
Punta Larici – Pregasina
Let’s wrap up our overview on a high note. Pick a beautiful, clear day and you’ll be all set: just over an hour of steady but never overly steep climbing through the woods, and you’ll reach Bocca Larici. By then, you’ll already feel that it was all worth it. But the best part starts here, so make one last push to tackle the most challenging stretch (a narrow, exposed trail—pay close attention to children, though it’s still manageable for them). In just a few minutes, you’ll reach Punta Larici, a true natural spectacle offering a view of the entire Lake Garda. Photos or selfies are a must! Click here to learn more: Walk to Punta Larici
Things to Do Around Lake Garda
- Summer in Riva del Garda: Things to Do– check out our mini-guide
- Things to Do in Arco in the Summer: our mini-guide, perfect for active families—and more.
- Summer in Val di Ledro: Things to Do: A Mini Summer Guide to Val di Ledro