Logo Garda
Top

Path of the Defensionmauer

Ledro, Riva del Garda
Category
Difficulty
Intermediate
Duration
5:00
Duration in hours
Distance
8.8
Distance in km
Status
closed
WSEN
Suggested period
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

The “Defensionmauer” was the defensive wall built before WWI in the area of Sperone against possible attacks by the Italian infantry and was armed with machine guns.  

The path to reach the first trenches is easy but a little bit exposed; there are a big embrasure excavated in the rock, the entrance of a gallery (be careful and have a torch if you visit it) and all around trenches and rock walls. 

After that, starts the Defensionmauer, a trail digged in the mountain side and if necessary covered by concrete to hide it from the enemy. The several openings allowed the Austrian to dominate the valley and fire the Italians on the other mountain side.  

Further information and useful links

For more information on routes, services (guides, mountain huts, shops etc.) and hiking friendly accommodation: Garda Trentino - +39 0464 554444 

Route info
Intermediate
Route number
Distance
8,8 km
Duration
5 h 00 min
Altitude difference (+)
400 m
Altitude difference (-)
400 m
Technical skills
Physical effort
Scenary
Highest point
449 m
Lowest point
66 m
Suggestions

This walk is a special tip for history lovers, but also for those, who want to admire Lake Garda 

Safety guidelines

Safety Tips

  1. Choose itineraries that suit your physical and technical abilities. Collect information about the area you are visiting and the trail’s conditions and get a detailed trekking map.
  2. Wear clothes and take equipment that suit the difficulty and length of your tour. Keep emergency gear in your rucksack, including first aid supplies.
  3. Do not go walking alone in the mountains. In any case, tell someone where you are going and report back on returning.
  4. Look at the weather forecast before setting off and always keep an eye on the weather.
  5. In case of doubt, go back. It is better to give up than risk bad weather or face difficulties beyond your strength, ability and equipment.
  6. Do not leave marked paths and do not take shortcuts.
  7. All described walks are in a natural environment and therefore their use is at your own risk.

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.

Punto di partenza
Via Monte Oro - Riva del Garda
Directions

You walk up the path of the Ponale until you reach the Valle dello Sperone, where you take the path 405 which is on the right. You continue until the junction for Cima Capi and then take the path on the left 472. Here you proceed among the rocky crags of the Rocchetta and the fortified Defensionmauer. To return you take the direction for Biacesa, or you can follow the small path going down to the famous “Z” of the Ponale leading back to Riva del Garda.

public transportation

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

How to get there

A22 motorway, Rovereto Sud - Lake Garda exit. 

Find out how to reach Garda Trentino

Where to park

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:

  • water canteen (1L)
  • snacks (e.g. mixed dried fruit or chocolate)
  • First aid kit
  • windproof jacket
  • fleece
  • change of t-shirt and socks (in a plastic bag)
  • make sure to wear or at least bring a pair of long trousers
  • hat
  • sun screen
  • sunglasses
  • gloves
  • whistle to attract attention in an emergency

 

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.

You might be interested in
Discover related tours
Overview from Mount Valandro | © Samuele Guetti, Garda Trentino
Intermediate
Comano
On Monte Valandro
Distance 10,1 km
Duration 5 h 30 min
Altitude difference (+) 1.030 m
Altitude difference (-) 1.030 m
Status
open
© Staff Outdoor Garda Trentino AC, Garda Trentino
Intermediate
Ledro
Walking tour of the mountain huts of Val di Concei
Distance 14,6 km
Duration 7 h 00 min
Altitude difference (+) 1.035 m
Altitude difference (-) 1.035 m
Status
closed
© Roberto Stanchina, Garda Trentino
Intermediate
Ledro
From waterfall to waterfall
Distance 8,2 km
Duration 3 h 00 min
Altitude difference (+) 366 m
Altitude difference (-) 366 m
Status
open
Sentiero Busatte - Tempesta | © Archivio APT Garda Dolomiti - A. Galvagni , Garda Trentino
Easy
Torbole sul Garda - Nago
Sentiero Busatte Tempesta
Distance 7,9 km
Duration 2 h 40 min
Altitude difference (+) 305 m
Altitude difference (-) 295 m
Status
closed
© Stefania Oradini, Garda Trentino
Intermediate
Riva del Garda, Ledro
Bocca Trat - Cima Parì
Distance 9,7 km
Duration 4 h 30 min
Altitude difference (+) 580 m
Altitude difference (-) 580 m
Status
open
View from Segrom | © Archivio APT Garda Trentino, North Lake Garda Trentino
Difficult
Torbole sul Garda - Nago, Arco, Riva del Garda
Garda Trek - Medium Loop 4: From Bolognano to Riva del Garda
Distance 23,1 km
Duration 8 h 25 min
Altitude difference (+) 953 m
Altitude difference (-) 1.045 m
Status
closed