Rocca di Garda Hike

This leisurely circular hike leads from Bardolino to the Rocca di Garda, a free-standing spur of the Alps, and to the picturesque village of Garda at its feet.

Route description Rocca di Garda from Bardolino

The hike to Rocca di Garda starts from Via Canevon near the Romanesque church of San Severo, which was the spiritual center of the place until the 15th century.

Now you take successively the "via Canevon", the "via Preele" , the "via Bottrigo" and the "via San Colombano" from which finally the "strada di mure" branches off.

Always following the signs "percorso Eremo dei Camaldolesi", the road, initially asphalted, soon becomes a narrow path. At the end of the path there are two options: If you prefer the shorter option, follow hiking trail no. 2, which leads directly to the Rocca.

If you want to take the longer route, turn right to the "strada di Sem". Following the signs "percorso Eremo dei Camaldolesi", you will reach the isolated hermitage of San Giorgio, which dates back to the 17th century. It is still inhabited by monks of the Benedictine Camaldolese order, whose daily life is characterized by prayer, work and spiritual reading.

At a wayside shrine in front of the monastery, the path to the Rocca branches off to the right, initially leading through a small deciduous forest. If the way to the monastery already offers views of Lake Garda and its surroundings, the sloping Rocca offers a truly picturesque view of the entire southern basin of Lake Garda: The view sweeps from Bardolino over Peschiera to Sirmione and Saló. In addition, the Rocca offers an inviting, spacious lawn, which is also very popular with the locals.

Way back from Rocca di Garda

On the way back, follow one of the well-signposted paths marked "Garda". They all lead down to the historical village after which Lake Garda was named. You can then return to Bardolino along the walkway "Passeggiata lungolago Europa" along the shore of Lake Garda.

Interesting facts about the Rocca di Garda

The name Rocca comes from the castle that was built in the 5th century under the gothic king Theoderic on the free-standing fortress. Until the 16th century, the fortification, long considered impregnable, was to watch over Garda. Today, however, only a few remains can be discovered.

The following incident in particular has found its way into the history books, which took place in the fortress about 1,000 years ago: After she refused to marry his son, the power-hungry Berengar kept the widowed Queen of Italy Adelaide imprisoned here. With her refusal, she had destroyed her claim to reign over Italy. The smart Adelaide, however, succeeded in doing the almost impossible: escaping from the fortress. A short time later she was to marry Otto the Great, helped him become emperor and go down in history as a far-sighted empress.

The name "Garda" also comes from the castle: Garda derives from the germanic word "wardon" or "wardo", which means "to watch" or "to wait".

Infos Rocca di Garda Hike

• Duration:03:15 h
• Length:11.1 km
• Height gain:275 m

• Min. elevation:65 m
• Max. elevation:281 m