Spring is just around the corner and it is time to organise weekend trips. In this article we will give you some ideas of what to see and do in 3 days on the northern side of Lake Garda.

3 days discovering the north of Lake Garda, the Italian fjord. For lovers of outdoor activities. 

You might also be interested in: 3 days discovering the south-west of Lake Garda and 3 days discovering the south-east of Lake Garda

The first time you arrive at Lake Garda, the feeling is that of being in a fjord: a tongue of water embraced by high mountain chains whose peaks exceed 2,000 metres. And on the northern side waiting for you are three villages: Riva del Garda, Arco, Torbole sul Garda and many excursions to do. 

1 day. Discovering Valle di Ledro.

After a hearty breakfast, saddle up your mountain bike and off you go! You take the Strada del Ponale, a marvellous bike route with unique views of the lake, and climb up to Valle di Ledro, and Lake Ledro. Once there, you can visit the Pile-Dwelling Museum, cycle between the various villages, discover Ledro Land Art (a forest adorned with wooden sculptures), rest on the beaches, and arrive at Lake Ampolla. A tour that you can organise on your own or with a guide to accompany you. If you don’t like cycling, you can also do it on foot, returning by bus. 

Day 2. Urban Trekking to discover Riva del Garda.

2 giorno. Urban Trekking alla scoperta di Riva del Garda.

Riva del Garda is nestled between the water and the mountains that embrace it, with a mild climate that gives life to a rich Mediterranean scrub: palm trees, laurels, but also citrus groves and olive trees from which the famous extra virgin olive oil is produced, the northernmost in the world – beyond the 46th parallel! During your urban trek you can visit the Mag museum at the Rocca di Riva, climb the Apponale Tower, walk in the footsteps of great writers such as Kafka and Rilke who walked the streets of the historic centre. Walk along the lakeside promenade and climb up Monte Brione and see the lake from a different perspective with its Austro-Hungarian era forts protecting the border, and finally take the panoramic lift to the Bastione di Riva and have an aperitif overlooking the lake. You can then continue with a nice trek to the small church of Santa Barbara.

Day 3. Discovering the Valley of the Lakes.

Starting from any of the villages overlooking the lake, Riva del Garda, Torbole or Arco, it is possible to visit the Valle dei Laghi by bicycle thanks to the cycle path that connects them. The Valle dei Laghi stretches from Riva del Garda to Trento and includes 9 lakes of varying size. This area is also known for the production of Vino Santo, obtained through a drying process that extends until Easter. On your way through the Valle dei Laghi you will pass through the Marocche di Dro nature reserve, one of the rare arid biotopes in Trentino, which covers a wide expanse of stones and boulders of post-glacial origin, until you reach Lake Toblino – where you can admire the beautiful Nosiola vineyards from which Vino Santo is produced.  

For this three-day event, we recommend Riva del Garda, Torbole or Arco as starting point. Click here to choose your hotel or flat for your stay and restaurants for your dinners.

Although the northern area of Lake Garda is the least extensive part of the territory, touring and discovering it entirely in 3 days is impossible. That is why we propose a 3-day itinerary that will make your mouth water and leave you wanting to return for a longer trip to visit all the wonders you have not yet seen.

See you soon dear Outdoors!