GardaTrek - Low Loop 1: from Riva del Garda to Arco
Mountain tour • Garda Trentino and Valle di Ledro
GardaTrek - Low Loop 1: from Riva del Garda to Arco
<p>The first stage of the trek links the two main towns in Garda Trentino and takes you from Riva del Garda to Arco.</p>
<p>This trail takes in the entire western area of Garda Trentino and traces a semicircle across the slopes of the mountains surrounding the lower stretch of the River Sarca. </p> <p>Along the way you can stop off in some of the places steeped in local history which have become symbols of Garda Trentino.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Bastione di Riva del Garda</strong>: shortly after the start of the trail you can take a short detour to Bastione, a fortress built by the Venetians to defend the harbour of Riva and an excellent viewing point over the town and the northern part of Lake Garda.</li> <li><strong>The church of San Lorenzo in Tenno</strong>: this little chapel has some of the oldest frescos in the Trento region, dating back to the 12th century. The chapel is at the southern end of the fortified village of Frapporta, a group of medieval houses huddled about Tenno Castle.</li> <li><strong>Arco Castle</strong>: the castle is situated atop a cliff overlooking the entire upper end of Lake Garda. Here you can visit the ruins of a number of buildings.</li> </ul>
recommended routeStage1Mountain tour
· Garda Trentino OpenGardaTrek - Low Loop 1: from Riva del Garda to Arco
Garda Trentino Verified partner
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The BastionePhoto: Patrizia N. Matteotti (Archivio Garda Trentino), Garda Trentino
The first stage of the trek links the two main towns in Garda Trentino and takes you from Riva del Garda to Arco.
This trail takes in the entire western area of Garda Trentino and traces a semicircle across the slopes of the mountains surrounding the lower stretch of the River Sarca.
Along the way you can stop off in some of the places steeped in local history which have become symbols of Garda Trentino.
- Bastione di Riva del Garda: shortly after the start of the trail you can take a short detour to Bastione, a fortress built by the Venetians to defend the harbour of Riva and an excellent viewing point over the town and the northern part of Lake Garda.
- The church of San Lorenzo in Tenno: this little chapel has some of the oldest frescos in the Trento region, dating back to the 12th century. The chapel is at the southern end of the fortified village of Frapporta, a group of medieval houses huddled about Tenno Castle.
- Arco Castle: the castle is situated atop a cliff overlooking the entire upper end of Lake Garda. Here you can visit the ruins of a number of buildings.
Author’s recommendation
Have you ever considered hiking in winter? GardaTrek Low Loop is the ideal route in the ideal place: not too difficult, never too cold.
The Low Loop intersects with some of the trails in the “Hidden Treasures” series, easy hikes recommended for anyone interested in finding out more about the history, literary connections and art of Garda Trentino. For example, you can explore the terraced farmland of Tenno or dive into the past of Arco and relive the atmosphere of the Belle Epoque when the town was an internationally renowned Kurort with a sanatorium for tuberculosis patients. Click here to find these itineraries.
Garda Trentino Verified partner
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
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 suggestions
The first stage of the Low Loop ends at Arco. Here you can stay overnight before continuing on your way. If you choose to do so, we recommend you opt for one of our Outdoor Friendly hospitality partners who offer special facilities for sports lovers. Otherwise, you can take public transport back to the point you started from (See Getting there tab).
For more information on routes, services (guides, mountain huts, shops etc.) and hiking friendly accommodation: Garda Trentino - +39 0464 554444
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
Directions
The start of the trail SAT 404 is in via Monte Oro in Riva del Garda, near the covered pay parking.
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
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.
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
