From Riva del Garda to Bastione and then on up to Santa Barbara: this hike touches on two of the symbols of the town perched on the mountainside above Riva del Garda
From down below, the Bastione and especially the chapel of Santa Barbara, seem incredibly far away, perched on the steep mountainside. However it doesn't take long at all to get to them and from up there you have spectacular views over Riva del Garda and the lake.
The chapel of Santa Barbara, standing out white against the rock of the mountain, was built during the 1920s when work was under way on the pipes carrying the water from Lake Ledro to the hydroelectric station in Riva del Garda and is dedicated to the patron saint of miners.
For more information on routes, services (guides, mountain huts, shops etc.) and hiking friendly accommodation: Garda Trentino - +39 0464 554444
Safety Tips
This information is subject to inevitable variations, so none of these indications are absolute. It is not entirely possible to avoid giving inexact or imprecise information, given how quickly environmental and weather conditions can change. For this reason, we decline any responsibility for changes which the user may encounter. In any case, it is advisable to check environment and weather conditions before setting out.
From the centre of Riva del Garda (Via Monte Oro), take the paved road which leads up to Bastione, following directions for the mountain hut Capanna Santa Barbara (SAT 404). After you have visited Bastione with its magnificent views of the gulf, rejoin the trail which heads up steeply towards Capanna Santa Barbara. It is only a short distance from there to the chapel. Head back down to town the way you came.
The main towns in Garda Trentino - Riva del Garda, Arco, Torbole sul Garda, Nago – are connected by several urban and intercity bus lines which will take you to the starting point of tours or in the immediate surroundings.
You can also get to Riva del Garda and Torbole sul Garda by the public ferry service.
Up-to-date information on timetables and routes.
Parking near the former hospital (Via Rosmini) or the former cemetery (Viale Damiano Chiesa).
Paid parking: Terme Romane (Viale Roma), Vecchia stazione (Largo Medaglie d’Oro), Ex-agraria (Via Lutti), Area ex-Cattoi (Viale Rovereto).
You need to wear the right clothing and take the proper gear when you go hiking in the mountains. Even on relatively short easy outings make sure to take all you need so you don't run into trouble if things take an unexpected turn, for example a storm blows up or you have a sudden drop in energy levels.
What should you take when you go on a hike?
Your rucksack (for a day trip a 25/30L capacity should do) should contain:
Make sure you're wearing the right footwear for the trail and season. The going can get rough and rocky underfoot and a pair of hiking boots will protect you from sprains. When wet, a grassy slope, rocky slab or steep trail can be dangerous unless you are wearing the proper footwear.
And finally... don't forget to bring your camera! You'll need it to capture the stunning views you come across all over Garda Trentino. And if you like, you can share your memories with us at #GardaTrentino.
Emergency telephone number 112.
