Valle dei Laghi: Where Lakes, Wine, and Gentle Adventures Come Together

Why visit the Valle dei Laghi?

Love the lakes in northern Italy, but want to see something different? Between Trento and Lake Garda lies a green-and-blue valley full of shimmering lakes, castles, and vineyards. The Valle dei Laghi is compact, peaceful, and incredibly photogenic. It’s ideal if you want to combine nature with leisurely outdoor activities (hiking, e-biking, cycling).

Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss

1. Lake Toblino & Toblino Castle

Castel Toblino is a romantic castle situated on a headland, surrounded by a protected biotope. You can visit the castle only by appointment and as part of a guided tour. Lake Toblino has a rich biodiversity and is therefore not officially designated as a swimming area. In addition, the water is quite cold and there are currents. There are no beaches, but there is a spot where you can access the lake. Take a walk along the lakeside path at golden hour—it’s beautiful.

From the village of Ranzo, perched high above, you have a stunning view of the lake. If you take this route, be sure to visit the nearby village of Margone. Peace and nature…

2. Lake Terlago: a rich ecosystem

A shallow lake with reed beds and birds: perfect for a peaceful walk and some birdwatching. It’s actually two lakes, especially during the warmer months. The walk around the lake is just over 3 kilometers. You can go fishing there, and the village of Terlago is an old borgo with a beautiful castle (not open to visitors). You can, however, swim in this lake.

3. Cycling through the Lake Valley

The Valle dei Laghi bike route connects Lake Garda with Toblino (approx. 26 km) and continues on to Terlago (total distance approx. 40 km). You’ll cycle past vineyards, villages, and lakes, mostly on car-free roads. There are slight elevation changes, and e-bikes are an option.

4. Lake Cavedine: Wind & Water

The water is cool, but you’re allowed to swim in this lake. It can get crowded in the summer. We recommend visiting the lake by bike. In the afternoon, the Ora wind blows in from Lake Garda into the valley. It’s a great time to go canoeing or take a SUP tour across the turquoise water.

5. Lamar Lakes

These two mountain lakes were once separated by a landslide. Today, Lago di Lamar and Lago Santo are two beautiful lakes with very clean and clear water, surrounded by forests. They are very popular with anglers.

6. Nosiola & Vino Santo

In the fall, the region becomes Trentino’s premier wine destination. Among other things, the valley is the birthplace of Nosiola, Trentino’s native white grape variety.

• At the Wine Museum Casa Caveau Vino Santo (Padergnone), you’ll delve into the story of the sweet Vino Santo DOC: from drying on reed mats to slow fermentation.
• Afterward, you can enjoy wine tastings at the many wineries in the valley. Many of them are internationally renowned.
• Santa Massenza (with the lake of the same name) has the most distilled beverages of any borgo.
• It’s also a wonderful region for asparagus.

7. Monte di Mezzocorona: a balcony overlooking the Adige River (day trip without a car)

If you’re staying in the Valle dei Laghi, this is a nice day trip. At an elevation of 891 meters lies Monte di Mezzocorona: a car-free plateau with alpine meadows and views of the vineyard terraces of the Piana Rotaliana. You can glide up there in just a few minutes on the steep Mezzocorona Cable Car. A wonderful “low-impact” outing from Trento and the Valle dei Laghi. It’s about a half-hour drive away.

What you want to do here

• Forest hike to Malga Kraun (from the mountain station). Easy trails through a cool spruce forest; a perfect half-day hike with a lunch stop.
• Burrone Giovanelli via ferrata: a spectacular gorge route with ladders and steel cables; it starts in Ischia (Mezzocorona) and ends at Monte. Then take the cable car down. Beginners? Go with a guide.
• Panorama Suspension Bridge: a picturesque crossing with views of the Adige Valley.

How to Get There Without a Car

• Train: from Trento to Mezzocorona in about 10–13 minutes (several trips per day). From the station, it’s a ±10-minute walk to the cable car.
• Cable car: Check the seasonal schedule on site; it runs continuously during the day and often in the evening.

