We knew before our Ireland trip that it wouldn’t be enough. So we booked our flight back to Munich to spend one relaxed day in our beautiful hometown Regensburg. And then take the car and head to beautiful Lake Garda.
What makes Bavaria even more amazing is its proximity to one of the most beautiful countries in the world. We’ve both been to Italy a few times. Jan was also several times at Lake Garda. But one of the nearest Italian destinations for us was a first time for me. Until a few weeks ago I might have been the only person from Bavaria that hasn’t been to Lake Garda yet. We spent three nights in the lovely B&B Susanna. Friendly hosts, great rooms and a perfect location between the lake and Verona.
Lake Garda in August – you have to be mentally prepared
I actually don’t like crowded places. But as I had enough time to mentally tune for the masses of Germans and Austrians and it helped. It didn’t bother me as much as I was worried about.
It was a crisp 38°C which is, of course, unpleasant on the one hand. On the other hand, the heat is so overwhelming you just don’t have the nerve to get upset about other people. The temperatures were perfect for bathing. Not so much for everything else.
To make it short: I’m in love with Lake Garda and it won’t be our last trip there. But how Italians endure those masses of people will always be a mystery to me.
Viewing point Belvedere at Torbole
This was our first stop in Italy. Quite a good view I would say.
Arco
We made a longer stop in this little town. The reason at first was the majestic castle on a rock. The church here is pretty too.
But to be honest: an Aperol Sprizz in the ‘city park’ (if you can call it like this) for only 2,50€ was actually the main reason. 38°C didn’t feel too bad in this case.
Waterfall in Varone/ Cascate del Varone
It’s only a 3km distance between the waterfall and Riva del Garda. It’s located in a beautifully exposed grotto. The parking situation is a nightmare in August though free.
The ways round are well-developed. You can see the waterfall from upside and down. It falls 100mm into the depth and you can get quite wet here. With 38°C it was a very welcome cooling. I hope, I’m not going to mention the temperatures too often but they played a huge role for this trip.
Gardesana East Coast
Our accommodation (Susanna’s Bed and Breakfast) was near Bardolino. Therefore we drove along the east coast of the lake and tried to stop here and there. Most stops were regular parking places which were of course packed. It was impossible to stay somewhere a little bit longer.
But the Gardesana which leads around the whole lake is definitely one of the prettiest roads in the world. Maybe we drive along the lake one day when it’s less crowded.
Some are fans from the upper part of the lake, some more of the south. I can’t choose. I loved the views from all sides.
Bardolino
This little town known for its wine is really pretty, especially the alleys and the many cafés. You have to know that this place is no idyll in August. Se Tschermans are everywhere, they sit everywhere and they look everywhere. Austrians, too.
I actually don’t want to complain about something like this, BUT: I’ve never met so many young people who obviously don’t speak a word English or at least feel uncomfortable with it like we did here. There were a few situations in Bardolino where it became obvious. Even if you know, you don’t need English for Lake Garda, we have 2017 and it’s embarrassing anyway.
Now you got us. We’re part of the elite hipsters, right Jens Spahn?
Sirmione
This was by far my favourite place at Lake Garda. It’s on the southern tip of Lake Garda and restless overcrowded in August. The Old Town of Sirmione causes claustrophobia but the water castle Castello Scaligero and its beautiful alleys are making it up again.
I think I’ve seen the world’s largest ice cream here. No one can tell me it’s possible to eat this ice cream with these temperatures without most of it dropping down your hands?! Unfortunately, I have no picture of it. Taking pictures of strangers feels strange.
Besides the Old Town, Sirmione is perfect for sun bathing. The water has a beautiful colour and Monte Baldo in the background make it a picture perfect scenery. From the Old Town, it’s not far to ‘Lido delle Bionde’ (Blonde’s beach) and Jamaica Beach.
We’d love to have visited the west coast, especially Limone sul Garda. But we decided to visit Verona instead (next post). There was no time left for the other side and so there’s no other option than coming back again.
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