Holidays in Lake Ledro

On an Inghams walking holiday, you have the freedom to explore the area at your own pace. Each day, a new adventure, with as much or as little walking as you like.

Why we love walking in Lake Ledro

From flat lakeside promenades to steep mountain climbs, the walking area around Lake Ledro has something for everyone. You can explore trails along the shores of Lake Garda, venture into the mountains, or walk through lush valleys and charming villages. Our favourite trail, The Ponale Way, links Lake Ledro to Riva in Lake Garda, it takes you along cliff paths, with lake views and through the occasional tunnel built into the cliffside. It’s one of the most popular routes in the area and means you can head to Lake Garda for the day and get to know a new part of the Trentino region.

Bus

There’s a bus from Lake Ledro directly to Riva in Lake Garda, the B214 which takes approx. 30-35 minutes from near our hotels. If you want to head to different areas of the lake such as the Pile Dwelling Museum, then the same bus will take you directly there. If you use your Trentino Guest Card (available from all our accommodation in Lake Ledro) then you’ll get free use of the local buses in the area. For more information about the guest card head to the Cards & Passes tab.

Val Concei

Walk through the peaceful and unspoilt beech and pine forest of the Val Concei, keeping an eye out for wild game. Stop at the lovely chalet style Rifugio al Faggio and refuel with a typical dish from the Trentino region before heading back.

• Grade: Easy-Moderate
• Distance: 8.5km (walking time approx. 3hrs)
• Ascent and descent: 220m
• Terrain: Asphalt surfaces, dirt tracks, walking paths, ascents and descents

Gorg d’Abiss waterfall

The ancient Roman roads via Tiarno will bring you to the lovely Gorg d’Abiss and waterfall, which over the years has carved a deep canyon through the rocks. Take in the Mulino dei Bugatini watermill en route.

• Grade: Easy-Moderate
• Distance: 2.8km (walking time approx. 1hr)
• Ascent and descent: 125m (ascent)  4m(descent)
• Terrain: Asphalt surfaces, meadows, walking paths, dirt tracks, forested trails,
• Useful Information: the walk starts at Tiarno di Sotto which you can get to on the B214 bus from Pieve di Ledro or Mezzolago (approx. 10-15 mins)

The Ponale Way

The Old Ponale Way which links the southern end of Ledro to Riva del Garda is one of Italy’s most dramatic panoramic walks. Cut through the cliffs above Lake Garda, the lake views all along this characteristic descent towards Riva are fantastic. Return from Riva via public bus or walk back the way you came.

• Grade: Easy-Moderate
• Distance: approx. 4hrs
• Ascent and descent: 382m
• Terrain: Asphalt surfaces, forested trails, walking paths, road, dirt tracks, ascents and descents

Botanical Walk to Dromae

Starting from Mezzolago follow the botanical path towards the gardens of Dromae, taking in First World War Austrian front-line trenches en route. Start the ascent to Dromae’s perfumed meadows of white narcissus and wild peonies, and absorb the stunning views over Lake Ledro at the Belvedere viewpoint.

• Grade: Moderate-Challenging
• Distance: 12km (walking time approx. 6hrs)
• Ascent and descent: 978m
• Terrain: Asphalt surfaces, meadows, walking paths, steep ascents and descents, dirt tracks, forested trails,

Recommended equipment

Suitable walking shoes with good grip, appropriate clothing, rain jacket, sun cream, sun glasses, rucksack, at least a litre of water, a re-usable water bottle, a snack and cash. You may find walking poles useful.

Walking Maps & Apps

The Trentino Outdoor app is useful if you’re looking to plan some of your own walking routes on holiday. It has information on walking routes, offline maps and GPS tracking. If you're looking for a paper map to purchase, the Upper Garda, Ledro, Valle del Sarca Kompass hiking map 096 (1.25 000) covers the area.

