The Val di Ledro, a stunning and still partly unspoiled valley, is the perfect place for a vacation with kids in the summer, but also in the spring and fall. A beautiful lake, waterfalls, walks, and themed trails surrounded by nature await you. But there’s also culture and plenty of activities to enjoy with the kids. We’ve put together our top tips for a fantastic summer.
Tour of Lake Ledro
A two-hour hike around one of the most beautiful lakes in Trentino. The entire loop is about 10 km long and mostly flat, with short uphill sections—though never too steep—in the towns of Pur and Pieve di Ledro. Along the way, the scenery changes constantly: from woods to beaches to meadows, and even to the colorful historic center of Mezzolago with its murals. Here’s our experience from a winter visit: Walking around Lake Ledro, but it’s also a beautiful walk to take early in the morning or at sunset in the summer! Here are a few photos that don’t quite do justice to the calm and energy this place offers!
Fun at the Beach
You can’t pass through the Val di Ledro without stopping at least once on the shores of the lake! Whether you’re looking for relaxation, fun, fresh air, or ideas for sports, you won’t be disappointed. There are four main beaches: Besta, the most popular with young people, with its wide open spaces, playground, bars, and beach volleyball courts; the quieter Pur beach (where you can even try your hand at wake boarding!); the small beach at Mezzolago; and the family- and vacationer-friendly beach at Pieve! Read At the Beach on Lake Ledro for our tips on how to choose the one that’s right for you!
Scenic Hikes with Lake Views
Here are three great ideas for those who love to walk but don’t want to miss out on seeing the lake:
Hike to Dromaè
Amid flowers, trenches, and barns, this hike will let you admire the lake from an unusual vantage point. We recommend avoiding the hottest days. It’s also perfect for e-bikes.
Madonnina of Besta
Another must-see route in the area is definitely the one that leads to the Madonnina di Besta, a small white statue of the Virgin Mary that watches over the entire lake. It’s breathtaking on clear days and at sunset. The trail starts in Molina, near the Museo delle Palafitte. Not suitable for strollers. It takes about an hour to complete. 
Giant Bench
Lake Ledro also has its own giant bench, made from Vaia wood. Next to it stands a giant heart! It’s located near Best Ledro Camping, just a short walk (uphill!) from Besta Beach. In this article, we’ve listed Giant Benches in Trentino: Where to Find Them. 
Ledro Land Art
A park dedicated to sculptures made of wood and natural materials that is very dear to us is Ledro Land Art, where, as you stroll through the woods not far from the village of Pur, you’ll come across giant and unique creatures, such as a monkey, an alpine newt, and chickens… but that’s not all! Keep an eye on our calendar so you don’t miss any of the many events, including Stargazing, where you can admire the night sky. More info at: Ledro Land Art: Art in the Woods
“Nino Pernici” Bocca di Trat Mountain Hut
An easy route that’s also suitable for a hiking stroller. You can drive almost all the way to Malga Trat, heading up from Lenzumo (Val Concei) for about 7 km. From there, an easy trail leads through the woods to the Pernici mountain hut, offering a beautiful view of the entire Sarca Valley and the Mazza di Pichea. But if you want the best experience, you should stay overnight: the sunrise seen from up here is spectacular! And there are plenty of hikes to try in the surrounding area. In A Stunning Sunrise at the Pernici Mountain Hut we’ll share our experience with you.
Val di Concei: Wooden Statues and a Barefoot Trail
In the woods of Val Concei, countless wooden statues seem to appear as if by magic: the fox, the bear, the children, the fairy Gavardina… It will be wonderful to discover them one by one as you take a leisurely stroll through the beech forest. Near the wooden sculptures, you’ll find not only numerous flat trails but also a beautiful path perfect for walking barefoot.
You can walk on a variety of natural surfaces, improve your balance by walking on wooden planks and ropes, and boost your circulation by hiking up a frozen stream until you’re almost at the Rifugio al Faggio. We’ll tell you more about it in Barefoot in Val Concei.
