Garda Trek - Top Loop: The crown of Garda Trentino

Long distance hiking trail • Garda Trentino and Valle di Ledro

Long distance hiking trailrecommended routeMulti-day routeLong distance hiking trail  · Garda Trentino Open

Garda Trek - Top Loop: The crown of Garda Trentino

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  • View from the Bastione: Riva del Garda
    View from the Bastione: Riva del Garda
    Photo: Archivio APT Garda Trentino, North Lake Garda Trentino

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    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.

    Open
    difficult
    Distance 93.3 km
    47:00 h
    7,266 m
    5,601 m
    2,058 m
    86 m

    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. 

    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.  

    Profile picture of Staff Outdoor Garda Trentino
    Author
    Staff Outdoor Garda Trentino
    LogoGarda Trentino
    Responsible for this content
    Garda Trentino  Verified partner 
    Difficulty
    T3difficult
    Overall difficulty
    difficult

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Experience
    Landscape
    Highest point
    Monte Altissimo, 2,058 m
    Lowest point
    Riva del Garda, 86 m
    Best time of year
    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
    May
    Jun
    Jul
    Aug
    Sep
    Oct
    Nov
    Dec

    Track types

    Asphalt 11.73%Dirt road 5.42%Forested/wild trail 21.78%Path 54.76%Road 5.05%Traces of trail 0.02%Unknown 1.20%
    Asphalt
    10.9 km
    Dirt road
    5.1 km
    Forested/wild trail
    20.3 km
    Path
    51.1 km
    Road
    4.7 km
    Traces of trail
    20 m
    Unknown
    1.1 km
    Show elevation profile

    Rest stops

    Rifugio Pernici
    Rifugio Malga San Giovanni
    MALGA ZANGA

    Safety information

    This excursion is only recommended from June to mid-October.

    Safety Tips

    1. 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.
    2. Wear clothes and take equipment that suit the difficulty and length of your tour. Keep emergency gear in your rucksack, including first aid supplies.
    3. Do not go walking alone in the mountains. In any case, tell someone where you are going and report back on returning.
    4. Look at the weather forecast before setting off and always keep an eye on the weather.
    5. 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.
    6. Do not leave marked paths and do not take shortcuts.
    7. 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 suggestions

    You’ve picked the perfect trail – now make sure you’re ready to enjoy it to the fullest. Local hiking specialists are here to help: guides, shops and experts with the tips and support you need for every step of the way.

    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.

    Get Timetable to destination

    to
    Garda Trek - Top Loop: The crown of Garda Trentino

    Directions

    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

    Free parking near the former hospital (Via Rosmini).

    Paid parking: Terme Romane (Viale Roma), Vecchia stazione (Largo Medaglie d’Oro), Ex-agraria (Via Lutti).

    Coordinates

    DD
    45.887002, 10.837871
    DMS
    45°53'13.2"N 10°50'16.3"E
    UTM
    32T 642599 5083135
    w3w 
    ///encounter.pausing.harmony
    Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

    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.

    Similar routes nearby

    • Garda Trek - Top Loop 1: from Riva del Garda to Rifugio Pernici
    • Sentiero Frassati - Leg 1
    • GardaTrek - Top Loop 6: In the Garden of Europe
    • GardaTrek - Top Loop 3: a long descent to the River Sarca
    • Sentiero Frassati - Leg 2
     These suggestions were generated by our system
    Status
    Open
    Difficulty
    T3difficult
    Overall difficulty
    difficult

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Distance
    93.3 km
    Duration
    47:00 h
    Ascent
    7,266 m
    Descent
    5,601 m
    Highest point
    2,058 m
    Lowest point
    86 m
    Public-transport-friendly Multi-stage route Scenic Summit route Refreshment stops available Cultural/historical interest Geological highlights Flora Insider tip Linear route

    Weather at the starting point

    10-day forecast

    Statistics

    • Content
    • Show images Hide images
    Features
    2D 3D
    Maps and trails
    Long distance hiking trail · Garda Trentino
    Garda Trek - Top Loop 1: from Riva del Garda to Rifugio Pernici
    recommended route Difficulty difficult Stage 1 Open
    Distance 13.7 km
    Duration 7:00 h
    Ascent 1,822 m
    Descent 317 m

    This stage counts nearly 1600 metres of elevation gain, from the mediterranean shores of Lake Garda to the alpine peaks between Garda Trentino and ...

    from Staff Outdoor Garda Trentino VB,   Garda Trentino
    Long distance hiking trail · Garda Trentino
    GardaTrek - Top Loop 2: descent to Lake Tenno
    recommended route Difficulty moderate Stage 2 closed
    Distance 11.6 km
    Duration 5:00 h
    Ascent 678 m
    Descent 1,305 m

    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 Staff Outdoor Garda Trentino VB,   Garda Trentino
    Long distance hiking trail · Garda Trentino
    GardaTrek - Top Loop 3: a long descent to the River Sarca
    recommended route Difficulty difficult Stage 3 Open
    Distance 20.3 km
    Duration 7:55 h
    Ascent 1,000 m
    Descent 2,000 m

    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 ...

    from Staff Outdoor Garda Trentino VB,   Garda Trentino
    Long distance hiking trail · Garda Lake
    GardaTrek - Top Loop 4: to the balcony over Lake Garda
    recommended route Difficulty difficult Stage 4 Open
    Distance 16.3 km
    Duration 7:50 h
    Ascent 1,917 m
    Descent 16 m

    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 ...

    from Staff Outdoor Garda Trentino VB,   Garda Trentino
    Long distance hiking trail · Garda Trentino
    GardaTrek - Top Loop 5: Across the former Austrian Front
    recommended route Difficulty difficult Stage 5 Open
    Distance 12.3 km
    Duration 4:00 h
    Ascent 0 m
    Descent 1,797 m

    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 ...

    from Staff Outdoor Garda Trentino VB,   Garda Trentino
    Long distance hiking trail · Garda Trentino
    GardaTrek - Top Loop 6: In the Garden of Europe
    recommended route Difficulty difficult Stage 6 Open
    Distance 11.3 km
    Duration 7:00 h
    Ascent 1,839 m
    Descent 0 m

    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 ...

    from Staff Outdoor Garda Trentino VB,   Garda Trentino
    Long distance hiking trail · Garda Trentino
    GardaTrek - Top Loop 7: Back to the water
    recommended route Difficulty moderate Stage 7 Open
    Distance 7.6 km
    Duration 2:50 h
    Ascent 345 m
    Descent 655 m

    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 ...

    from Staff Outdoor Garda Trentino VB,   Garda Trentino
    Nothing selected - click and drag in the elevation profile to zoom
    Distance
    Duration
    Ascent
    Descent
    Elevation profile


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