Lake Garda Hiking Tours

Hiking 2000 Meters Above Lake Garda

Garda 2000 is one of the most scenic and contrasting itineraries in the Alps. It runs on very exposed eastern and western mountains ranges encircling the northern Lake Garda. It is an adventure that lets you see the glaring contrasts of Garda’s nature while we walk through various landscapes and climatic zones ranging from rocky alpine highlands to the gentle Mediterranean climate of the lake.

Style

Difficulty

Tour Duration

Start / Finish

Hut to Hut Hiking

Level 4

7 days / 6 nights

Monte Bondone / Riva del Garda

Private Guided€ 2430

TRIP DETAILS

Nothern Garda Loop Hike

Garda’s classic loop is a true adventure with a challenging hiking schedule. The efforts that you put into walking will be rewarded with unforgettable impressions. From very exposed Monte Baldo range you will see 360 degree panoramas with the Dolomites, the glaciers of Adamello, river Po valley and the Apennines.

Style

Difficulty

Tour Duration

Activity

Hut to Hut Hiking

Level 4

8 days / 7 nights

6 hiking days

TRIP DETAILS

Stelvio to Lake Garda Traverse

There is no other trip with such diversity of paths and sceneries than on our scenic highline trail. This trip starts on the glaciers of the Stelvio National Park and leads us to the Brenta Dolomites where we walk through the scenic central area and move towards Lake Garda to enjoy beautiful views over the lake from its steep ranges.

Style

Difficulty

Tour Duration

Activity

Hut to Hut Hiking

Level 3

8 days / 7 nights

6 hiking days

TRIP DETAILS

Lago di Garda is Italy’s largest lake and a very popular holiday destination. Thanks to its size, mild climate and comfortable water temperature during the summer, Garda is considered as a small sea rather than just a lake. All Europeans passionate for water sports know Lake Garda. In fact, there are conditions for almost every outdoor sport at the Lake and on its shores, including sailing, MTB, climbing, hiking, rafting and canyoning. Despite this, the mountains of Garda are little known as a hiking destination. It makes them a prefect off-the-beaten-track destination for seasoned hikers.

Lake Garda features the Mediterranean climate, not typical of the Alps. That is just one hour drive to the south from the Dolomites. The northern shores of Garda are mountainous, while its southern shore is flat. The Garda mountains feature all types of vegetation typical of the Alps and Mediterranean. In a day of ascent from the lake, you will cross several climatic zones with a broad diversity of flora.

The symbol of the Garda mountains is undoubtedly Monte Baldo. It is a 20 km long isolated mountain stretching along the Garda’s eastern shore. Monte Baldo is famous for unforgettable 360-degree panoramas catching the Dolomites, the glaciers of Adamello and the 160 km distant Apennines. You can enjoy these views while walking on the crest of Monte Baldo on our Northern Garda Hiking Tour. All other mountains around Lake Garda are rather unknown among non-local hikers. On the trails beyond Monte Baldo, you will not meet almost anyone but just a couple of locals during the weekend and, perhaps, a shepherd with his flock of sheep.

Our hiking tours in the Lake Garda mountains are organized as multi-day hut-to-hut hikes. Most of them are good for both guided and self-guided hiking, but on some of them you must be accompanied by our mountain guide. Overall, the trails are marked and maintained well by the local section of the Italian Alpine Club, but lightly maintained trails are not unusual. It is one of the reasons why most of our Garda hiking tours are Level 4. Another reason for this is the solitude factor. In addition, the distances between huts can be as long as 15 km and require 1,500 meters of ascent.

There are not many huts in the Garda mountains. We rate most of the Garda huts as basic, i.e. they provide the basic services. There is no such luxury as an en-suite bathroom. Few huts can offer a private room. Typically, the Garda huts offer accommodation in shared dormitories for 8-10 guests, limited number of private rooms for 2,3 or 4 guests, shared bathrooms and showers, and boarding.

Although the hiking itineraries in the Garda mountains do not reach high altitudes, they are challenging. Having prior mountain hiking experience is very important. Good level of fitness is absolutely a must.

Our hiking routes primarily run at the altitudes 1,800 - 2,200 meters, i.e. just above the treeline. It is the zone of alpine meadows. You will often be walking on the crests. Such trails are the most scenic as nothing blocks the view which is often 360 degrees wide. Evenings are especially beautiful on the slopes overlooking Garda. You will enjoy beautiful sunsets over Lake Garda at several conveniently located huts on the eastern shore.

Overall, Lake Garda hiking tours are for experienced hikers who prioritize wilderness and solitude as the key criteria. Also, photographers are attracted by the vast panoramas seen from the crests of the ridges surrounding the lake. Your Garda hike will definitely be quite demanding - it is worth planning a couple of rest days in Riva del Garda after the hike.