If you think autumn is only fog and rain, you are far from the truth. Lake Garda in this season transforms into a chromatic masterpiece, an irresistible invitation to explore. Here, the sky becomes clear, the air crisp, and the landscape dresses in an incredible palette: from the fiery red of the vineyards to the brilliant yellow of the Alpine larches, and the persistent green of the olive trees.
This is the definitive guide to Garda’s foliage. We have gathered the most evocative trails and locations for you, combining adventure, history, and the true flavours of autumn into a unique story.
Alpine and wild foliage, where the mountain triumphs
If you are looking for the thrill of true mountain scenery, with trails that venture into dense forests and views that span entire valleys, this is your area.
Monte Baldo and Brentonico: Climb Monte Baldo, which reveals a wild beauty in autumn. The Brentonico plateau, on its Trentino slopes, is a paradise of beech and larch trees that light up with gold. Here the air is pure, and walks will lead you to discover small mountain huts and historic villages.
Monte Bondone: Perfect for those seeking a true Alpine climate, Monte Bondone offers scenery of great impact, ideal for admiring the foliage at higher altitudes. The coniferous forests and wide vistas make every excursion a total immersion in the vibrant colours of autumn.
Lessinia: the Veronese plateau and beech woods: The Lessinia plateau, in the Veronese hinterland, is a real surprise. The large green pastures of summer are framed by the warm hues of the beech woods. It is a place that tells a rural and ancient story, where the foliage is rustic and authentic.
The Hidden Fjord: Valvestino and the infinite forest: Valvestino is the destination for those seeking solitude and the most rugged nature. Here, the artificial lake, similar to a Norwegian fjord, is surrounded by woods that create an incredible contrast between the dark green water and the rusty-coloured peaks. Driving along the panoramic road is an experience in itself, a total immersion in the most pristine foliage.
Drena: the charm of the chestnut groves: Near Lake Cavedine, the Castagneto di Drena (Chestnut Grove of Drena) is an obligatory stop. Autumn is the ideal time to admire the yellow and golden leaves of the chestnut trees. Festivals dedicated to chestnuts liven up the surrounding villages, offering a tasty and authentic experience, right at the foot of Drena Castle.
San Zeno di Montagna: A perfect combination of lake view and foliage. From its heights, called the “balcony over Garda,” you can enjoy panoramas that sweep from the lake to the mountains, admiring the autumn colours reflecting on the water. San Zeno is the starting point for exploring the trails that wind through the famous chestnut groves, where the golden leaves create a magical and unique atmosphere for walks. You can also ascend to the higher altitudes of Monte Baldo, using the Prada lifts (like the chairlift), to enjoy the Alpine foliage with the lake at your feet.
Alpine lakes and coloured pools, the turquoise gems
These valleys, very close to Garda, offer spectacular foliage that is reflected in waters of an incredible colour, creating scenes of pure chromatic magic.
Lake Toblino: Prepare for a leap back in time. Lake Toblino, with its medieval castle mirrored in the water, envelops you in a fairytale and mysterious atmosphere. The walk along its shores is easy and romantic, a place where you can admire the lake vegetation in an autumn setting.
Lake Cavedine: This lake offers an experience that combines tranquillity and adrenaline. Set between the mountains, Lake Cavedine is a silent and rocky fjord. Its calm waters make it a place of peace in autumn, ideal for a regenerating walk.
Lake Tenno: Lake Tenno is famous for its turquoise waters and its small rocky island. In autumn, the contrast between the incredible blue of the lake and the red-yellow of the surrounding woods is an unforgettable spectacle. Don’t forget to visit the nearby medieval village of Canale di Tenno, which with its stone houses and picturesque alleys is perfect for magnificent photos.
Lamar Lakes: The Lamar Lakes, two twin bodies of water immersed in the forest, are an oasis of peace. Here you can enjoy the foliage reflected in the clear water, take a relaxing walk on the trails that surround them, or enjoy the silence. Far from the crowds, these lakes offer a perfect intimacy for those seeking tranquillity.
