UKC

Would normally drive to the alps for a couple of weeks in September but have had to delay until October.  Now looking at flying somewhere and was thinking of Lake Garda.  Would we be able to get to the start of enough walks on public transport or do we really need a car?  Which is the best town to be located in - Riva, Garda, Malcesine?   

In reply to jmg:

I spent a week in Torbole a few weeks ago and it was amazing. I'd just hire bikes whilst you're there. Velolake offer an amazing service. (Admittedly I spent my time there biking and paddling so can't comment on hiking access directly). Riva was lovely too.

In reply to jmg:

Stayed in Malcesine for a week's break added on to a wedding. Plenty of bus access to and from there along the east side of the lake and it's handy for the cable car up to Monte Baldo.

In reply to jmg:

I can recommend the central section  of Lake Como, for great walking and scenery, and very very easy without a car if you fly into Bergamo, using trains buses and ferries. Cicerone do a guide which is a good basis for walks, but I think that only scratches the surface, around Como there is a huge amount of paths. Personally I think it more beautiful than Garda, but that is a bit subjective.

In reply to jmg:

It really depends on what you want, but you might consider going somewhere better connected, like the Dolomiti. E.g. Alpi di Susi (Val Gardena) or Madonna di Campiglio (Dolomiti di Brenta). If going to Lago di Garda, the north end will give more access options to mountains, whilst Garda is far to the south, nearer the vast flatness of the Padana Pianura.

Practially the whole of northern Italy is stunning, though, so you can plan a lot of good itineraries. Car rental tends to be extortionate.

In reply to jmg:

Thank you for all your replies.  Just what I was looking for.  The recommendation about bike hire also looks a good option as well. 

In reply to jmg:

Not sure what garda is like but we stayed twice around lake maggiore in recent years, both times car free. In my opinion car hire would help alot if you wanted to get to the hills etc. Buses were often full, especially around school start and end. Trains were pretty limited as well. Route planning was a bit of a faff.

In reply to jmgYou can access many walks using public transport, though a car is helpful. Malcesine is ideal for hiking, with a cable car to Monte Baldo for stunning views. Riva is also lovely and offers good trail access. I’d lean towards Malcesine for the best mix of hiking and charm. Enjoy your trip!

In reply to jmg:

Can't remember the logistics cos I did it years ago but if you're in Malcesine, you can take the bikes up on the cable car, pootle around Monte Baldo, cycle all the way back down to the north end of Lake Garda, then take a ferry back to Malcesine. Awesome!

In reply to Godwin:

Bergamo to the eastern side of Como is fairly simple, R7 Train from Bergamo to Lecco (currently a mix of rail replacement bus from Bergamo train station to Ponte San Pietro station due to rail works), or service bus to Ponte San Pietro then on the R7 to Lecco. Shame as this does complicate things slightly. 

Then the R13 train from Lecco to Bellano, where you can get the ferry to the western side of the Lake if required. Check timetables because the ferries may be running a winter service (they were on Lago d'Iseo last week).

Public transport from Bergamo to Como (western 'leg' of Lake Como) is longer as (IIRC) it involves travel via Milan.

In reply to Ridge:

What did you think of Lago d’iseo and is it doable without a car?

In reply to Godwin:

Just went for the day with a few friends so can't comment on the walking. It's just under an hour from Bergamo to Sarnico on the bus, although I don't think they run late.

We stayed on the Bus to Tavernolo, with a vague plan to get a ferry to Monte Isola, but due to the winter timetable it was a bit tight for the bus back. Tavernola seemed a bit dead TBH.

Spectacular scenery, although I think the area around  the eastern leg of Lake Como (Leccio is fairly accessible from Bergamo) might offer more scope, and is even more spectacular.