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Brenzone sul Garda - Via Gardesana, 20
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Considered a popular tourist destination since the Renaissance, Mount Baldo is a massif that rises along the north-eastern shore of Lake Garda. This site is also known as ‘the botanical garden of Europe’ for its rich and varied flora ranging from Mediterranean vegetation to vines, from olive trees to oleanders and even some edelweiss can be seen in the higher altitudes. The mountain stretches between the Veronese and Trentino shores of the lake and boasts a maximum altitude of 2218 metres. Its territory includes no less than nine municipalities: San Zeno di Montagna, Avio, Caprino Veronese, Ferrara di Mount Baldo, Brentonico, Nago-Torbole, Malcesine and Brenzone.
Itineraries for hikers, vie ferrate, routes for those who enjoy horseback riding or mountain biking, castles and sanctuaries: this is Mount Baldo, a locality that has a truly diversified offer in its territory. The variety of landscapes and the numerous possibilities are one of the strengths of Mount Baldo, which is also a popular destination for many foreign visitors who enjoy travelling in contact with nature.
Mount Baldo offers, therefore, multiple opportunities, and in order to organise your trip in the best possible way, we have decided to write this guide to the discovery of its territories.
Called Mons Polninus in antiquity, Mount Baldo was renamed in the 12th century in this way since Baldo derives from the German word ‘Wald’, meaning forest, precisely because of its luxuriant nature. The mountain proves to be an ideal destination all year round thanks to its location, climate and excellent accommodation facilities.
In summer, it is mainly frequented not only by those who enjoy activities in contact with nature such as hiking, horse riding or mountain biking, but also by those who enjoy more adrenalin-fuelled sports such as paragliding and hang-gliding. Those who, on the other hand, want to admire the landscape from the top without making too much effort can take the Malcesine-Mount Baldo cable car, which, thanks to rotating cabins, allows a 360-degree view of Lake Garda and the surrounding area. The lift consists of three sections: the station at Malcesine a Valle, the intermediate station at San Michele and the station at the summit of the mountain.
As you travel through its territory, you can admire four different climatic belts that shelter different vegetation and animal species. Those who want to combine the natural aspect with the historical and architectural one can visit the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Corona, a beautiful religious complex set in the rock on the eastern slope of Mount Baldo, near Spiazzi.
A visit to theBotanical Garden is also recommended to admire the floral wealth of this land. The Garden is located at an altitude of about 1,200 metres in the municipality of Ferrara di Mount Baldo and is home to more than 700 native species that bear the title ‘baldensis’ due to their origin.
Mount Baldo presents itself as the ideal destination for very different experiences. Do you want to organise a quiet walk through the woods? Or are you more of a horse-riding type? There are many activities to do and here you can find some great ideas!
Many people decide to organise excursions and trekking on Mount Baldo given the large number of paths of varying length and difficulty. You can choose to take simple walks in the meadows or undergrowth or organise longer and more complex excursions.
The well-trained choose to start from the Lake Garda area and climb to the summit on foot , alternatively, it is possible to take the ski lift and undertake one of the numerous routes along the ridge. Also very much in vogue in recent years is the activity of Nordic walking, a sport that was initially practised by tourists from northern Europe but has now also become very popular in Italy.
Another activity that can be practised on Mount Baldo is via ferrata, as there are numerous equipped routes that have been secured by the local authorities. Among the most famous routes are the Via Ferrata ‘Gerardo Sega’ – Mount Coalaz and the Ferrata delle Taccole, both of which start from Mount Baldo. There are several routes that can be climbed, some short and easy, others longer and more difficult, but what is important is to do this activity safely and be accompanied by an expert guide if you are not experienced.
Many bicycle enthusiasts, and mountain bikers in particular, come to Mount Baldo from all over Europe. In this area there are several asphalt tracks, dirt tracks and downhill tracks that attract many lovers of this activity. From electric bikes to mountain bikes, from all-mountain to XC, everyone can find the most suitable practice. One of the most frequented routes with all-mountain or enduro bikes is certainly the one that crosses Passo Campiano, which allows you to descend along one of the wildest but also most evocative slopes of Mount Baldo.
