On the popular and heavily frequented hiking route to Lake Garda, few people realize the opportunity to "leave Lake Garda to the left" and head north towards the area. This is a mistake, because the Val di Gresta is a small green oasis away from the bustling life around Lake Garda. Lush green landscapes, solitary hiking trails, cycling routes and challenging mountain bike trails. Culinary specialties, fresh from nature. Welcome to the Val di Gresta!
Between Rovereto and Lake Garda, in the province of Trentino, there is a valley that is hardly known even by many locals: the Val di Gresta. This valley reveals itself differently with every step, footstep and breath: it is quiet, original and incredibly versatile. For hikers, bikers and climbers, the Val di Gresta is a real insider tip.
The Val di Gresta – the hidden, green garden paradise
The Val di Gresta stretches between Rovereto to the east and Lake Garda to the west at an altitude of approximately 1,000 meters. It is known as the first organic area in Trentino. It is a valley full of orchards, vegetable fields and blooming meadows. These are characterized by the characteristic dry stone walls, which create an impression of a mosaic of small to medium-sized areas, adapted to the terrain.
Those who look from Riva, Arco or Torbole uphill, barely realize what a quiet world lies hidden here below Monte Stivo. It is a place where time seems to pass a little slower. And it is a place where you can observe Lake Garda from its quiet side. Lake Garda, a remnant of a large glacier tongue that extended southwards from the Central Alps, marks the transition from Mediterranean Italy to the north. Its northern shore, with the bustling Riva de Garda, is visible from almost everywhere in the Val de Gresta, provided that the corresponding height is reached, and offers a view of tranquility. Its northern neighbors, the Trentino Dolomites, Adamello and Brenta, which rise to altitudes beyond the 3,000-meter mark, provide a contrasting backdrop. In between lie the less spectacular local mountains, Monte Creino and the characteristic Monte Stivo with its valleys. The latter is a powerful limestone block with a height of over 2,000 meters, with a high plateau at its summit, a steep eastern slope and a gently sloping western side, where the characteristic gardens, cypress trees and even higher alpine flora and fauna can be found. The mountain is a first-class viewing point, both to the north with the snow-capped peaks and to the south with the steep mountain slopes enclosing the Lake Garda, which is not unlike a Norwegian fjord, offers rewarding views and invites you to dream and relax.
The nature in the Val di Gresta offers a harmonious picture. There are no outstanding, spectacular highlights here. What makes this quiet, balanced and pleasantly sheltered area by the large lake all the more special – a real highlight. Those who appreciate the mixture of southern alpine vegetation, flower meadows, mountain forests and the characteristic small-scale farming with its diverse insect and bird life, will find their paradise here – definitely!
Those who are, perhaps also, interested in history, will find themselves in the First World War. The Val di Gresta was once a section of the front line between the Habsburg Austrian Empire and Italy. Numerous trenches, shelters and fortified caves still bear witness to this less pleasant period of European history. But as if by a secret, benevolent magic, this aspect also fits into the harmonious landscape – more than anywhere else in this tragic event.
My outdoor experiences in the Val di Gresta
Björn Arndt, the author of bergparadiese.de, visited the Val di Gresta. Here he describes his impressions:
I got to know the valley from all sides in this autumn: by mountain biking, hiking and climbing. Each of these tours showed me a different facet of this special area.
The Monte Stivo is the mighty guardian of the Val di Gresta – and one of the most scenic mountains in the Garda Trentino. From Passo Santa Barbara, the path leads over historic defensive positions and wide alpine meadows to the summit at 2,054 m.
From there, you can see Lake Garda, the Brenta and the snow-capped peaks of the Adamello.
How to get to the Val di Gresta?
- Driving:
You can reach the valley by car via the A22 motorway to Rovereto South. From there, follow the SS 240 towards Mori and then turn right onto the local road towards Loppio to reach Ronzo-Chienis in the Val di Gresta. - By train:
You can also reach the Val di Gresta by train. Take a train to Rovereto and then transfer to a local bus that goes directly to Ronzo-Chienis.
When is the best time to visit?
The climate is mild all year round – green in spring, pleasant in summer and golden in autumn.
My personal conclusion about the Val di Gresta
The Val di Gresta is one of those valleys that you have to look for to find it. It combines everything that makes the Garda Trentino so special in one place: scenic peaks, quiet paths, historic traces and a landscape that shines in the most beautiful colors in autumn.
For me, the Val di Gresta is no longer a secret. It is a place that I would like to return to.
https://www.gardatrentino.it/de/ortschaften/val-di-gresta
Here is the article on bergparadiese.de: https://bergparadiese.de/das-val-di-gresta-geheimtipp-fuer-wanderer-und-biker-am-gardasee
