Attractions in the Lake Garda hinterland

In this article, you will discover everything about the best attractions in the Lake Garda hinterland. There, you will find quiet alpine lakes and thundering waterfalls. Stunning towns rich in history await your visit.

Discover hidden treasures beyond the shore and find your ideal fragrance with Terre del Garda.

Art cities in the Lake Garda hinterland

The hinterland is rich in history. Great dynasties have left their mark here. You can experience this splendor firsthand in the nearby cities.

Verona: the city of love and opera

Verona is only about thirty kilometers from the southern end of the lake. You can reach the city from Peschiera or Lazise in no time. The city is world-famous for the Verona Arena. This Roman amphitheater is nearly two thousand years old. In summer, the renowned opera festival takes place there. You shouldn't miss this spectacle.

What is there to see in Verona?

• The Arena in Piazza Bra.

• The Juliet's House with the famous balcony.

• Piazza delle Erbe with its lively market.

• Castel San Pietro for a panoramic view of the city.

• The Scaliger Bridge at Castelvecchio.

A walk through the historic center is like a journey into the past. You walk on ancient paving stones. You admire the light marble facades. Verona is perfect for a day trip.

Mantua: the magnificent residence of the Gonzaga family

Mantua is located about forty kilometers south of Lake Garda. The city is almost entirely surrounded by three artificial lakes. This gives it a very special atmosphere. For centuries, Mantua was the seat of the Gonzaga family. These dukes made the city a center of the Renaissance.

What to visit in Mantua:

• The Palazzo Ducale with its hundreds of rooms.

• The famous Camera degli Sposi by Andrea Mantegna.

• Palazzo Te with its impressive frescoes.

• Mantua Cathedral in Piazza Sordello.

• The Rotonda di San Lorenzo, dating back to the eleventh century.

The city is often less crowded than Verona. Here you can enjoy art in complete tranquility. Mantuan cuisine is also excellent. You must try the pumpkin tortelli. They are a specialty of the region.

Rovereto: where art meets history

Rovereto is located to the north, in the Trentino region. It is just a twenty-minute drive from Riva del Garda. The city has a very elegant charm. It is characterized by Venetian architecture and Austrian influence.

The main attractions of Rovereto:

• The MART, Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.

• The Bell of the Fallen (Campana dei Caduti) Maria Dolens on a hill above the city.

• The Italian War History Museum in the ancient castle of Rovereto.

• The historic center with its narrow alleys.

• The futuristic architecture of the new districts.

Rovereto is ideal if you want to combine culture and mountains. The city appears very relaxed. You can sit in cafes and watch life go by.

Pure nature: waterfalls, gorges, and alpine lakes

If you want to leave the heat of the lake behind, the nature of the hinterland is ideal. There you will find cool gorges and crystal-clear high-altitude lakes.

Varone Waterfall and Lake Tenno

The Varone Waterfall is located right near Riva del Garda. It is one of the most spectacular waterfalls of Lake Garda in the Garda hinterland. The water plunges into a narrow gorge for nearly one hundred meters. You walk on walkways directly inside the rock. There, the air is wonderfully cool and damp.

From the waterfall, you can reach Lake Tenno in just a few minutes by car. This lake is known for its turquoise waters. The contrast with the green woods is magical.

• Access to the waterfall requires a fee, but the path is very well maintained.

• Lake Tenno is ideal for hikers and nature lovers.

• In summer, it is possible to swim in Lake Tenno.

• The water is usually cooler than that of Lake Garda.

• There is a beautiful circular path around the lake.

Lake Idro: the unexplored neighbor

Lake Idro is located west of Garda, nestled in the mountains. It is much smaller and quieter. You will hardly ever find mass tourism here. The lake is very popular with kitesurfers and is a typical excursion to take around the lake. The winds here are constant and strong.

What characterizes Lake Idro:

• The imposing Rocca d’Anfo fortress right on the shore.

• Clear waters and clean pebble beaches.

• Hiking trails with views of the surrounding peaks.

• Small mountain villages like Bagolino, with its famous cheese.

• Peace and relaxation away from the large crowds of visitors.

This lake is perfect if you are looking for solitude. The journey along the winding mountain roads offers fantastic views.

Lake Iseo: the pearl in the province of Brescia

Lake Iseo is located a bit further west. It is about an hour away from Salò. It is famous for Monte Isola, the largest inhabited lake island in Europe. The lake is surrounded by steep rocks and vineyards.