Hiking guidelines

The mountains and lakes are a natural paradise, with lots to explore and discover. To help them stay that way, and remain enjoyable and safe places for everyone, we recommend following our little list of do's and don'ts:

• Plan your route well and don't overestimate yourself
• Check the weather forecast
• Tell someone where you're planning to walk and what time you're expecting to be back
• Take all the recommended equipment
• Make a note of emergency numbers:
• Italian Emergency Services: 112
• Don't leave the marked trails without a guide
• Let nature stay wild by not picking flowers (it's illegal in some places) or getting close to/making contact with wild animals
• Always leave gates as you found them and don't climb over fences
• Leave no trace

Check out our Responsible Walking insider guide if you want more tips for your summer walking holiday.

Make good use of the Trentino Guest Card

When staying at a selection of our hotels in Lake Ledro you'll get a Trentino Guest Card which entitles you to:

• Free use of all public trains and buses in the Trentino region
• Discounted entry to over 60 museums, 20 castles & 40 attractions in Trentino

The guest card only applies to affiliated hotels

Things to see and do

The Pile dwelling museum in Molina's definitely worth a visit. It'll give you an insight into the way people lived on Lake Ledro 4000 years ago. It's a bronze age settlement and a UNESCO heritage site. For more history, the Garibaldi Museum's great for the first world war history of the area. Did you know Ledro was on the front line in World War 1? If you love nature, take a day trip to Lake Ampola on the bus, the journey will take you about an hour, otherwise hire a taxi and you can get there in about ten minutes. The lake has been kept in its completely natural state and the nature reserve's full of animals. In the Summer there are endless types of insects, birds and mammals. Our favourite thing about Ampola is the water lilies that bloom in the Spring and turn the whole pond yellow.

Food & Drink

Who doesn't love cheese? The cheese in the Lake Ledro area is fantastic. You can visit the Alpine dairy farms and see cheese being made from scratch. The Ledro Valley's full of regional dishes, one of which, is Caponec, a sausage, herb and cheese mixture wrapped in vine leaves. There's also the hearty strangolapreti, green dumplings from Trentino, flavoured with spinach and parmesan.

When it's time for a drink, the Picco spritz is definitely one to try on a sunny day. It's a cocktail made with Picco Rosso, a strawberry and raspberry liqueur from the Ledro Valley and garnished with strawberries- delicious!

Activities

Ledro's a fantastic spot for water sports. It's clear, fresh water is great for swimming, sailing, canoeing and windsurfing. You can even try your hand at fishing which is a great way to relax, and take in the incredible scenery around you. Another way to enjoy the area is by checking out one of the many walking and bike trails in the valley. There's at least 200km worth of trails around. The Gorg d'Abiss waterfall in Tiarno di Sotto's hidden away in the valley. You have to walk along a narrow path along the Massangla stream to get there, but it's worth it in the end! Alternatively, if you love art, try out the Ledro Land Art trail in the Pur forest. Follow the trail and see how many sculptures you can spot.

Book locally

Please note that excursions are not pre-bookable in Lake Ledro - some excursions are available to book locally, but will only run subject to meeting minimum numbers. Please note that for any excursions running from Riva, Lake Garda, guests will have to make their own way to the meeting point (taxis cost approx. €35, payable locally).

Venice Classic (full day)

Spend a day in this rich and indulgent city; known for its spectacular Renaissance architecture, dramatic theatre history, cobbled streets and charming waterways. It’s not to be missed! Our Venice Classic excursion allows you to explore the city with a guide as well as at your own pace. You’ll arrive there by coach and a water taxi transfer is included into the historic centre. You’ll also have the option to add on a gondola ride (payable locally). There’s plenty of time to take in sights of the Basilica, Doge's Palace, St Mark's square and the Rialto bridge in your own time – this is the perfect introduction to one of Italy's most magical cities.

