GEZIN

Walks for the family

Seven easy itineraries and walks for the whole family: from the Strada del Ponale to Tremalzo passing from Lake Ledro, Lake Ampola, the waterfall of Gorg d'Abiss and Val Concei.

LAKE LEDRO PROMENADE 

Easy walk along Lake Ledro, surrounded by spectacular mountains that make the landscape magical

Starting and finishing point: Mezzolago (660 MASL) – Pile-Dwelling Museum, Molina di Ledro (655 MASL) Difficulty: T - Tourist Walk Difference in altitude: irrelevant Distance: 2.5 km (one-way) Walking time: 30 minutes (one-way) Terrain: asphalt, gravel, piers Signage: wood signs Best time to visit: all the yearlong. Particularly during the autumn, when the stunning colours of the trees are reflected in the lake

Itinerary: easy walk. Always keep the lake to the right. Start from Hotel Mezzolago (SS240 / Via Lungolago) and take Via San Michele, the road running perpendicular to the lake shore. Turn right into Via Belvedere (follow the white and red signs indicating the cycling path / pista ciclabile). Cars are not allowed on the cycling path. Walk towards the main road, passing by a spectacular stretch overlooking the lake. Cross the road and reach the car park. Take the gravel path to the left and walk towards Molina di Ledro. Walk further along the lake (passing by a camping and a beach) until you get back to the main road. There is a cape in-between where it is possible to enjoy a view over the lake. The Pile-Dwelling Museum can be seen from the main road

Alternative: it is also possible to walk round the lake, on asphalt and gravel road. There aren't many signs on the southern shore of the lake, but the way can easily be guessed. The whole walk takes about three hours (10 km, difficulty: E - Hiking Trail)

To get to know more: the highlight of the Pile-Dwelling Museum (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is the 10000 poles dating back to the Bronze Age, about 4000 years ago. They were discovered in 1929, when part of the water was first taken out of the lake to be used in the hydroelectric power plant in Riva del Garda. Educational and ludic activities (Palafittando) are organised every year at the museum

Tips for baby hikers: very easy walk; baby hikers will particularly enjoy the playground in Molina di Ledro (near the fountain). The walk is accessible to prams as well

TRENCHES IN BEZZECCA

On the trail of history: visit the trenches in Bezzecca. As a border area, this was the theatre of many conflicts, including the Third Italian War of Independence (1866) and the First World War

Starting and finishing point: Bezzecca, Via Lamarmora (680 MASL) – Colle Santo Stefano (710 MASL) Difficulty: T – Tourist Walk Difference in altitude: 50 m Distance: 1 km (roundtrip) Walking time: 1 hour (including the trenches) Terrain: staircase, paved road, asphalt Signage: signs Best time to visit: all the yearlong

Itinerary: Start from the ramp marked with a mortar shell. Walk uphill along the ramp or instead use the metal spiral staircase in the tunnel to the right (82 steps, closed during the winter). Both lead to the Chiesa di Santo Stefano, dating back to 1521 and now transformed into an ossuary. The spot where the cannon is located is a good viewpoint. Past the church there is no clear itinerary: it is a maze of tunnels and trenches. Along the way there are several commemorative plaques. One of them dates back to 1866 and it is in memory of the Italian soldiers who died in Bezzecca. When the Austrians regained control of Ledro they pulled the plaque down ant threw it over the cliff. It was then recovered in secret and put back into its place in 1919. On the summit of the hill, there is a white marble cross with two plaques commemorating Italian and Austrian War Fallen

To get to know more: on 21 July 1866, the Italian troops at the orders of Garibaldi fought and won a battle near Bezzecca against the Austrians. On 9 August of the same year though, General La Marmora sent a dispatch to Garibaldi: “Political considerations require that an armistice be signed. It is thus demanded that all our forces be withdrawn from Tirol. According to the King's orders, you will act to ensure that all the troops under your command shall have crossed the borders of Tirol by 4 am, August 11”. [Tirol includes Trentino, and thus Ledro] To which Garibaldi replied: “I have received dispatch 1072 – I obey”. During the First World War, the valley was again disputed between Italy and Austria. Most of the population, particularly women and children, were evacuated to Bohemia, in the area round Prague. The arrangement was thought to last some months, but it dragged on for three years. When the inhabitants of Ledro came back, their cuisine had been hugely influenced by their stay in Bohemia (Gnocchi Boemi – Bohemian Dumplings – are not to be missed!)

Tips for baby hikers: the darkest spots in the trenches are fitted with electric light. Should baby hikers have problems with closed spaces, it is possible to reach the summit without getting into the tunnels. For those who haven't got any problems, it will be like a treasure hunt!

TREMALZO

Easy alpine walk, that leads to a magnificent viewpoint overlooking Lake Ledro, Lake Garda and the surrounding mountains

Starting and finishing point: Tremalzo Pass, near Albergo Garda (1700 MASL) – Saddle near the Bocca di Val Marza (1850 MASL) Difficulty: T – Tourist Walk Difference in altitude: 150 m Distance: 2.5 km (one-way) Walking time: 45 minutes (one-way) Terrain: gravel road, mountain path, tunnel Signage: rare yellow and red signs indicating a cycling route Best time to visit: spring to autumn (during the winter, with snowshoes only)