The Mount Baldo horse trail is a fantastic opportunity for all those who want to explore the mountain by riding along the ancient transhumance paths. It is a slower type of tourism that allows one to be in contact with nature and admire its beauty. There are three routes of varying length and difficulty: the blue itinerary for experts only, the red itinerary known as ‘Madonna della Neve’ and the yellow itinerary known as ‘Malga Ime’, which has variations for both expert and inexpert riders.
If you like uncrowded winter sports locations, then Mount Baldo is the ideal destination for you. Here you will find four ski slopes with varying degrees of difficulty, including a baby slope that is always exposed to the sun, allowing you to ski with a view of the lake – a truly unique feature!
Snowboarders can head to the Big Air Bag area in Tratto Spino, while there are also several alpine ski trails and a snowshoe hire centre. In addition to a winter sports school and the possibility of renting sports equipment and toboggans, there is also a children’s play area at the cable car arrival.
It is possible to visit Mount Baldo in different ways and at different times of the year, and this often creates many questions and doubts as to how best to prepare. Here are some answers to the most common questions with information that can help you prepare for your trip.
Yes! Mount Baldo as a natural site has no entrance fee and no restrictions, it is an area that can be discovered 365 days a year. Obviously, each time of year has its own characteristics and peculiarities, so the winter months will have shorter days, while the summer months will be longer and hotter. Moreover, the Mount Baldo cable car is usually open from May to November.
All seasons are perfect for visiting Mount Baldo depending on the type of activity you want to do. The summer months are considered high season and many visitors come to Mount Baldo from different corners of Europe attracted by its beautiful landscapes. For this reason, both at the refuges and the ski lifts you can find many people and long queues.
The in-between seasons prove to be excellent times to visit this area, as nature always offers spectacularly colourful views in autumn and spring. During these months, however, pay close attention to the cable car and hut opening times, as they may close earlier than in the summer months.
In the winter period, the snow makes everything more magical and certain routes can be done with snowshoes or as a winter trekking activity.
It is possible to do the various routes that characterise Mount Baldo on your own, as they are all well signposted. Deciding to be accompanied by a guide, however, is a choice that allows you to get something more out of the experience.
Many, in fact, especially if they choose to go on a mountain bike or e-bike tour, decide to rely on a professional who knows the area and the different itineraries and can propose a route tailored to your level and needs.
Absolutely! Mount Baldo has several refuges that offer excellent local cuisine using genuine raw materials and local products. Some of the refuges offer restaurant service both for lunch and dinner and also have rooms where you can stay. Although there are refuges, our advice is to bring water and also snacks that may come in handy along the way.
Those who want to sleep at the top of Mount Baldo can stay at the Rifugio Mount Baldo, which is surrounded by nature with an extraordinary view of Lake Garda. Alternatively, you can choose accommodation in one of the towns at the foot of the mountain, where day trips can be organised. Among the most recommended locations is certainly Malcesine, the town from which the cable car to the summit departs. Other towns to stay in are: Bardolino, Peschiera del Garda or Verona.
Malcesine is the main town at the base of Mount Baldo and here is the start of the cable car but also the beginning of numerous hiking trails. The town can be reached comfortably both by car and by public transport. By car, it is possible to travel along the Gardesana Orientale SR249 road, which connects all the towns on the eastern shore of the lake. Alternatively, coming from Verona you can drive along the A22 Brennero-Modena motorway to the Affi exit and then follow the signs first to Garda and then to Malcesine. Those coming from Trento can also reach the cable car via the A22 as far as the Rovereto Sud exit.
The city does not have a railway station and the nearest ones are Rovereto and Peschiera del Garda. Via local bus lines, however, Malcesine is connected to Garda, Riva del Garda and Peschiera.
Monte Baldo is a mountain massif of the Gardesane Pre-Alps located in the north-eastern part of Lake Garda between the provinces of Trento and Verona.
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