Scenic Views on the Lake Garda: 14 amazing ideas for walks, motorbike or car trips

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The memorable places on Lake Garda worth visiting are many. This updated guide to Lake Garda Views aims to highlight the most spectacular ones, with practical tips on how to reach them depending on your means of transport (on foot, by car, or motorbike), plus small suggestions to fully enjoy the breathtaking views in complete safety.

Scenic viewpoints on Lake Garda accessible by car

Terrazza del Brivido (Pieve di Tremosine)

An iconic viewpoint on Lake Garda, suspended over the cliffs of Upper Garda. It is easily accessible by car up to the historic center of Pieve di Tremosine, where parking areas are available. The terrace is located at the Hotel/Restaurant Paradiso. It’s advisable to check opening times and crowds in advance, as it is often very popular due to its easy access.

Montecastello Hermitage/Sanctuary (Tignale)

A natural balcony on the Brescia side of Lake Garda. Drive following the signs to Tignale – Sanctuary. The last stretch is a narrow road with parking at the top, followed by a short walk. Even when the sanctuary is closed, the square offers a vast, sweeping view.

Sanctuary of the Madonna of Montecastello in Tignale on Lake Garda

Bastione of Riva del Garda and panoramic lift

A must-do experience is taking the glass panoramic lift, which in just 3 minutes takes you from the center of Riva del Garda up to the Bastione overlooking the town. At the top, there is a restaurant/bar perfect for an aperitif. The view stretches across Riva, Torbole, and the Ponale. Alternatively, you can walk up along the well-marked trail, with a 20–30 minute hike.

Malcesine–Monte Baldo cable car

The cable car from Malcesine, one of the most beautiful villages on the lake, rises to 1760 meters above sea level at the Tratto Spino station on Monte Baldo. The ride itself is a scenic experience thanks to the cabins that rotate 360 degrees in the second section of the route. Once at the top, you can take easy walks to several viewpoints overlooking the lake and the Pre-Alps. Always check the schedule and weather conditions in advance.

Rocca di Manerba & Punta Sasso

Among the viewpoints accessible by car is the Rocca di Manerba, at the foot of which lies a large parking area. From there, an easy path leads to the summit in just a few minutes. For those wishing to continue, it’s possible to reach Punta Sasso, a spectacular cliff promontory rising up to 150 meters directly above the lake, offering one of the most breathtaking views on Lake Garda.

Rocca di Manerba

Lake Garda views accessible on foot

La Rocca di Garda

Above the village of Garda lies La Rocca, a fortress with medieval remains. It is accessible via an easy trail with a 220-meter elevation gain. From here, a natural balcony opens onto Punta San Vigilio, the village of Bardolino, and, on clear days, much of the lake. Parking is recommended near the cemetery/Via San Bernardo, then continue on foot along the marked trails.

Punta Larici (Pregasina)

One of the most photographed viewpoints on Lake Garda: vertigo is guaranteed here. Starting from the village of Pregasina (where parking is limited), follow the trail to Bocca Larici/Punta Larici for a total of about 1 hour round trip. Nearby you will also find the suspended cycle path of Lake Garda.

The Busatte–Tempesta panoramic trail

Located in the municipality of Torbole, this dramatic panoramic trail includes suspended metal stairways along the cliffs. The path starts at the Busatte Park in Torbole, covering 11 km round trip in about 2.5 hours with a 300-meter elevation gain. Reopened in April 2025 after safety work, it is not recommended for families with children.

Busatte Tempesta Trail and View of Lake Garda

Monte Brione (Riva del Garda/Torbole)

The hike to Monte Brione winds among Austrian forts, with a 360° view of Riva del Garda, the lake and Monte Baldo. The trail is well-marked, 7 km long, and takes about 2 hours to complete.

Arco Castle

The Castle of Arco in Trento is one of the best-known and most fascinating viewpoints on Lake Garda. From the village center, climb a stairway and cobbled path through olive groves for 20 minutes until you reach the medieval keep. Along the way, there are several spots ideal for photos, including a glass terrace.

Hermitage of San Valentino (Gargnano)

Located at 772 meters above sea level, the Hermitage of San Valentino dates back to 1650 and is reached via a short but steep forest trail from the town of Gargnano. Overlooking Upper Garda (Brescia side), it is the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset.

Panoramic viewpoints on Lake Garda for motorbike riders

Strada della Forra

The SP38, known as “the most beautiful road in the world,” carved into the Brasa gorge, is a classic panoramic route on Lake Garda for motorcyclists. From the lakeshore, it climbs up to the town of Tremosine. Following landslide repairs in 2023, traffic is regulated with one-way sections and other restrictions, including a ban on pedestrian access. It remains a highly scenic and unmissable route.

Tunnel on the unique and famous panoramic Road of The Forra from Tremosine to Pieve

Passo Tremalzo

Located between Val di Ledro and Tremosine, this pass at almost 1700 meters above sea level offers stunning high-altitude panoramas. You can ride up from Riva del Garda to Lake Ampola on the Ledro side. The old military dirt road that continues toward the pass is mostly closed to motor vehicles but open for mountain biking.

Monte Altissimo di Nago

For those who love high-altitude rides, head by motorbike to Rifugio Graziani on Monte Baldo. From there, a 45–60 minute hike leads to the summit, offering majestic views over northern Lake Garda.

Practical tips

Parking. In smaller villages like Pregasina and Pieve di Tremosine, parking spaces are limited: plan to arrive early to secure a spot.
Proper footwear. Even when a viewpoint is accessible by car, the last stretch is often on a trail (e.g. Rocca di Manerba, Rocca di Garda). Always wear proper shoes, preferably hiking boots.
Exposure/vertigo. Punta Larici, Punta Sasso, and some sections of the Busatte–Tempesta trail have exposed stretches that may not be suitable for those who suffer from vertigo. Always respect safety barriers and avoid risky poses for photos.
Gorges & passes. Depending on the season, always check local ordinances, weather, and road conditions in advance before riding the Strada della Forra or other high-altitude routes.

Discover the Lake with our Boat Tours

The season isn’t over yet—there’s still time to experience the magic of Lake Garda from the water. The boat tours of Bee Boat Service offer spectacular panoramas and a unique experience to share.