Foletto Museum: The Art of the Apothecary
For nearly 200 years, the Foletto family has been caring for the residents of this valley. The pharmacist, the “speziale,” knew all the secrets of medicinal plants and preserved and blended them in just the right way to create various types of medicines. Inside the museum in Pieve di Ledro, you can admire the splendid furnishings of the old pharmacy, complete with original containers and machinery that still work. Not only that, but just a few meters from the museum lies the “Giardino dello Speziale” (Apothecary’s Garden), where plants and herbs used in the preparation of syrups, ointments, and tablets are still cultivated today—and where charming workshops are often held, such as one where you can make your own bar of soap using natural ingredients… We’ll tell you more in Foletto Museum in Pieve di Ledro .
Passo Tremalzo Lookout
A wonderful hike to admire Lake Ledro and Lake Garda from above as you climb to Passo Tremalzo, a prime vantage point. If you’re curious, take a look at Tremalzo Pass: Marogna Lookout
- In Tremalzo during the summer , you can also watch the milk-processing at Malga Tremalzo. It’s an opportunity to see how a fresh, healthy ingredient is skillfully (and laboriously!) transformed into ricotta, butter, and cheeses of various textures and ages. You can also buy these delicacies at the alpine dairy! We visited with a guide, who also explained the area’s natural features to us. Find out more in In Tremalzo, the World of Alpine Pastures.
Colle di Santo Stefano in Bezzecca
A visit to the Santo Stefano hill in Bezzecca, among the trenches and tunnels, is also ideal for a walk with the kids. It’s a historic site with stunning scenery, usually not very crowded, and off the beaten path of the valley’s most popular tourist routes. For more information, see: Bezzecca: Santo Stefano Hill.
Waterfalls: Gorg d’Abiss and Rio Palvico
Another easy walk with no elevation gain—and suitable even for strollers—is the trail that leads from Tiarno di Sotto to the scenic Gorg d’Abiss waterfall in about 20 minutes. It’s a cool, shaded trail that’s perfect for walking on hot days.
If you feel like driving a few more kilometers past Lake Ampola toward Storo, you’ll find a surprisingly beautiful sight waiting for you here on one of the hairpin turns: the Rio Palvico waterfall (Ampola Waterfall) boasts colors and is nestled in a landscape reminiscent of a tropical island… the water is a bit chilly, but it’s truly a beautiful spot. It’s not accessible with strollers, and you’ll need to climb over a few rocks, but on the plus side, it’s just a few meters from the road. We’ll tell you all about it in Magical Waterfalls in the Ledro Valley
Lake Ampola
Lake Ampola is a protected area. Here, thanks in part to the visitor center, you’ll have the opportunity to explore this unique habitat—which is home to fragile animal and plant species—up close and in depth. Take the time to observe everything at a leisurely pace: it will be an educational and relaxing experience even for children, far from the chaos and bustle of the nearby beaches of Pieve di Ledro. Here you’ll discover which plants and animals inhabit this unique area, where the waters are covered with water lilies. For a detailed account, click on The Lake Ampola Biotope.
Ledro Pile-Dwelling Museum
A visit to the Lake Ledro Pile-Dwelling Museum will take you back in time to a village from 4,000 years ago, built right on Lake Ledro. The museum’s primary goal—thanks in part to the many activities and events offered weekly during the summer—is to educate visitors about the lives of our ancestors through sight and experience. The exhibition has recently been renovated to make it even more accessible to visitors of all ages. Children especially enjoy visiting the reconstructions of the pile-dwelling houses. Our story in: The Pile-Dwelling Museum in Ledro . 
Games of Cubes
A series of eco-friendly installations—larch wood cubes designed to “enhance” the spots where they’re placed, offering a scenic setting, a backdrop for selfies, or simply a place to rest and enjoy the view. Look for all 8 of them: they’re easy to reach. Here’s where to find them: Games of Cubes on Lake Ledro.
For more information: GARDA DOLOMITI – tel. 0464 554444