recommended route
Multi-stage route
Garda Trek - Top Loop: The crown of Garda Trentino
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View from the Bastione: Riva del GardaPhoto: Archivio APT Garda Trentino, North Lake Garda Trentino
7 challenging stages from one mountain hut to the next, from the shores of the lake to 2000 m and above, touching on all of the peaks surrounding the northern shores of Lake Garda.
A crown formed of mountain peaks and a series of unforgettable views, taking you from the lake shore to over 2000 metres above sea level. A challenging trek full of thrills and surprises, and crowning it all, the return to the starting point by ferry.
The highest circuit of Garda Trek (Top Loop) is made up of 7 stages which can be done one after the other or on separate occasions and the treks can also be cut short if needs be. There are in fact a number of different options for getting back to Riva del Garda, either on foot or by public transport. During your hike along the Top Loop you can sleep either in mountain huts or in hotels in the valley, experiencing different kinds of accommodation.
As a rule, the Top Loop can be hiked from June to October, but it is always advisable to check whether or not there is still any snow before setting out.
Please note that the Top Loop is a very challenging hike, which requires training and alpine skills.
SENTIERO DELLA REGINA FROM BOCCA DI TRAT TO LAKE TENNO IS CLOSED - USE THE ALTERNATIVE ROUTE
Author’s recommendation
From palms and olive trees up to pastures and mountain pine: the Top Loop summerizes the variety of landscapes offered by Garda Trentino.
Track types
Rest stops
BOCCA DI TRAT "NINO PERNICI"Canale di Tenno medieval village
MONTE CALINO "SAN PIETRO"
Ristoro San Giovanni
Rifugio Malga San Giovanni
STIVO "PROSPERO MARCHETTI"
MALGA ZANGA
ALTISSIMO "DAMIANO CHIESA"
Safety information
This excursion is only recommended from June to mid-October.
Safety Tips
- Choose itineraries that suit your physical and technical abilities. Collect information about the area you are visiting and the trail’s conditions and get a detailed trekking map.
- Wear clothes and take equipment that suit the difficulty and length of your tour. Keep emergency gear in your rucksack, including first aid supplies.
- Do not go walking alone in the mountains. In any case, tell someone where you are going and report back on returning.
- Look at the weather forecast before setting off and always keep an eye on the weather.
- In case of doubt, go back. It is better to give up than risk bad weather or face difficulties beyond your strength, ability and equipment.
- Do not leave marked paths and do not take shortcuts.
- All described walks are in a natural environment and therefore their use is at your own risk.
This information is subject to inevitable variations, so none of these indications are absolute. It is not entirely possible to avoid giving inexact or imprecise information, given how quickly environmental and weather conditions can change. For this reason, we decline any responsibility for changes which the user may encounter. In any case, it is advisable to check environment and weather conditions before setting out.
Tips and hints
For information on the conditions along the trails and whether or not the mountain huts are open you can contact the local offices of the mountaineering association (SAT - Società Alpinisti Tridentini). In Garda Trentino there are clubs in Riva del Garda and Arco.
For more information on routes, services (guides, mountain huts, shops etc.) and hiking friendly accommodation: Garda Trentino - +39 0464 554444
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
The trek begins and ends in Riva del Garda and is entirely on SAT hiking trails which present no particular technical difficulties but can at times be exposed and therefore require experience and attention to safety. For details see the description of the individual stages:
- Garda Trek - Top Loop 1: From Riva del Garda along the ridges to Rifugio Pernici
- Garda Trek - Top Loop 2: Descent to Lake Tenno (Sentiero della Regina is closed - use the alternative route do descend to Tenno)
- GardaTrek - Top Loop 3: A long descent to the River Sarca
- GardaTrek - Top Loop 4: To the balcony over Lake Garda
- GardaTrek - Top Loop 5: Across the Front
- GardaTrek - Top Loop 6: In the Garden of Europe
- GardaTrek - Top Loop 7: An incredible return by water
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
The main towns in Garda Trentino - Riva del Garda, Arco, Torbole sul Garda, Nago – are connected by several urban and intercity bus lines which will take you to the starting point of tours or in the immediate surroundings.
You can also get to Riva del Garda and Torbole sul Garda by the public ferry service.
Up-to-date information on timetables and routes.
By road
A22 motorway, exit: Rovereto Sud - Lago di Garda. Then SS240 in the direction of Riva del Garda.
Find out how to reach Garda Trentino.
Parking
Parking near the former hospital (Via Rosmini) or the former cemetery (Viale Damiano Chiesa).
Paid parking: Terme Romane (Viale Roma), Vecchia stazione (Largo Medaglie d’Oro), Ex-agraria (Via Lutti), Area ex-Cattoi (Viale Rovereto).
Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
Garda Trentino TREKKING Map – Available in the info points of Garda Trentino (Riva del Garda, Arco, Torbole sul Garda, Ledro, Comano Terme)
Equipment
You need to wear the right clothing and take the proper gear when you go hiking in the mountains. Even on relatively short easy outings make sure to take all you need so you don't run into trouble if things take an unexpected turn, for example a storm blows up or you have a sudden drop in energy levels.
What should you take when you go on a hike?
Your rucksack (for a day trip a 25/30L capacity should do) should contain:
- water canteen (1L)
- snacks (e.g. mixed dried fruit or chocolate)
- First aid kit
- windproof jacket
- fleece
- change of t-shirt and socks (in a plastic bag)
- make sure to wear or at least bring a pair of long trousers
- hat
- sun screen
- sunglasses
- gloves
- whistle to attract attention in an emergency
Make sure you're wearing the right footwear for the trail and season. The going can get rough and rocky underfoot and a pair of hiking boots will protect you from sprains. When wet, a grassy slope, rocky slab or steep trail can be dangerous unless you are wearing the proper footwear.
And finally... don't forget to bring your camera! You'll need it to capture the stunning views you come across all over Garda Trentino. And if you like, you can share your memories with us at #GardaTrentino.
Emergency telephone number 112.
Statistics
- 7 Stages
This stage counts nearly 1600 metres of elevation gain, from the mediterranean shores of Lake Garda to the alpine peaks between Garda Trentino and ...
This stage goes from a hut to the next, from Nino Pernici to San Pietro, touching the verdant shores of lake Tenno and the evocative medieval ...
From San Pietro hut (1000 m above sea level) to the valley bottom again. Another stage characterized by a great variety of lanscapes as you ...
Another uphill stage! From the bottom of the valley there is almost 2000 metres of elevation gain to get to one of the most spectacular viewing ...
A breathtaking descent from the over 2000 metres a.s.l. of the pastures of Monte Stivo to Nago in the valley floor, across the former front of teh ...
This stage takes you to Monte Baldo, renowned for the exceptional variety of its flora (it's therefore known as "Garden of Europe") and the ...
A breathtaking finale for the Top Loop of GardaTrek: take the cable car down to Monte Baldo and return by ferry to get back to where you started ...
Questions and answers
Rating
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