The Strada del Ponale offers spectactular views of Benaco. This pedestrian and cycle path is one of the main attractions of the northern part of Lake Garda and and suitable for spring and autumn hikes
Image gallery: Hike on the old Ponale Road
The Strada del Ponale connects Riva del Garda to the Valle di Ledro. This path was carved into a rock in the second half of the 19th century and served as the main road until a new tunnel was built. In 2004 it was converted into a wonderful pedestrian and cycle path. Thanks to its inestimable environmental and historic value, this route is one of the most beautiful and well-known in Europe.
We start in the centre of Riva del Garda and walk along the lake past the historic hydroelectric plant. After hardly one kilometre, we cross the strada Gardesana occidentale by following the signpost no. D01 towards
Ledro. After leaving the asphalt road, we are soon immersed in a truly stunning panoramic route, the so-called percorso panoramico del Ponale which runs along rock walls and partially across small tunnels carved into the mountain.
After about two kilometres slightly uphill, the road bends to the right, offering a wonderful view of the underlying bay and the entrance to the Valle di Ledro where the pedestrian path separates from the cycle path. It takes us over a bridge and continues ascending some steps leading to a forest road. We proceed along the Valle di Ledro and after a short section on asphalt road (strada di Pregasina) we cross the village of Biacesa. Then, we walk through the village of Prè di Ledro and continue uphill to Molina di Ledro. Finally the path arrives at
Lake Ledro where the pile-dwelling museum is situated.
Please note: We recommend undertaking this hiking tour in spring or autumn and not on hot summer days.
Author: AT
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- Starting point:
- Riva del Garda (centre)
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- Overall time:
- 04:00 h
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- Total route length:
- 10,3 km
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- Altitude:
- from 67 m to 683 m
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- Altitude difference:
- +780 m | -170 m
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- Signposts:
- D 01, Via del Ponale, Ledro
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- Destination:
- Molina di Ledro, Lago di Ledro lake. Back to Riva by bus.
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- Resting points:
- Ponale Alto Belvedere, Ristorante Pizzeria al Lago
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- Recommended time of year:
- Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
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- Download GPX track:
- Hike on the old Ponale Road
If you want to do this hike, we suggest you to check the weather and trail conditions in advance and on site before setting out.
