Biking itinerary on lake garda: from Varignano di Arco to Tenno

The itinerary starts out from Varignano, a hamlet of Arco, in the square in front of San Michele church. Take the province road for S.Giovanni al monte (the first 2 km are the toughest) until you reach the sunny Padaro basin. The road gently rises to Mandrea, with a wonderful view of Valle dei Laghi and Mount Brento. A group of rustic homes announces the arrival at S. Giovanni al monte, a quiet area with lovely scenery. The biker can stop for a break at the refuge, then follow the signs for Gorghi-Prati di Gom. After a slight ascent of 300 meters, the asphalted road ends and you pass a group of homes.

A lush forest opens onto green meadows that descend northwest from Mount Biaina. At an altitude of 1,150 meters, the highest point of the itinerary, you can see Mount Misone and, further away to the north, the vertical walls of the Brenta Dolomites. Once again riding through the forest, you'll come to a junction. Bear left and follow the trail until you reach Gorghi, then bear right and take the no entry road to S. Pietro. Making your way through the thick forest, turn left onto the next forest road you encounter. At the next junction, turn right on the paved road that descends to Croce in Bondiga, a panoramic spot on Lake Garda. Follow the signs for S. Pietro-Tenno. At the intersection in Treni (km 17.42; m 820), take the road on the left that gradually ascends. Now, on the asphalt road, you reach the top of the hill after 1 km. Descending the road, you'll pass rustic homes and farmland.

Bear left at the junction. You'll pass Calvola and Ville del Monte, two hamlets of Tenno on the southeastern hills of Mount Misone, at an altitude of approximately 600 m. In Villa del Monte, you'll cross the province road for Ponte Arche-Lago di Tenno, then head for Tenno, to the castle. You'll ride along the road to Riva del Garda for about 50 meters, then turn left onto another road which is flat at first, then slightly ascends to Volta di No. At the junction with the Giudicarie road, turn left onto the unpaved road, following the sign with the bicycle. After a difficult descent, you'll find yourself at the point of departure once again in Varignano.

Box:

- Varignano (600 inhabitants), a hamlet of Arco, sits on an alluvial cone of the Bordellino River in Val del Tof and is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Until the Sixties, it was the home of the only silk spinning mill in Trentino.

- the Tenno Castle was built in the 12th century on the ruins of a prehistoric fortress. It was of great strategic importance due to its position that overlooks several roads: the Riva del Garda - Bocca di Trat - Ledro Valley road, the Giudicarie road through the Ballino Pass, the road between Basso Sarca and the Giudicarie Esteriori via Passo dei Trenti - Lomasona. The castle, in a fabulous panoramic location, is now privately owned.

INFO

• Zone: S.Giovanni al Monte.
• Map: KOMPASS n. 101.
• Departure: The square in front of the S. Michele church in Varignano.
• Access: on the state road from Arco to Riva del Garda, you'll find the signs for Vigne- Varignano, 2 km from Arco.
• Length: 29 km.
• Difference in altitude: 1,049 m.
• Maximum altitude: 1,150 m.
• Time: 3 hr 30 min. - 4 hr.
• Bikeability: total.
• Difficulty: average difficulty.
• Beauty (1-5*): ****.
• Base: Rifugio S.Giovanni al monte and Rifugio S. Pietro refuges (refreshments and accommodations).
• Note: the first part of the itinerary might seem monotonous along the steep asphalted road. From the 101 m of Verignano you climb in just 13 kilometers to 1,150 meters and Prati di Gom. The second part of the itinerary is more exciting, traveling through the vineyards and the chestnut and olive groves.

Text: Claudio Kerschbaumer

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Useful Advice:

• Mountain hiking or trekking is an adventure and an experience that brings you in contact with the mountains and nature. Since some itineraries can be difficult for an amateur or untrained excursionist or mountain climber, caution is advised.

Clothing:

• Clothing must not be exaggerated and always suitable for the season, taking into account the type of excursion, altitude and weather, which can change quickly in the mountains. Bring in your backpack sunglasses, a hat, a change of clothing, waterproof jacket with hood (the change of clothing, be it heavy or light, should depend upon the season underway).

Equipment:

• Besides wearing the right shoes (mountain or trekking boots), bring a water bottle or another beverage, a first aid emergency kit, maps, and a Swiss Army knife.

Safety:

• Always notify someone of your excursion, and if you are not accompanied by family members or friends, speak with the staff at the reception desk in your residence or hotel, and let them know of your plans. Bringing a mobile phone with you during the excursion is very helpful and might come in handy.

These measures might seem extreme, but there are many potential dangers in the mountains, and you want to avoid them. In fact, it is better to be safe than sorry!

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