Multistage route
Garda Trek - Top Loop: The crown of Garda Trentino
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/ From Bocca Saval to Nino Pernici mountain hutPhoto: N. Pellegrini, Garda Trentino -
/ The mountain hut Rifugio San PietroPhoto: Archivio APT Garda Trentino (ph. Promovideo), Garda Trentino
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/ View from the trenches from WWI above NagoPhoto: Associazione 1 Territorio 2 Fronti, Garda Trentino
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/ On the top of Monte StivoPhoto: Archivio Garda Trentino (Ph. Jennifer Doohan), Garda Trentino
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/ Rifugio Damiano Chiesa - Monte AltissimoPhoto: G.P. Calzà ©APT Garda Trentino, Garda Trentino
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/ Garda Trentino from Monte AltissimoPhoto: Foto LaValeBellotti, Garda Trentino
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/ Rifugio Pernici - Bocca di TratPhoto: Rifugio Pernici - Bocca di Trat, Garda Trentino
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/ View on lake Garda from the trailPhoto: G.P. Calzà ©APT Garda Trentino, Garda Trentino
A crown formed of mountain peaks and a series of unforgettable views, taking you from the lake shore to over 2000 metres above sea level. A challenging trek full of thrills and surprises, and crowning it all, the return to the starting point by ferry.
The highest circuit of Garda Trek (Top Loop) is made up of 7 stages which can be done one after the other or on separate occasions and the treks can also be cut short if needs be. There are in fact a number of different options for getting back to Riva del Garda, either on foot or by public transport. During your hike along the Top Loop you can sleep either in mountain huts or in hotels in the valley, experiencing different kinds of accommodation.
As a rule, the Top Loop can be hiked from June to October, but it is always advisable to check whether or not there is still any snow before setting out.
Please note that the Top Loop is a very challenging hike, which requires training and alpine skills.
Author’s recommendation
From palms and olive trees up to pastures and mountain pine: the Top Loop summerizes the variety of landscapes offered by Garda Trentino.
Rest Stop
Ristoro San GiovanniBOCCA DI TRAT "NINO PERNICI"
ALTISSIMO "DAMIANO CHIESA"
MONTE CALINO "SAN PIETRO"
STIVO "PROSPERO MARCHETTI"
MALGA ZANGA
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
- For information on the conditions along the trails and whether or not the mountain huts are open you can contact the local offices of the mountaineering association (SAT - Società Alpinisti Tridentini). In Garda Trentino there are clubs in Riva del Garda and Arco.
- For further information on routes and hike services as guides, shops and hiking friendly accommodation:
APT Garda Trentino, Tel. +39 0464 554444 www.gardatrentino.it
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
The trek begins and ends in Riva del Garda and is entirely on SAT hiking trails which present no particular technical difficulties but can at times be exposed and therefore require experience and attention to safety. For details see the description of the individual stages:
- Garda Trek - Top Loop 1: From Riva del Garda along the ridges to Rifugio Pernici
- Garda Trek - Top Loop 2: Descent to Lake Tenno
- GardaTrek - Top Loop 3: A long descent to the River Sarca
- GardaTrek - Top Loop 4: To the balcony over Lake Garda
- GardaTrek - Top Loop 5: Across the Front
- GardaTrek - Top Loop 6: In the Garden of Europe
- GardaTrek - Top Loop 7: An incredible return by water
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.
The bus station in Riva del Garda is a 15-minute-walk from the starting point of the route.
For up-to-the-minute information on timetables and routes: www.gardatrentino.it
Getting there
The start of the trail SAT 404 is in Riva del Garda (via Monte Oro), near the covered pay parking.
Getting to northern lake Garda / Garda Trentino: www.gardatrentino.it
Parking
The nearest car park is the garage in via Monte Oro (pay parking). Free parking is available at the old hospital in Riva del Garda (about 10 minutes on foot from the start of the trail)Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
- 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.
Statistics
- 7 Stages
Questions & Answers
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