Stage
Garda Trek - Top Loop 1: from Riva del Garda to Rifugio Pernici
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/ On the ridge along the trail between Ledro and GardaPhoto: G.P. Calzà ©APT Garda Trentino, Garda Trentino -
/ View on lake Garda from the trailPhoto: Archivio APT Garda Trentino (ph. Calzà), Garda Trentino
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/ On the trail around Cima GiochelloPhoto: G.P. Calzà ©APT Garda Trentino, Garda Trentino
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/ The trail on the ridge between lake Garda and Ledro ValleyPhoto: G.P. Calzà ©APT Garda Trentino, Garda Trentino
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/ View on Lake Ledro from DromaèPhoto: Consorzio Valle di Ledro - Foto Promovideo, Garda Trentino
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/ From Bocca Saval to Nino Pernici mountain hutPhoto: N. Pellegrini, Garda Trentino
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/ Rifugio Pernici - Bocca di TratPhoto: Rifugio Pernici - Bocca di Trat, Garda Trentino
The first stage of Garda Treks takes you from the Mediterranean ambience of the centre of Riva del Garda to the alpine environment of the ridges which lead you one step after another to the mountain hut Rifugio Pernici.
This trail starts out with a very tough stretch, gaining altitude fast as you head up the steep slopes of Monte Rocchetta on the trail SAT 418. The elevation gain is approx. 1550 m, but it's well worth the effort as you enjoy the fabulous views on both sides once you get to the ridge.
Please note that along the route there is nowhere to stop off for refreshments. So make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks.
In the vicinity of Rifugio Pernici you can find a number of trenches dating back to the First World War. This was in fact part of the Austrian defence line. The building which today hosts the hut was built during that period as an officers' cantine.
Author’s recommendation
At the Pernici hut you must absolutely taste the potato polenta: a substantial dish ideal for recovering strength after hiking.
Rest Stop
BOCCA DI TRAT "NINO PERNICI"Safety information
While not involving any particular technical difficulties, this trek should only be undertaken by hikers with good fitness levels and plenty of experience since there are some very exposed stretches which require due caution.
From late autumn to the end of spring you may come across icy stretches which make the going treacherous and require you to have the appropriate equipment. Much of the trail runs along the ridge and in case of bad weather may be subject to severe weather conditions, especially during a thunderstorm. Make sure you have footwear and clothing suited to hiking in alpine conditions.
This excursion is only recommended from June to mid-October.
The information on this chart is subject to inevitable variations, so this means that none of the 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, the hiker is advised to check the conditions of the places, environment and weather before setting out.
Tips, hints and links
- The mountain hut Rifugio Nino Pernici is open every day from the end of April to mid-October. In any case, it is advisable to check the website or contact the manager to be sure.
The "polenta di patate" (potato polenta) is a typical local dish. If you want to find out more about its curious story and get to know Marco, the hut manager, read this article. - If you want to head back down to Riva del Garda after sleeping over in the hut we recommend this route: Trail SAT 402, the “pinza” trail: outside the hut take SAT 402 which leads down to Riva del Garda. The trail passes through Campi and then joins the old “pinza” road, one of the ancient communication routes in Garda Trentino. Near Riva del Garda, the trails passes by the ruins of San Giovanni and the chapel of Santa Maria Maddalena; when you come to the junction with SAT 404 you can choose to continue on in the direction of Bastione to enjoy the marvellous view of the lake or else head straight down to the town centre.
- For further information on routes, activities, events and accommodation at lake Garda: APT Garda Trentino, Tel. +39 0464 554444 - www.gardatrentino.it
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
Note
Public transport
Public transport friendly
The towns in Garda Trentino - Riva del Garda, Torbole sul Garda, Nago and Arco – are connected by a number of urban and intercity bus lines.
It takes about 15 minutes on foot to get from the bus station in Riva del Garda to the starting point of the route.
For up-to-the-minute information on timetables and routes: www.gardatrentino.it
Getting there
The SAT 404 trail starts in Riva del Garda, in via Monte Oro, near the covered car park.
Getting to northern lake Garda / Garda Trentino: www.gardatrentino.it
Parking
The nearest car park is the covered pay parking in via Monte Oro. You can find free parking at the old hospital of Riva del Garda (about 10 minutes walk from the start of the trail).Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
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Garda Trentino trekking map – On sale in information offices in Riva del Garda, Arco and Torbole and online
Book recommendations for this region:
Recommended maps for this region:
Equipment
The trek proposed here does not have bolted routes or via ferratas, and so there is no need for helmets, harness or rope. However, considering how physically demanding the route is, the length of the stages and the presence of some exposed stretches, this type of trek is only recommended for people who are very fit, who have a good sense of direction and who are used to hiking in a mountain environment.
GardaTrek requires you to have standard hiking equipment for alpine terrain and we suggest you also bring a wind and waterproof jacket and fleece in case of bad weather, a torch, a change of underwear, sunglasses and sunscreen, a water canteen and snacks.
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