The Dolomites to Lake Garda

Cosmopolitan Trento is located in the wide glacial Adige River Valley and is  framed by Südtirol’s mountains. Take time to explore Trento’s Medieval and Renaissance centre, with its pastel-hued buildings with wooden balconies, 12th-century cathedral, frescoed Piazza Duomo and Buonconsiglio Castle.

Trento is easily reached by train from across Italy; just 2h10 from Venice, 2h50 from Milan or 4 hrs from Rome.

Today’s walk starts with a transfer (approx. 35 mins) high into the mountains, to Fai della Pagnella at 1000m. Drink in the outstanding views over the wooded valley as you walk towards the aqua tones of Lake Molveno.

Molveno itself is a sleepy lakeside town, with a handful of hotels and restaurants.  Why not try a Trentino speciality—tender white zambana asparagus or carne salada—cured beef sausage rolled in a mixture of coarse salt, laurel, black pepper, juniper, crushed garlic and rosemary. Delizioso!

Ascent/Descent: 814m/953m

Pack your daypack with your essentials as you’ll be staying the next 2 nights deep in the Brenta Dolomites, in remote huts. A cable car then chairlift whisks you high above the lake to Palon di Tovre at 1530m, where you’ll find Rifugio Montanara, the perfect spot to fuel up on honey strudel cake before your hike.

A challenging day has you trekking deep into the Adamello Brenta Dolomites National Park. Your efforts will be rewarded with outstanding views over the limestone peaks.  Rifugio Selvata provides an idyllic lunch stop. WARNING: This walk is quite challenging as it contains a via ferrata section between Rifugio Selvata and Rifugio Malga Andalo. For experienced hikers it should be fine as the exposed parts are completely equipped with lanyards to hold on. Always look where you put your feet. If you don't feel comfortable walking this track, there is a much shorter alternative directly from Molveno to Malga Andalo. If you prefer to spend the day at beautiful Lake Molveno, you can also take a ride up to the Rifugio Malga Andalo (EUR 20.-).

Your goal for the day is the traditional Rifugio Malga Andalo. The Rifugio has dormitory rooms with shared facilities.

Dinner: Rifugio Malga Andalo

Set off along mountain slopes towards Rifugio Cacciatore. The trail is well way-marked but you’ll need a head for heights as you follow remote footpaths around the great rocky bulks of the Brenta Dolomiti.  You’ll feel as if you’re on top of the world as you soak up the silence and drink in the vistas over craggy pinnacles and into the wooded valleys below. This is a strenuous walk in the higher sections as it involves steep snow patches with large drop offs esp at the start of the season, scrambling on loose rock and steep sections. The alpine scenery though is stunning. If you feel uncomfortable please look into our alternative walk for the day.

On the alternative walk to Rifugio Cacciatore you walk down from the Rifugio Malga Andalo through the forest to Molveno or use the taxi ride (EUR 20.-). Take a bus to San Lorenzo-Chiesa (watch the times; best time 12:50 hrs). Take a taxi up to the Ristorante Dolomiti (EUR 35.-) or walk from the bus station in approx. 45min and follow track 325 up to Rifugio Cacciatore (7km, approx. 3 hrs). This is a really nice walk uphill through a beautiful valley with gentle ascent.

Rifugio Cacciatore is nestled in a natural amphitheatre of meadows and mountains.  The Rifugio offers rooms with simple wooden bunks for 2, 4, 6 or 8 people, and bathrooms are again shared. The dinner here is included and perfect for hungry hikers, with hearty stews, polenta and wild mushrooms, washed down with a well-deserved cold beer or two!

Dinner: Rifugio Cacciatore

After breakfast surrounded by peaks of 2500-3000m, you start your descent through the lush green pastures and shady forests of the Val d’Ampiez and back towards civilisation.

Reach San Lorenzo in Banale, from where a bus will take you to Comano Terme.  The area of Comano Terme is known for its healing waters and after three days of rewarding mountain hikes, you’ll be ready to relax at your spa hotel with its sauna, Turkish baths, Jacuzzi, sensory showers and a large outdoor pool. 

Ascent/Descent: 56m/1176m

Continue walking south through the leafy Val di Lomasone as you leave the highest summits behind to reach Ville del Monte. Here a taxi transfer is arranged in the late afternoon to take you to Riva del Garda (30 mins). Alternatively, if you’d prefer a lazy day then take the bus all the way from Comano Terme to the lake (1hr).   

‘Riva’ is a bustling town on the northern shores of Lake Garda, with a mountainous backdrop.  Protected by the town’s fortress you'll find the historic centre - tall buildings and narrow lanes, with the Torre Apponale clock tower, looming above.  Opposite the waterfront, there is a string of cafés, a harbour, a park and a beach—perfect for people-watching with a gelato. 

Ascent/Descent: 578m/406m

Ferries depart regularly from Riva, whisking you away to the picture-postcard towns of Limone, Torbole, Malcesine and further south on the lake. Jump on board or opt to enjoy a walk close by.

Alternatively, take the ferry to Torbole, and walk the Busatte-Tempesta Trail, with outstanding vistas over the lake, flights of metal stairs and 400 steps. Return by bus then ferry. The Busatte-Tempesta trail is currently officially closed, so we have planned an alternative hike up Monte Brione for the day.

Departing Riva you can take the bus west to the train station at Rovereto (40 mins) then catch the train to Venice (1h50). Alternatively take a (scenic!) bus ride all the way along the eastern side to the southern shore of Garda to Peschiera del Garda (1h50) where there’s a train station on the Milan-Verona-Venice line, making onward travel easy from here.