Lifts and Cable Cars
Our Guide to Cable Cars and Panoramic Lifts on Lake Garda
When visiting Lake Garda, take the opportunity to explore the breathtaking beauty of the lake from above with a cable car or a panoramic lift. These journeys offer stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains, providing a unique perspective that can’t be seen from the ground. Whether you seek adventure or a serene sightseeing experience, these options cater to all.
Cable cars from Malcesine to Monte Baldo and from Prada to Costabella offer rotating cabins or basket-lifts for unforgettable views. The panoramic lift in Riva del Garda combines modern engineering with a historical route. The glass-walled cabin offers thrilling ascents and stunning vistas, making it a must-try for visitors. Read this guide to discover cable cars of Lake Garda!
The Cable Car from Malcesine to Monte Baldo, a rotating gondola ride on Lake Garda, offers a stunning journey from the lakeside town to the peak at 1760 meters. Operating 10 months a year, the ride takes 15 minutes to travel from Malcesine to Tratto Spino on Monte Baldo.
Starting from Malcesine’s station on Via Navene Vecchia, the cable car stops at the intermediate station in San Michele at 580 meters before reaching the top station at Tratto Spino. The unique feature of this cable car is its rotating cabin on the second part of the trip, providing a 360-degree panoramic view of the lake, hills, and mountains, offering an unparalleled perspective.
At the top, visitors can enjoy easy walks, breathtaking panoramas, and traditional dishes at nearby huts and restaurants. The extensive network of trails on Monte Baldo caters to hikers and nature enthusiasts. Additionally, a paragliding launch area is located close to the top station, providing an exciting option for the adventurous.
The Cable Car Prada Costabella offers a journey consisting of two sections: an open two-passenger basket lift and a two-seat chairlift, covering approximately 3 kilometers in total. The departure station is located in picturesque area of Prada Alta, within the municipality of Brenzone, at an elevation of 1,000 meters above sea level.
The first leg of the journey takes you on a 20-minute ascent from Prada Alta to Ortigaretta, reaching 1,550 meters. This section provides exhilarating views and an intimate connection with the unique flora that thrives in the area. At Ortigaretta, visitors can pause at the Baito Turri alpine hut to enjoy local cuisine while taking in panoramic views of Lake Garda.
The second stage continues with a two-seat chairlift to Cima Costabella, at 1,850 meters above sea level. This summit offers breathtaking 360° views of Lake Garda and the surrounding valleys. With numerous hiking trails branching out, the Cable Car Prada Costabella serves as a gateway to exploring the diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity of the Monte Baldo Natural Park
The Prà Alpesina Chairlift is a remarkable attraction on the Trentino side of Monte Baldo. Located in the charming locality of Prà Alpesina, this chairlift is easily accessible from the provincial road, approximately 15 kilometers from Avio. Starting at an altitude of 1,450 meters, the chairlift ascends to 1,890 meters, covering a total elevation change of 440 meters and spanning 1,500 meters in length.
At the summit, visitors can indulge in a relaxing break at the recently renovated Chalet Falco. This mountain chalet features a magnificent panoramic terrace, perfect for enjoying lunch or breakfast while taking in the serene beauty of the alpine environment. Families with children will appreciate the nearby playground, offering a fun and safe space for kids to play while adults unwind.
For walking enthusiasts, a 30-minute walk along a dirt road leads to the cable car’s arrival station at Tratto Spino. This path is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, offering a leisurely way to enjoy the picturesque scenery. Alternatively, a more challenging 20-minute hike along the ridge provides an opportunity to admire the vibrant rhododendron blooms that color the landscape red during the summer months.
The Prà Alpesina Chairlift operates during the summer from mid-June to mid-September, providing access to the alpine landscapes during the warmer months. In winter, the chairlift’s operation depends on snow conditions.
Click here for more information about the Prà Alpesina Chairlift.
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the inclined panoramic lift to the Venetian Bastion in Riva del Garda. In just three thrilling minutes, you can ascend 208 meters and experience a breathtaking views of the town center and the serene Lake Garda.
The lift traces the historical route of the 1950s chairlift, which was dismantled in the early 1980s. The new route has been strategically moved north, directly beneath the Bastion, enhancing the visual splendor experienced during the ascent. The panoramic cabin, entirely made of glass, provides an unobstructed view of the stunning landscape, making your journey truly memorable.
Upon reaching the top, visitors are greeted by the Bastione Lounge & Restaurant, the perfect spot to unwind with an aperitif while soaking in the magnificent views. Just a few steps away stands the Venetian Bastion, a historic tower built by the Republic of Venice.
Click here for more information about the Panoramic Lift to the Venetian Bastion in Riva del Garda.