For my hiking tour this year, I decided on a shortened version of the classic 'From Merano to Lake Garda’ with my girlfriend. We skipped the first two stages and arrived at Caldaro. From here it took four days via Coredo, Molveno and Ponte Arche to Riva del Garda.
The route was exactly to our liking. We walked daily along good roads and through idyllic forests. You will always enjoy wonderful views of the surrounding mountain landscape. It’s really nice that the roads are not busy, and you rarely meet other hikers. The most spectacular stage I remember from the tour was from Molveno to Lago di Nembia. Here the trail leads directly along the rocks and offers breathtaking views of the towering mountain peaks.
You pass rustic huts and smell the fresh mountain air. Such a stage makes the mountain hiker’s heart beat faster. Another highlight is the stop at Rifugio San Pietro on the last day of hiking. High above the rooftops of Arco and Riva you can enjoy a wonderful view of Lake Garda.
The stages are very versatile and have a lot to offer. You can hardly get enough of the vineyards and apple orchards on the Wine Route in Caldaro. In Coredo you are idyllically situated on a hill where you can admire the overwhelming mountain landscape. Especially nice and nestled between the Brenta Dolomites and Lake Molveno is the lively town of Molveno. The last place, Riva del Garda is absolutely gorgeous, and you can enjoy the Italian lifestyle here like nowhere else. The hotels too leave nothing to be desired. From the friendly service to the beautiful rooms and the delicious breakfast everything was great. Some hotels also offer guests a wellness area or pool, which invite you to relax and linger.
Anyone who longs to cool off after a hot day of hiking is in the right place on this tour. Be it at Lake Caldaro next to windsurfers, at Lake Molveno with a unique view of the Brenta Dolomites or at Lake Garda. Almost every day there is a possibility to jump into a lake. So you can relax your tired legs and rest before the next day of hiking. The Lago di Nembia, with its subterranean tributaries and crystal-clear water, provides icy refreshment.
The hiking trip also had lots of culinary delights to offer. Right on the first day there was the best saltimbocca I have ever eaten in the hotel restaurant of Hotel Masatsch. Especially recommended is the traditional dish from Trentino ‘Polenta Con Funghi’. The best version of this speciality was at the Rifugio Selvata at the stage in the Brenta Dolomites. At the Rifugio San Pietro, I opted for a Trentino bacon plate. On Lake Garda pizza, pasta and gelato are a must. There’s also a huge selection of regional wines to try. That’s the life!
Conclusion: Our hiking trip in South Tyrol and Trentino was a great success. Our expectations were exceeded in all areas and we are happy to look back on the week. It’ll certainly not be the last time we visit this wonderful hiking region.
