Hike Campione Pregasio

This varied circular hike on the western shore of lake Garda leads from Campione through the impressive San Michele Gorge to Pregasio and Prabione. On the way, picturesque views of lake Garda shimmering in the sun open up.

Hiking trail Pregasio Campione

The starting point is the Square of the tranquil peninsula of Campione, which lies about 20 km south of Riva del Garda on the western shore of lake Garda.

After having crossed the stream on a small bridge, follow the signs n. 267 in the direction of Pregasio. Incidentally, the once flourishing but now abandoned Olcese cotton mill on our left was once the main employer in the area.

Closely nestled against the rock walls, the narrow path winds its way over steps, bridges and an illuminated tunnel through the impressive gorge of San Michele. Along the way, breathtaking views of lake Garda, now lower, and Monte Baldo, opposite, open up.

Finally, you come to a signpost pointing the way to Pregasio. It leads through an olive grove into its historic village center, which seems to have fallen out of time.

Here you follow the asphalt road upwards for a short distance until signpost no. 143 points the way to Puntésel.

This soon turns into hiking trail no. 203, from which hiking trail no. 204 to Puntésel branches off a little later. This leads through meadows, scrub and woods to a stone bridge (Ponticello). It leads safely over a dizzyingly deep gorge that the San Michele torrent has carved into the stone over thousands of years.

Continuing to follow the forest path n. 204, you now continue on a mostly gentle climb to Prabione.

In the tranquil village, take hiking trail no. 266, which descends to Campione against the picturesque backdrop of lake Garda. It finally joins the already known hiking trail no. 267, along which you return to the starting point.

Interesting facts about Campione

In the distant 1896 a cotton industry was founded in Campione, whose first director and later owner was Vittorio Olcese.
The enterprising businessman had a workers' settlement built, in which there were not only apartments but also a school, a church, a cinema and several stores. The machines were powered inexpensively by the water power of the San Michele torrent.

As a result, the once sleepy Campione flourished, where rents were low and school clothes and exercise books were free.
In 1981, however, the factory was shut down and the tranquil peninsula once again fell into a slumber.

Vittorio Olcese, however, remained unforgotten: Even today, a road and a bust about three meters high commemorate the highly esteemed pioneer.

Infos Hike Campione Pregasio

• Duration:04:00 h
• Length:10.7 km
• Height gain:675 m

• Min. elevation:68 m
• Max. elevation:540 m