Why you should visit Lake Iseo:

• A ferry trip to Monte Isola.

• The beautiful lakeside promenade of Iseo.

• Proximity to the Franciacorta wine region.

• The erosion pyramids of Zone.

• Less traffic and a very authentic atmosphere.

Lake Iseo often feels like the younger brother of Garda, but it has remained more genuine. There you can taste the famous sparkling wine of the region.

Medieval villages and castle ruins away from the shore

The hinterland hides villages that seem suspended in time. There you will find ancient walls and romantic alleys.

Arco: a paradise for climbers and castle lovers

Arco is located north of Riva del Garda in a wide valley. The city is known worldwide as a center for sport climbing. Above the city, on a rocky outcrop, stands the Arco Castle. The climb is worth it for the view over the Sarca Valley.

What Arco offers you:

• The Arboretum with exotic plants from all over the world.

• Arco Castle with its well-preserved frescoes.

• A lively city center with many outdoor shops.

• Olive groves reaching right up to the rock faces.

• Trails for every level of physical fitness.

Arco has a mild climate, which is why even palm and lemon trees grow there. The historic center invites you to stroll and linger.

Valeggio sul Mincio and Borghetto

South of Peschiera lies the valley of the Mincio River. There you will find the village of Valeggio sul Mincio. A special hamlet is Borghetto. This village is situated right on the river. It consists of ancient water mills and medieval houses.

Highlights in Valeggio:

• The 14th-century Visconti Bridge.

• The Parco Giardino Sigurtà, one of the most beautiful gardens in Europe.

• Cozy restaurants right on the water in Borghetto.

• The Scaligero Castle overlooking the valley.

• The famous tortellini of Valeggio.

Borghetto is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. It is a very romantic place. You should visit it in the late afternoon.

Castellaro Lagusello: the village on the heart-shaped lake

This small village is located among the morainic hills south of the lake. It is surrounded by a completely preserved city wall. The name comes from the small lake shaped like a heart.

What awaits you in Castellaro Lagusello:

• A walk through perfectly restored alleys.

• The view from the bell tower over the hills.

• The peace of a virtually car-free village.

• Regional specialties in small trattorias.

• A nature reserve around the small lake.

It is the ideal place for a break from the chaos. There you will feel like you are in another world. Time here seems to flow more slowly.

Tips for day trips to the Garda hinterland

A trip to the hinterland should be well planned. Here is how to get the most out of your day. Use these tips for your organization.

• Choose the right means of transport for your destination.

• Cities like Verona are best reached by train from Peschiera or Desenzano.

• This way you will avoid the expensive search for parking and the stress of traffic.

• For alpine lakes like Idro, you absolutely need a car or a motorcycle.

• Bus connections to remote mountain villages are often sparse.

• Combine destinations that are close to each other.

• Visit the Varone Waterfall in the morning and spend the afternoon at Lake Tenno.

• Or combine Valeggio sul Mincio with a visit to Mantua, since they are on the same route.

• Pay attention to the ideal season for your excursions.

• Art cities are most beautiful in spring and autumn, when it is not too hot.

• Mountain lakes and waterfalls offer the necessary refreshment in the middle of summer.

• In winter, many medieval villages host enchanting Christmas markets.

• Find the right balance between the lake and the hinterland.

• Do not plan a demanding trip every day.

• Enjoy a day on the shore and the next day discover the surroundings.

• That way, your vacation will remain relaxing and varied.

• Always carry a light jacket with you when you go to the mountains.

• In the gorges and at the lakes located higher up, it is much cooler than on the shore.

The hinterland is multifaceted. You can discover something new every day. Whether you choose culture or nature depends on your personal taste. The region will surprise you with its beauty.

Taking Lake Garda home with you

Your vacation in the hinterland will give you many beautiful memories. You will carry with you the scent of cypress and lemon groves. You will remember the cool breeze of the alpine lakes. Do you want to preserve this feeling? Then visit Terre del Garda. There you will find exclusive fragrances inspired directly by Lake Garda.

Every perfume tells a story of the region. It is the perfect souvenir for yourself or your loved ones. This way you can bring a piece of Italy into your home. Smell the essences and feel yourself instantly transported back to the lake. Visit one of the stores around the lake.