From Meran to Lake Garda Selfguided tour
Self Guided Walking
Starting in the famous spa town of Merano, you walk through vineyards and orchards, past historic castles and sparkling tarns, and visit idyllic places with some of the most wonderful views. The mountains of South Tyrol and Trento are incredibly fascinating—they offer vistas of turquoise lakes, vast plateaus, deep river valleys, and dramatic canyons. The rugged peaks of the Dolomites accompany you along the way, giving you an excellent feel for the awe-inspiring alpine world of these steep and solitary giants. In Trento, you discover mountain villages with winding, narrow streets and idyllic stone houses before reaching your final destination: Lake Garda. Surrounded by high cliffs and nestled among olive orchards, cypresses, and fig trees, you can truly feel the Mediterranean flair. Sipping a cappuccino and enjoying gelato on the banks of the deep blue lake—La vita è bella!
Highlights:
Merano - a historic spa town with elegant villas, botanical gardens (like Trauttmansdorff Castle Gardens), and scenic promenades.
Marlengo & Lana - gentle walking paths through vineyards and orchards, especially famous for apple farming.
Castles & Fortresses - Castel Tirolo (Tirol Castle) and Castel Katzenzungen near Prissiano
Famous lakes: Lake Caldaro (Kalterer See)- one of the warmest bathing lakes in the Alps, Lago Santo (Holy Lake), Lake Garda (Lago di Garda)
Itinerary:
Day 1. Individual journey to Meran
Enjoy the Mediterranean flair in this wonderful and cultural town in the heart of South Tyrol. Wander around the charming arcades or follow in the footsteps of Emperess Sissi along the 'Passer' esplanade.
Day 2. Meran - Nals
Along the Waal paths you venture through apple plantations before arriving at an impressive waterfall. Soon your trail leads you through the hills of the chestnut place Tisens and up to the historic little church of St. Christoph. After hiking through a beautiful woodland with fantastic views deep into the Etsch valley you reach Nals, an idyllic little village in the middle of apple orchards and vineyards. B/-/-
Walking: approx. 5-6 hrs, 20 km, uphill/downhill: 560 m/550 m
Day 3. Nals - Caldaro / Lake Caldaro
Today you can look forward to a fascinating hike on the trail of castles. On interesting and steep roads you walk from fortress to fortress, where you can admire diverse historic architecture. In the afternoon you wander through the region of ‘holes in the ice’, a natural phenomenon, which gives you the chance to discover icicles in midsummer. Past the tower of St. George and many more vineyards, you will soon reach Lake Caldaro.
Walking: approx. 5-5,5 hrs, 18 km, uphill/downhill: 710 m/600 m
Day 4. Caldaro / Lake Caldaro - Coredo
In the morning you travel to the Mendelpass (saddle of Mendel) by train. Enjoy the phenomenal view before you continue your comfortable walk over the plateau towards Nonstal, the language and provincial border. Into amazing canyons and through idyllic small villages to the pilgrimage site of Saint Romedio and past two small sparkling lakes, you will soon reach Coredo. Here you can enjoy the Italian comfort in the middle of Trentino.
Walking: approx. 4,5-5 hrs, 17 km, uphill/downhill: 200 m/700 m
Day 5. Coredo - Molveno
During a short transfer you can admire the impressive landscape of the Val di Non. Afterwards, you hike through lonely forests up to the panoramic square at the worth seeing little church San Tommaso. Continue into the Priori nature park area and across the wetland of a karst lake to Andalo and on to Molveno, situated at the foot of the Brenta Dolomites and on the sparkling turquoise-blue Alpine lake of the same
Walking: approx. 4,5-5 hrs,15 km, uphill/downhill: 700 m/ 400 m
Day 6.Circular walk Brenta-Dolomites
Enjoy the fascinating alpine world of the towering peaks of the Brenta Group! Take a cable car up to the Pradel mountain area, where you can explore one of its most beautiful hiking trails. Stop at a rifugio (mountain hut) to enjoy a typical Italian snack and take in the impressive views of the surrounding peaks before slowly descending to the crystal-clear, green tarn of Lago Nembia.
Walking: approx. 3-5 hrs (depending on the chosen route), 15 km, uphill/downhill: 390 m/900 m
Day 7. Molveno – Riva del Garda
At the end of your hiking week, you walk through the untouched meadows of the Lomason Valley. Then you climb up to Rifugio Monte San Pietro, where you are rewarded with a stunning view of Lake Garda. Descend through winding streets and archways, passing stone walls on your way to the castle of Tenno. In the final kilometres of your tour, you walk through olive groves and Mediterranean cypress vegetation until you reach the highlight of your hiking week—the shores of Lake Garda.
Walking: approx. 3-4 hrs, 10 km, uphill/downhill: 400 m/800 m
Day 8. Individual departure
Important information: You will mainly walk on well-maintained walking paths, often on the Waal paths which are ancient water systems. In some sections you will be walking on forest trails and steep paths. We recommend a good basic fitness level for walking days of 3 up to 6 hours as well as for longer ascents. Easier alternatives of the daily sections are possible by bus. A varied walking tour for lovers of promising trails.
How to get there:
Arrival by train to Merano
Verona or Bolzano airport
Details of departure:
Departure by bus and train from Riva to Merano, duration approx. 3 hours with 1 change in Rovereto