Travel Story: Around Lake Garda

With rain along for the ride, we set off on our second stage from Limone to Gardone, starting with an exciting speedboat ride to Maderno. Before hitting the trail, we ease into the day with a cappuccino and a freshly baked croissant at a small lakeside café. Dressed head to toe in rain gear, we begin our hike toward the Valle delle Cartiere—the Valley of Paper Mills. Today, this valley is a fascinating open-air museum where visitors can marvel at the remains of old paper mills and learn about the history and art of papermaking. From there, we take on a challenging climb into the untouched forests of western Lake Garda. The long-distance Bassa Via del Garda trail leads us through sparsely populated woodlands as we steadily hike up and down the rugged terrain.

By early afternoon, we reach the beautiful town of Gardone—a true gem known for its elegant villas and lush gardens. A standout highlight is the André Heller Botanical Garden (Giardino Botanico Fondazione André Heller), a botanical masterpiece that enchants visitors with its vast variety of plants and artistic sculptures. After an inspiring visit, we head back to our accommodations at Villa Sofia to freshen up. Changed and dry, we end the day at a cozy osteria with a glass of red wine and delicious seafood pasta—the perfect finish!