Mincio Park and Bosco della Fontana: Heading south, Mincio Park is the ideal destination for gentler, flatter foliage. Here, the Bosco della Fontana and the Mincio Valleys offer trails where you can admire the riparian vegetation turning yellow and red, perfect for cycle tourism.
Ledro Valley: The Ledro Valley, with its crystal-clear lake, is a perfect destination. The lake shores, surrounded by mountains that dress in gold, offer easy and pleasant trails. The air is fresh and the atmosphere quiet. An experience not to be missed is the visit to the archaeological site of the Pile Dwellings, where history and nature meet in a colourful backdrop.
Culture, taste, and the wine routes in urban foliage
Foliage is not just about wild nature. Along Garda, it combines with history, art, and the food and wine tradition.
Parco Giardino Sigurtà: This park, famous for its spring blooms, offers a unique spectacle in autumn, with the canopies of the centuries-old trees creating an incredible mosaic of colours. It is the ideal place for relaxing and easy walks, suitable for the whole family.
Monte Maddalena (Brescia): the urban observatory: Monte Maddalena in Brescia, despite being an urban hill, is a privileged vantage point for admiring the foliage that surrounds the city, offering unique trails and panoramas. It is the perfect destination to combine a cultural visit to Brescia with a mountain excursion.
Heller Garden and Vittoriale degli Italiani Gardens: Historic gardens are perfect for foliage. The gardens of the Heller Garden in Gardone Riviera and the park of the Vittoriale degli Italiani offer foliage in curated and artistic settings, where topiary art merges with the palette of autumn colours. An experience that combines culture, history, and beauty.
Valpolicella and Verona Strip (The Wine Routes): The Valpolicella area is the most sensual for foliage. The vineyards transform into a carpet of ruby red and intense orange. Don’t just look: participate in a winery tasting to combine the taste of the wine with the emotion of the colours. The Verona Strip, rich in olive groves and vineyards, offers a gentler, more Mediterranean foliage.
Valtenesi (The Oil and the Groppello): On the Brescia shore, Valtenesi combines the elegance of the villages with the beauty of the vineyards that produce the prized Groppello wine. The shades of the vines and olive trees mixing with the yellow of the hills are a fascinating contrast, an excellent opportunity for an olive oil tasting with a lake view.
Giardino Giusti (Verona): the urban foliage: In the heart of Verona, the Giardino Giusti is a masterpiece of Renaissance landscape architecture. Here you can admire the foliage in a historic and urban setting, with the centuries-old cypresses and ivy-covered walls exploding in shades of orange and burgundy.
Valle delle Cartiere (Toscolano Maderno): a historical immersion: For a unique experience, explore the ancient Valle delle Cartiere (Paper Mill Valley) in Toscolano Maderno. Here, the foliage merges with industrial ruins and the river. It is an evocative place for trekking, where the natural beauty of the woods merges with the charm of labour history.
Tips for the autumn explorer: when and what to bring
The peak of the Alpine foliage (Monte Baldo, Ledro, Lessinia, Monte Bondone) usually occurs between mid-October and early November, while the foliage of the vineyards and more Mediterranean trees is spectacular throughout October. The morning and late afternoon light (the so-called “golden hour”) enhances the colours and contrasts, making photos and walks unforgettable. Don’t forget waterproof trekking shoes and layered clothing. The air can be crisp in the morning and in the mountains. And, of course, your best camera.
Your adventure in the golden lake awaits
Lake Garda in autumn is an invitation to slow down, to savour every moment, and to discover the authentic beauty that lies beyond the summer season. It is a promise of adventures, flavours, and colours that will fill your heart.
To explore the trails and find your ideal accommodation, visit our guides: Where to sleep on Lake Garda and Trekking, Bike & Sports. Your autumn magic awaits you here.