Departs on Mondays

Verona (full day)

Verona is one of Italy’s most charming little cities. This day trip dips into the romance of the medieval city, reliving the scenes from Romeo and Juliet while wandering around through the cobbled streets and past ancient buildings. The impressive 2,000-year-old Roman arena is one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world and is currently home to the Verona Opera, and the marble paved shopping street of Via Mazzini leads you to the stunning Piazza Delle Erbe. The handsome city mixes its rich past and modern present with great style.

Departs on Tuesdays

Majestic Dolomites (full day) 

We think the Dolomites are the most breath-taking part of the Alps and this excursion gives you the chance to embrace mountain life with one of our fantastic tour guides. It starts with a scenic drive through the exceptional South Tyrol, Val di Fiemme, Cavalese and Moena regions. You’ll then stop off at Passa Pordoi and take in the incredible views from this 2,000-metre-high vantage point. Then there’s some free time to explore the terrain at your own pace, either by taking one of the trekking paths or simply enjoying an Aperol at a refugio and taking in the views. A stop off at the chocolate box town of Ortisei is included on the way back to your hotel as well as plenty of stops for photo opportunities in this awe inspiring landscape.

Departs on Mondays

Tour of Lake Garda from (full day)

Get ready to explore the best of Lake Garda on this excursion – there’s so much natural beauty and picturesque towns to discover. See the spectacular mountain scenery of the north and the sunny plains of the south. Travelling by both coach and ferry, the tour itinerary for this excursion varies depending on where you start but will usually follow the famous Gardensana road lined with fragrant olive and lemon trees to reach the likes of Malcesine, Sirmione, Salo and Limone.

Departs on Mondays & Fridays

Please note that the price of excursions will vary depending on the resort you are staying in. We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Lake Ledro and its surroundings offer a wide choice of walks and hiking trails, with many start points easily reached by public transport (free with the Trentino Guest Card). For an ideal introduction to you resort, walk the 9km perimeter of Lake Ledro, taking in the restored bronze age palafitte houses (on stilts) at the southern end of the lake. The old Ponale Road to Riva is a famous, breathtakingly panoramic downhill walk, and not to be missed.

POPULAR WALKS include:

Val Concei / 3 hrs / Easy

Walk through the peaceful, remarkably unspoilt beech and pine forest of the Val Concei, keeping an eye out for wild game. Stop at the lovely chalet style Rifugio Al Faggio and refuel with a typical dish of the region before returning. Suitable for all abilities.

Gorg d’Abiss waterfall / 3 hrs / Easy

The ancient roman roads via Tiarno will bring you to the lovely Gorg d’Abiss gorge and waterfall, which over the years has carved a deep canyon through the rocks. Take in the Mulino dei Bugatini watermill en route.

Panoramas of Cime Pari / 6 hrs / Slightly Challenging

For more experienced hikers. From Lenzumo take the cow track to Bocca Saval then follow the First World War trenches to Cima Pari, an ideal spot for lunch as you take in views across Ledro, Lake Garda and the Dolomites beyond. On the descent join the Path of Peace until Rifugio Pernici, for a refreshment.

TOURIST OFFICE GUIDED WALKS

The local Tourist Office runs an excellent programme (FREE with the Trentino Guestcard) of guided walks, including two half day walks suitable for all levels including families, plus a full day walk requiring a minimum level of fitness, each week. Walks start from various points within the valley. Participation needs to be registered with the Tourist Office in Pieve.

Ponale Way to Riva / Approx 4 hrs / Easy

The old Ponale track from the southern end of Ledro to Riva del Garda is one of Italy’s most dramatic panoramic walks. Cut through the cliffs above Lake Garda, the views all along this most characteristic descent to Riva are superb. Return from Riva via public bus.

Botanical Walk to Dromae / Approx 6 hrs / Moderate

From Mezzolago follow the botanical path towards the gardens of Dromae, taking in First World War Austrian front line trenches en route. Completing the ascent to Dromae’s perfumed meadows of white narcissus and wild peonies, absorb the stunning views over Lake Ledro.