Itinerary: start from the car park and follow the asphalt road, which soon becomes a gravel road. Walk steadily uphill towards the entrance of the tunnel. A break to admire the view opening up towards the Adamello is keenly recommended. The best spot is the first hairpin curve turning right. Walk through the tunnel (no electric light is required). The view on this side is also worth a break. Turn right and take the path along the crest leading up to the saddle. From this spot the gravel road and the Tremalzo Pass are visible. Turn right and walk through a thicket of mugho pines. Always keep to the right. If trees make it difficult to walk, do not hesitate to turn back as it means you have taken a wrong turn. The main path is well marked and free of vegetation

To get to know more: until a few years ago, Tremalzo used to be a skiing resort. But it is first and foremost a hugely significant botanical area. There are about 21 endemic species registered in the Red List of Threatened Species (endemism: ecological state of a species being unique to a defined geographic area or another defined zone)

Tips for baby hikers: the walk is accessible to prams only as far as the tunnel. The view is worthwhile even from there though. If the children are scared of darkness (which is not complete, as no electric light is required to see), it is possible to go round the tunnel. Climb the small wall to the right and take the path starting from there. The walk is steep but short and it leads to the saddle. Take the path to the left and walk along the crest up to the summit: the view is just wonderful!

LAGO D’AMPOLA - LAKE AMPOLA

Discover one of the few bodies of water that still preserve their original natural conditions. Meet its inhabitants from the perspective of the most iconic of them: beati come rane sua una foglia di ninfea (TR. Happy like frogs on the leaf of a water lily)

Starting and finishing point: car park along the SS240, between Tiarno di Sopra and Storo (725 MASL), round trip Difficulty: T – Tourist Walk Difference in altitude: irrelevant Distance: 1 km (round trip) Walking time: 30 minutes (Visitor Centre excluded) Terrain: wooden footbridge and gravel road Signage: educational and directions panels Best time to visit: all the yearlong, particularly during the spring, when the water lilies are in bloom

Itinerary: start from the car park and follow the footbridge that runs through wet meadows and rushes (thickets of reeds). Once on dry land take the path to the right and walk along the lake. Do not miss the chance to walk on the pier and get a wonderful view over Lake Ampola. The Visitor Centre is not far away. The artworks outside the centre are designed to make one see the world with the eyes of the creatures that live underwater. Past the Visitor Centre, turn left and cross the cycling path. Walk uphill into the wood. Turn right and walk back to the car park, following the footbridge

To get to know more: the Visitor Centre owes its name to a book by Tom Robbins (Half Asleep in Frog Pajamas).  Beati come rane su una foglia di ninfea is the title used for the Italian translation

Tips for baby hikers: very easy (but fascinating) walk. Both the footbridges and the cycling path are accessible with prams. A pleasant surprise!

WATERFALL GORG D’ABISS  

Easy walk that leads to a waterfall: a gush of water springing directly from the rock and offering an evocative and unique spectacle! It may very well be home to gnomes, elves and other fairy creatures.

Starting and finishing point: Tiarno di Sotto, car park at the end of Via al Molino (Via Vsen) (744 MASL) – Gorg d’Abiss (865 MASL) Difficulty: T – Tourist Walk Difference in altitude: 125 m Distance: 1.5 km (round-trip) Walking time: 20 minutes Terrain: gravel road, path Signage: absent Best time to visit: all the yearlong, particularly during the autumn, when the colours of the trees are spectacular

Itinerary: easy walk starting from the car park. Pass by the Bugatini Watermill (privately owned) and walk on the gravel road running along the Rio Massangla. Pass by a cross and reach a passage over a duct that runs parallel to the stream. Past the curve the first splashes of Gorg d’Abiss are already in sight. Caution: as the walk crosses privately owned fields, be cautious not to cause any damage

To get to know more: Tiarno di Sotto is known as il paese dei signori (the gentlemen’s village), because of its many distinguished houses. They were built at a time when the trade with Venice brought prosperity to the community. There were seven sawmills, a blacksmith and two watermills at the time. The bell tower is 72 m tall, the tallest but one in the whole of Trentino!

Tips for baby hikers: the only spot where to pay attention is the last stretch, running over the duct. The passage is easy, but a little bit exposed. Be particularly cautious during the winter, as there might be ice.

SENTIERO NATURALISTICO DELLA VAL DI CONCEI - NATURAL PATH IN VAL CONCEI

Path unwinding through a bucolic and pleasant valley, among relaxing slopes and very enjoyable landscapes

Starting and finishing point: Lenzumo (800 MASL) – Il Faggio (964 MASL) Difficulty: E – Hiking Trail Difference in altitude: 160 m Distance: 4 km (one-way) Walking time: 1 hour and a half (one-way) Terrain: gravel road, country track Signage: wooden signs Best time to visit: all the yearlong, during the winter with snowshoes only

Itinerary: easy walk on the valley floor. Start from the car park and follow the signs. Walk on a gravel road that runs by the Assat stream. There are several crossings along the way (bridges and fords). Pleasant walk that unwinds partially through the wood and runs along meadows and fields (perfect for a break to relax and play), up to the Rifugio al Faggio (excellent gastronomic destination!). Alternative: half way it is possible to make a detour and turn right towards the Val Sorda, which turns into a cross-country skiing course during the winter. The detour adds 2.5 km to the route

To get to know more: the name Il Faggio (The Beech Tree) comes from… a beech tree. Behind the refuge, there is a huge specimen, which is more than 250 years old according to the plate!

Tips for baby hikers: do not miss the chance to explore the surroundings of the beech tree… only the luckiest will be able to see the small inhabitants of the beech tree: smart and discreet gnomes! The walk is accessible with sport prams

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