10 Awe-Inspiring Things to Do in & Around Northern Lake Garda

Lake Garda is quite large, with many beautiful towns to discover along its sparkling edges. After much research, we decided to focus our time in the northernmost region of the lake, a region called Trentino. This is an area filled with endless natural beauty – incredible hikes, jaw-dropping viewpoints, and mesmerizing lake views. Read on for 10 Awe-Inspiring Things To Do in & Around Northern Lake Garda.   

1. Hike to Croce dei Colodri

A local hike offering jaw-dropping views. This was nowhere on our itinerary until our Airbnb host Nicola at Da la Babi mentioned it. I’m so glad he encouraged us to go because it was a highlight of the trip. Input a church called St Maria Di Laghel into your navigation as your starting point. Parking can be found nearby, and to the left of the church is the beginning of the hiking trail.

The hike will take 30-40 minutes in total and is a descent uphill climb. You will know you have reached the top when you’re welcomed by Croce dei Colodri, a giant iron cross. Just beyond on the cross is the real treasure, sweeping views across Riva del Garda including arial views of Arco Castle, Lake Garda and the mountains in the distance. 

2. Sunset at Sentiero Busatte Tempesta

Talk about breathtaking panoramic views, the ones at Sentiero Busatte Tempesta cannot be missed! Sentiero Busatte Tempesta is a collection of walking trails and cliff side staircases, starting in Busatte and spanning along Lake Garda to a town called Tempesta. Hands down, the best views of Lake Garda we were lucky enough to witness.

Free parking can be found at the Busatte parking lot. From here, you will walk through Busatte Adventure Park before reaching the clearly marked entrance to the path. The walk is easy to moderate in difficulty, but definitely not advised for those afraid of heights! In total the walk is approximately three hours. I suggest giving yourself plenty of daylight to work with, but witnessing sunset here is something special. 

3. Visit Arco Castle

Sitting pretty, looking out over the city of Riva del Garda, is the beautifully regal Arco Castle. Arco Castle is a staple of the Garda Trentino landscape. The castle offers views across the town, valley and mountains surrounding. Cost of admission is only 3.50 euros. The castle is generally open from 10am-6pm. You can check for opening times through the link here.  

4. Walk around Lago di Tenno

Lago di Tenno is a crystal clear mountain lake featuring the most magnificent shades of aqua blue and green water. The lake is popular in the summer for swimming and boating, but during the winter the lake was quiet and serene. The surface of the lake laid flat and unwavering, like a perfect sheet of mirrored glass reflecting the snowcapped mountains and blue skies above. A walking path around the lake provides the perfect trail to clear your head and breathe in the fresh mountain air.

5. Peruse Casartisti Canale di Tenno

Just a 5 minute drive from Lago di Tenno is the medieval village of Casartisti Canale Di Tenno. This is the perfect place to stop for lunch or an afternoon snack while admiring architecture that will inevitably have you envisioning yourself as a character in a magical story book.

6. Stroll Strada de Ponale

Not too far from the city center of Riva del Garda is a lovely path called Strada de Ponale. A popular spot for biking, walking, and running with minimal incline and fantastic views along Lake Garda. Continue along the path for approximately one hour and be rewarded with stunning views alongside a well deserved pint and snack at restaurant Ponale Alte Belvedere.

7. Visit Riva del Garda

Nestled in the northernmost section of Lake Garda is Riva del Garda. The emerald green lake is surrounded by candy-colored hotels, with mountains towering across its outer edges. The masses flock here during the summer, but winter offers a quiet, tranquil oasis.

Wander the outer edges of the lake, with mountaintop views straight to the bottom. When you get hungry, make your way to Osteria il Gallo for a choice of seafood and classic Northern Italian dishes in a rustic and unassuming setting. 

8. Cable car to the top of Monte Baldo

The mountain range trailing the northeast side of Lake Garda is Monte Baldo. A 30-minute drive from Santuario Madonna della Corona will lead you to the Funivia (Cable Car) Malcesine Monte Baldo. This cable car provides 360-degree views of Lake Garda, Monte Baldo, and the many Italian villages below. From the top you can hike, ski, or even mountain bike. Be sure to check their website here for timetables and rates on passes.

9. Visit Santuario Madonna Della Corona

A cliffside chapel suspended between heaven and earth, Santuario Madonna Della Corona is a truly incredible sight to see. The centuries old church isn’t located directly on Lake Garda, but it is well worth the detour. The church is especially easy to access on your way to Lake Garda if you’re driving from Venice or Verona.  I have put together a post on how to get to Santuario Madonna Della Corona, including notes on the best photography spots to capture the divinity of this sanctuary.

10. Road trip through Northern Italy

There is incredible beauty and culture to be discovered across northern Italy. Each town unearths a different taste, style, and character. Starting in Venice, life is slow, the cicheti are plenty, and the Aperol spritz is flowing. A short train ride will find you transported to the medieval streets of Verona. Here, romantic stone alleyways pair perfectly with the candle-lit osterias, offering comforting bowls of risotto. Lastly, a winding drive through alpine villages leads to the towns of Trentino, where the air is cleaner and the world is wilder.

Where to Stay in Northern Lake Garda

Lago di Garda is Italy’s largest lake and offers a variety of areas to explore. We chose to stay in the northern region, near Riva del Garda, known for its mountain biking, scenic hiking trails, and easy access to the lake.

Da la Babi $$ – A modern eco-friendly Airbnb nestled on an olive tree grove. Barbara and Nicola’s stunning property boasts sprawling views of Lake Garda and the surrounding mountains. Every morning we awoke to a homemade vegan breakfast made by Barbara herself, which still rivals any breakfast I’ve ever had. You’ll need a car to access the place, but the seclusion adds to the charm. 

Hotel Villa Enrica $$- If you want to be closer Lake Garda and the town of Riva del Garda along it’s edge, Hotel Villa Enrica offers the ideal location. Bonus: they offer terraced rooms with private hot tubs and postcard worthy views.

Eco Garda Hill $ – Private apartment with a balcony, mountain views, and stellar reviews!

Conclusion

For more details on where to stay in Lake Garda, how to get there, and the best month to visit – check out our post on a Weekend Guide to Visiting Lake Garda. We had two days in the Trentino region, which was the breath of fresh air away from city life that we needed. If you have the ability to stay longer, I highly suggest it! I can say with certainty that I look forward to returning and exploring further into the Trentino-Alto Adige region of Italy.