From the Pra dela Fam lemon house in Gardola

Path 260 is one of the oldest routes in the Alto Garda Bresciano: a vital link that for centuries held the villages of the plateau together with the lake below. It starts from the port of Tignale, next to the historic Pra dela Fam lemon house-one of the symbols of Garda’s citrus civilization-with the scent of citrus and lake water accompanying the first steps.

The climb soon becomes determined: the trail is steep and paved, with stone steps carved over time and fixed ropes in the most exposed sections. The effort is amply repaid, however, by the views of Lake Garda and the variety of the landscape, where terraces follow one another as neatly as pages in an agricultural history book.

Halfway through, we pass through the Bio Oliveto Didattico, an olive grove with trees over five hundred years old: twisted, monumental trunks that testify to centuries of peasant care. Information on illustrative panels invites you to slow down and observe.

The route ends at the twin villages of Oldesio and Gardola, the administrative and cultural heart of Tignale. Here medieval architecture is preserved intact among stone houses, narrow alleys and small churches. It is advisable to arrange to return to the port by vehicle or to agree on the route in stages, given the asymmetrical gradient of the climb.

Ideal itinerary for those who want to combine history, rural landscape and an authentic taste of Upper Garda lake culture. Suitable for hikers with minimal experience; not suitable for young children on sections with ropes.

Points of interest

• Pra de la Fam Lemon House
• Bio Didactic Olive Grove
• Village of Oldesio
• Village of Gardola

Source: official itinerary sheet on visitparcoaltogarda.it (Ente Parco Alto Garda Bresciano). Technical data, GPX tracks and updated info on official website.