GardaTrek - Top Loop 7: Back to the water

Long distance hiking trail • Garda Trentino and Valle di Ledro

Long distance hiking trailrecommended routeStage7Long distance hiking trail  · Garda Trentino Open

GardaTrek - Top Loop 7: Back to the water

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  • Panorama from Monte Altissimo
    Panorama from Monte Altissimo
    Photo: Archivio Garda Trentino (ph. Watchsome), Garda Trentino

Selected alternatives for you

    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. 

    Open
    moderate
    Distance 7.6 km
    2:50 h
    345 m
    655 m
    2,051 m
    1,421 m

    End a day of hiking with a descent on a spectacular rotating cable car and head back to where you started from on the water, maybe on one of the historic boats which have been ferrying passengers about the lake since the turn of the 20th century. Finish the final stage of GardaTrek in style!

    From the hut Damiano Chiesa a quite simple hike, almost entirely with lake view, leads to the cable car station. 
    Along thi stretch you can easily spot some chamois jumping on the steep rock walls or on the pastures. 

    Make sure to calculate the timing right so that you get to Malcesine in time to make the ferry boat to  Riva del Garda. Otherwise you can take one of the many buses which pass during the day (timetables here - line Riva - Malcesine - Garda).  Remember that, especially at weekends during the summertime, there can be large crowds waiting to take the cable car from Monte Baldo down to Malcesine so you may have to wait your turn.

    Author’s recommendation

    Before getting on board the ferry, take your time and visit Malcesine, one of the most charming village on lake Garda. 

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

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Experience
    Landscape
    Highest point
    2,051 m
    Lowest point
    1,421 m
    Best time of year
    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
    May
    Jun
    Jul
    Aug
    Sep
    Oct
    Nov
    Dec

    Track types

    Dirt road 30.89%Path 54.62%Road 14.48%
    Dirt road
    2.3 km
    Path
    4.2 km
    Road
    1.1 km
    Show elevation profile

    Safety information

    Caution! The stretch of SAT 651 along the ridge coming down towards Bocca Navene is extremely exposed if the weather turns bad. In this case you are advised to take the dirt road down to Rifugio Graziani and head towards Bocca Navene from there. 

    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

    Timetables and prices for the cable car from Monte Baldo to Malcesine are available on the website

    You can then return from Malcesine to Riva del Garda by ferry or by bus:

    • by lake on the public ferry service. Times and fares can be found here.
    • by bus from Malcesine station. Times and fares can be found here.

    Get Timetable to destination

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    GardaTrek - Top Loop 7: Back to the water

    Directions

    Find out how to reach Garda Trentino.

    Parking

    No parking slots available at the hut Damiano Chiesa: you can get there only on foot. You can park in front of Rifugio Graziani. 

    Coordinates

    DD
    45.810504, 10.890675
    DMS
    45°48'37.8"N 10°53'26.4"E
    UTM
    32T 646897 5074731
    w3w 
    ///indulged.deafened.seashells
    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

    • GardaTrek - Top Loop 6: In the Garden of Europe
    • The San Rocco Path
    • Garda Trek - Top Loop: The crown of Garda Trentino
    • Garda Trek - Top Loop 1: from Riva del Garda to Rifugio Pernici
    • Sentiero Frassati - Leg 1
     These suggestions were generated by our system
    Status
    Open
    Difficulty
    moderate
    Overall difficulty
    moderate

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Distance
    7.6 km
    Duration
    2:50 h
    Ascent
    345 m
    Descent
    655 m
    Highest point
    2,051 m
    Lowest point
    1,421 m
    Public-transport-friendly Multi-stage route Scenic Refreshment stops available Flora Cableway ascent/descent Linear route

    Weather at the starting point

    10-day forecast

    Statistics

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    Maps and trails
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    Distance
    Duration
    Ascent
    Descent
    Elevation profile


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