Monte Baldo, exploring the Garden of Europe
What makes Monte Baldo so special is its varied and abundant flora, which earned it the nickname of "Hortus Europae", or Garden of Europe. It is a real botanical paradise, and home to various species of native plants called Baldensis. The Alpe di Costabella, the first peak of Monte Baldo, is at a height of 2,053 m above sea level, and from here you get incredible views of the shimmering waters of Lake Garda, the imposing Alps and the Po Valley - a panorama stretching to the far horizon and the Apennines.
Monte Baldo from another viewpoint
Your journey continues after you reach the top. There are many paths you can take from the arrival point of the Prada Costabella cable car, which not only offer a series of wonderful views, but also lead to mountain huts in lovely natural settings.
The newly renovated Mondini - Baito Turri Refuge/Rifugio Mondini - Baito Turri is near the middle station at Ortigaretta. Up at the top there are Fiori del Baldo Refuge/Rifugio Fiori del Baldo and Chierego Refuge/Rifugio Chierego, places to enjoy a pleasant lunch with typical mountain specialities.
If you continue exploring after your break and follow these trails further into the wild mountain landscape, you may well see chamois and marmots, especially during the quiet time at sunrise or sunset in the low season. If you start from Rifugio Fiori del Baldo and walk for about 90 minutes, you'll get to Telegrafo "Gaetano Barana" Refuge/Rifugio Telegrafo "Gaetano Barana".
