Travel story: From Caldaro to Lake Garda

The Best of Both Worlds

First things first: what makes the hiking tour from Caldaro to Lake Garda so special? Towering mountain ranges, hearty traditional cuisine, and colorful orchards meet gentle vineyards, olive groves, and the charm of la dolce vita. This unique combination gives the tour a character that’s hard to find anywhere else.

Each stage of the tour offers its own highlights: the varied route leads to the most stunning postcard-worthy scenes of Italy’s lake region, through the dramatic mountains of South Tyrol and Trentino, past sleepy villages straight out of a storybook, and to rustic mountain huts where delicious local specialties are served according to age-old recipes.

Among Vineyards, Peaks, and Mountain-Hut Delights

From the very first steps, it’s clear that late summer is a particularly beautiful time to visit South Tyrol. The harvest season is just around the corner, and the landscape is at its lushest. Juicy red and white grapes hang from the vines, soon to be transformed into fine wines. The apple trees are heavy with ripe fruit, so tempting that you almost want to pick one and take it along for your next break.

Our starting point, Caldaro, rests on the deep-blue Lake Caldaro and exudes the quintessential South Tyrolean charm you could hardly wish for: Mediterranean, yet unmistakably alpine.

The first stage of our journey from Caldaro to Coredo takes us straight up. We begin leisurely, riding the historic Mendola Funicular into the Non Valley Alps. Under brilliant blue skies and fueled by a touch of sporty ambition, we can’t resist adding a few extra meters of elevation, veering slightly off the planned route, and hiking down to Coredo only after a rewarding summit ascent.

One of the great advantages of Eurohike’s Self-Guided Tours is the freedom to move at your own pace. You can adapt the route on the spot whenever a detour to a tempting peak along the way proves too irresistible to pass by.

Our goal: Monte Roen, at 2,116 meters (6,942 feet), the highest peak of the Mendel Mountains and part of the Nonsberg Group, which separates South Tyrol’s lower valley from Trentino. Along the way, we stop to refuel at Malga di Romeno, a traditional mountain hut. I opt for Strangolapreti—spicy spinach dumplings in the Trentino style, served with rich Trentino Grana cheese. This is exactly how South Tyrol is meant to taste!

The ascent to Monte Roen is occasionally steep in places, but the wide trails make it manageable—provided you have a solid level of fitness. Once at the summit, we are richly rewarded with a 360-degree panorama that never fails to impress. My gaze sweeps from the Dolomites across the Brenta and Adamello groups all the way to the Ortler region.

The long descent down to Coredo demands a bit more endurance—by the end of the day, we’ve covered around 30 kilometers (19 miles) with over 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) of elevation gain. Tired but exhilarated from the experience of this hiking kick-off, we arrive at the beautifully situated Hotel Miraval in the charming village of Coredo.

The Eurohike Original Route from Caldaro to Coredo is highly recommended as well. My colleague Elisabeth was on this route just ahead of me—she shares her impressions and experiences in detail in her travel story.

On to Lake Molveno

A new hiking day begins—and what a start! After a delicious breakfast, our friendly on-site tour representative Alessandro is already waiting for us in the hotel lobby. He drives us by Eurohike bus to the small, tranquil village of Spormaggiore—the starting point of today’s stage.

At first, we walk alongside endless rows of apple trees. Soon, the trail leads us into a wide forest path, and we enter the Brenta Dolomites Nature Park. On quiet, secluded trails, we steadily climb toward Cavedago. Here, a small church catches my eye. Although it sits at “only” about 900 meters (2,950 feet), the view over the Val di Non is truly breathtaking.

We continue through the pine forest, steadily ascending, until we reach a forest road that leads us toward Lake Molveno. And then it happens—that magical moment: the trees thin, and as if from nowhere, a stunning view of the turquoise Molveno Lake opens up, almost like a bird’s-eye perspective. I discover a small panoramic spot and pause to fully soak in the scenery.

The descent finally brings us into the lively village of Molveno, which immediately charms me. How is it possible that I had never heard of Lake Molveno or this picturesque Italian village at the foot of the Brenta Dolomites before?

Moments of Culinary Delight in Trentino

My journey through Trentino was full of culinary highlights, and I have to say, I have rarely eaten so well as on this hiking tour: hearty alpine flavors meet light Mediterranean cuisine. Along the way, the rifugios serve delicious dumpling variations and wonderful dishes with polenta and game, while further south, you can enjoy refined pasta dishes and freshly caught fish. This is a region made for savoring—honest, down-to-earth, and surprisingly diverse.

On Spectacular Trails Through the Brenta Dolomites

Yesterday we admired them from the beach at Lake Molveno—today we’re right in the heart of them, heading high into the Brenta Dolomites. The weather isn’t quite as favorable as it has been over the past few days, but that doesn’t stop us from setting out on the planned loop hike.

We take the cable car up to the Pradel mountain area. The high-altitude trail is absolutely spectacular: varied, visually stunning, and thrilling, as the narrow paths cling closely to the rock faces. Surefootedness and a head for heights are required on this section, but all the tighter passages are safely secured with steel cables.

On the descent back to the valley, we pause for a well-deserved break at Baita Ciclamino—a cozy hut with a breathtaking view. The panini served here come in countless variations and are clearly prepared with great care. It’s the perfect way to cap off an altogether memorable tour before returning to the valley.

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From the Mountains to Italy’s Largest Lake

The final stage of the day awaits. In the morning, we take a transfer to the Lomaso Valley, a nature reserve with stunning scenery. On our right, a striking mountain range accompanies us as we climb a partially steep trail up to Passo Calino. We continue on to Rifugio San Pietro, a beautiful mountain hut that’s perfect for a rest. From here, the first view of Lake Garda unfolds—a little highlight I hadn’t expected so early in the day.

I particularly enjoy the descent from Rifugio San Pietro. Step by step, the surroundings grow noticeably more Mediterranean: just moments ago, I was surrounded by a captivating mountain world, and now vineyards and olive groves line the path. Nestled in this idyllic setting is the village of Canale di Tenno, which has retained its medieval charm to this day. Finally, we reach Varone, from where we take the bus to Riva del Garda.

I’ve visited Riva del Garda several times, and I always love returning. The charming old-town streets, the numerous small cafés and restaurants, and the dramatic mountain backdrop to the north of the lake make this place truly special.

I already knew I wanted to stay a little longer in Riva del Garda, so I immediately booked an extra night—a decision I can wholeheartedly recommend.

The next day, we set out on the Ponale Trail—one of the most beautiful panoramic routes in the region. The trailhead is right in Riva, and within minutes, a breathtaking view of Lake Garda opens up.

Culinary delights are also abundant at Lake Garda: we end our hiking week in relaxed style with delicious spaghetti ai frutti di mare and a good glass of wine.

My Favorite Spot

You might have guessed it—I just raved about Lake Molveno, didn’t I? Indeed, my favorite spot on this tour is the small panoramic viewpoint where I first saw the lake from above. What makes this view so special is the way Lake Molveno lies at your feet in all its vibrant colors, framed by the stunning mountain backdrop.

Just two switchbacks further down, there’s a lovely rest area with a wooden table, two benches, and a fantastic view of the village of Molveno and the lake beyond. It’s the perfect spot to take a break and fully savor the moment!