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Garda Trek: the three hiking loops o Lake Garda
The Garda Trek is the hiking project that designs a true crown around the northern shore of Lake Garda, with departure and arrival in Riva del Garda. Three loop tours, designed for different fitness levels, connect villages, castles, mountain huts, and viewpoints of Garda Trentino. Whether you are looking for a one-day walk or a multi-stage trek, the Garda Trek has an itinerary suited for you.
Useful information
The Garda Trek was created to guide hikers through the most iconic landscapes of Garda Trentino: from the “Busa”, the flat basin that is home to Riva del Garda, Arco and Torbole, up to peaks that rise above 2,000 metres. All three routes are fully waymarked and can be tackled in full or split into individual stages, depending on the time and fitness level available.
What is the Garda Trek?
The Garda Trek is a project made up of three loop hiking routes that run along the northern shore of Lake Garda, in Trentino, linking peaks, scenic viewpoints, castles, villages, mountain huts and refuges across the area.
What's the difference between the three Garda Trek loops?
The three loops differ in length, elevation gain and difficulty. The Low Loop is the shortest and most accessible (33 km, 2 stages), the Medium Loop climbs above 1,000 metres over a longer route (73 km, 4 stages), while the Top Loop is the most demanding circuit, with 7 hut-to-hut stages reaching 2,078 metres.
Which loop should you choose to start with?
For beginners or anyone after a single day's excursion, the Low Loop is the best choice: it's the shortest tour, with modest elevation gain, and can be walked in any season.
When is the best time for the Garda Trek?
The Low Loop and Medium Loop can be walked all year round, though in winter it's worth checking for snow on the less sun-exposed stretches. The Top Loop, on the other hand, is recommended from June to October, when the high-altitude trails are free of snow.
The 3 Garda Trek tours
Low Loop
In the heart of Garda Trentino
The most accessible of the Garda Trek loops, suitable for everyone and walkable all year round. It links Riva del Garda, Tenno, Arco, Nago and Torbole via old mule tracks, through vineyards, olive groves and medieval villages.
Discover the routeMedium Loop
4 stages around Garda Trentino
A rollercoaster of ups and downs climbing above 1,000 metres, through Mediterranean vegetation and alpine woodland. It passes the Rifugio San Pietro, Ceniga, Drena and the famous Busatte-Tempesta trail. No mountaineering skills required.
Discover the routeTop Loop
The crown of Garda Trentino
The highest and most majestic circuit: seven hut-to-hut stages up to Monte Altissimo, at 2,078 metres. Recommended from June to October, it requires a good level of fitness but rewards with unforgettable views and a memorable final return by boat.
Discover the routeWhat to bring for the Garda Trek?
For a day hike, a 25/30-litre backpack is recommended. Here’s the essential kit not to forget, especially on the longer stretches of the Medium and Top Loop:
- Water bottle (1L)
- Energy snacks (nuts, chocolate)
- First aid kit
- Windproof jacket
- Fleece top
- Spare t-shirt and socks
- Long trousers
- Cap
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Gloves
- Emergency whistle
National emergency number: 112
FAQ - Garda Trek
Where does it start?
All three Garda Trek loops start from Riva del Garda, on Via Monte Oro, near the start of the SAT 402/404 trail.
How do you get back to the starting point?
Each loop is circular and therefore returns to Riva del Garda. The Top Loop also offers several options to shorten the route or return early on foot or by public transport, with a scenic final return by boat across the lake.
Where can you sleep along the way?
On the Low Loop, it's possible to stay overnight in Arco at the end of the first stage. The Medium Loop offers various options, from the Rifugio San Pietro to accommodation in Ceniga, Drena and Bolognano. The Top Loop alternates between hut stays and valley-floor accommodation, allowing you to experience different types of lodging.
Can you walk just some of the stages?
Yes. Each loop is divided into stages that can be tackled individually or on different days, allowing the route to be adapted to the time and fitness level available, particularly for the Medium and Top Loop.
Do you need technical experience or a guide to walk them?
None of the three loops requires mountaineering skills or via ferrata equipment, but a good level of fitness is needed, especially on the Medium and Top Loop. A guide isn't compulsory, but for the more demanding stages it's advisable not to go alone and to consider the support of local guides.
Source and up-to-date technical details: https://www.gardatrentino.it/en/outdoor/hiking/garda-trek
