Spring is made for being outdoors, immersing yourself among thousands of flowers, strolling through Parco Sempione, admiring the cherry blossoms on the hill of the same name in Bicocca, and enjoying a good spritz on the banks of the Naviglio at 6:00 p.m., when the sun is still high in the sky. However, there are those who love unspoiled nature —or nearly so—and prefer a nice outing in the countryside to a Milanese aperitif.
If you, too, fall into this second category and are looking for a breathtaking hike for a weekend getaway, this will make you want to set off right away. On the Trentino shore of Lake Garda lies a trail suspended between water and sky, immersed in the lush greenery of the lakeside vegetation. Spectacular views and plenty of nature, plus a dash of adrenaline from the 400 metal steps anchored to the rock: ideal for the daring, not recommended for those who suffer from vertigo.
A trail suspended over the lake
Some people have paintings at home depicting this very landscape, rendered on canvas with the same intense colors. Originally built to traverse the steep rocky ridges plunging into the lake, today the Busatte-Tempesta Trail is a true masterpiece of hiking engineering. Overlooking the Trentino shore of Lake Garda, it is about 8 km long in total and offers breathtaking views of the lake, Monte Brione, and characteristic Italian lakeside villages, such as Riva del Garda.
A combination of factors, from its extraordinary beauty to the richness of its flora, has made it internationally famous. What makes it even more iconic, however, are the spectacular iron staircases, which have transformed this route into a destination coveted by many. These walkways and the long staircases set into the vertical walls allow those who traverse them to feel suspended in mid-air, always in complete safety.
After a relatively easy first part of the route, you reach the three spectacular metal staircases that interrupt the trail. You start with the Salt della Cavra, then tackle the more challenging Corno di Bò, up to the third staircase in the Valletta di Santa Lucia, in a succession of climbs and views that culminate in a truly wonderful hike.
Where to start and how to get there
The adventure begins in the town of Nago-Torbole, about 2 hours and 40 minutes from Milan. Once there, follow the signs for Parco delle Busatte or Parco Avventura to a lush recreational area, where you can leave your car in the parking lot (mostly free). Take the CAI trail toward Tempesta, which winds through a picturesque Mediterranean forest of holm oaks, maritime pines, and olive trees, and get ready for a splendid hike.