Sustainable & Safe

• Choose public transportation and the cable car instead of a car (lower emissions, no hairpin turns).
• For the via ferrata: helmet, harness, and via ferrata set; no experience? Book a UIAGM guide.

8. Castello del Buonconsiglio (Trento): Art & History

This imposing castle complex—the residence of the prince-bishops for centuries—is located in the heart of Trento. Wander through Renaissance loggias and courtyards, visit the Torre Aquila with its famous frescoes depicting the months, or relax in the herb garden. Perfect to combine with your arrival or departure via Trento.

9. Monte Bondone: Alpine meadows, peatlands, and stars (day trip from Trento)

Above Trento, Monte Bondone rises like a green wall. On the Viote Plateau, you can hike across gentle alpine meadows and along boardwalks through peatlands. Visit the Viote Alpine Botanical Garden (one of the largest and highest alpine gardens) or, on a clear night, the Terrazza delle Stelle for stargazing. In the summer, there are accessible loop trails; in the fall, the larch trees turn golden.

Without a car

Seasonal buses run from Trento to Vason/Viote; with the Trentino Guest Card, you can travel for free within the province. Check the schedule on site.

Sustainable Road Trip Through the Valle dei Laghi

An example of a low-impact 3-day tour to explore the area.

Day 1: Arrive by train in Trento. Take the bus to Toblino. Take a stroll around Lake Toblino and enjoy the view of the castle, then wrap up the day with a glass of Nosiola. (Tip: If you have time, visit the Castello del Buonconsiglio in Trento first.)

Day 2: Ride an e-bike along the lake route to Cavedine (with a break by the water). Then head back via Terlago for a walk around the lake and a picnic at sunset.

Day 3: Take the train to Mezzocorona, and from there, take the cable car to Monte di Mezzocorona. Go for a walk in the woods or cross the suspension bridge, then take the cable car back down.

Day 3 (alternative): Take the bus to Vason/Viote (Monte Bondone) to see the alpine meadows and the peat bog. Visit the Giardino Botanico Alpino Viote or go stargazing at the Terrazza delle Stelle. Take the bus back to Trento.

Sustainable travel & Practical Information

• Without a car: with the Trentino Guest Card , you can travel for free on regional public transportation (trains and buses within Trentino) and get admission or discounts at museums and castles. Take the bus from Trento toward Castel Toblino/Sarche; there are regular suburban bus routes.
• Best time to visit: spring and late summer for mild weather, fewer crowds, and clear water.
• Leave No Trace: Stay on the trails (nesting areas!), let your sunscreen dry for a bit before swimming, and take your picnic trash home with you.
• Safe & smart: Always check local weather and route information; afternoon winds can pick up near lakes (great for sailing/surfing, not so great for SUP beginners).

A great place to stay to experience it all

Would you like to wake up surrounded by apple orchards and take a dip in an organic pool after your bike ride? Then check out Agritur La Dolce Mela in Ciago (Vallelaghi). Small-scale, adult-friendly, and certified sustainable (GSTC). The perfect base for exploring this valley.

Frequently Asked Questions: Valle dei Laghi

Is the Valle dei Laghi suitable for family e-biking?

Yes. The valley has mostly flat bike paths connecting Lake Garda, Toblino, and Terlago; you can choose the distance and difficulty for each stage.

Can you visit Castel Toblino?

You can walk freely around the lake; the castle is privately owned and serves (in part) as a restaurant and event venue.

What makes the valley so special in terms of nature?

Lakes such as Toblino (a biotope) and Terlago (a rich ecosystem) are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, partly due to their mild microclimate.

How do I get to Monte di Mezzocorona without a car?

Take the train from Trento to Mezzocorona, then walk to the cable car and ride up in a few minutes.

Valle dei Laghi on the map

Photo credits – Trentino Marketing