Even Goethe looked in on his way past to Verona in 1786 and praised the wonderful landscapes. Year after year, more of his countrymen followed him there and there was hardly anyone who did not realise their summer-dreams in the largest Italian lake resort. The mild spring leads to an early blossoming of magnolia trees and Oleander bushes; the summer is warm but not scorching. For that we can thank the famous lake winds which blow reliably every day. Lake Garda is the link between North and South, however definitely nearer the South than the North.

The small towns near the banks of the lake enthrall with their southern flair: Torbole, Nago, Arco and Riva del Garda, the splendid “Capital” of the Trentino north shore. Rough, narrow alleys lead to Venetian palaces, to the Baroque Church Chiesa Invioleta and the Scaliger Rocca Castle which is washed by the lake waters. The heart of the town is the lively Piazza 3rd November. In one of the innumerable open-air cafes, you can enjoy a cappuccino with a view across the harbour where the tourist steamers decorated with many coloured flags tie up. The tempting aromas of olive oil, tomato and pasta waft from the restaurants and trattoria.

But there are also inexhaustible possibilities for the sport orientated for big deeds and experiences on Lake Garda. The conditions are absolutely ideal for those involved in water sports. Early in the morning, when the water is still calm, the rowers propel their boats in their lanes. After that the lake is in the firm hands of the yachtsmen and wind-surfers. They take advantage of the unique wind conditions which occur so reliably that one can almost set the clock on their arrival. From midnight until midday, the Vento blows from the north from the Alps, which is replaced at midday by the temperamental Ora originating in the south.

There are numerous areas between Riva and Torbole reserved for surfers and altogether nine surf-centres. The traditional annual sailing regattas benefit from the reliability of the winds. The self-indulgent group bask themselves on the wonderful beaches under rustling palms. The starting point for underwater excursions is the prestigious diving centre in the harbour of San Nicolo. And if you feel like a highly exciting adventure, seven canyon centres organise thrilling tours through the ravines.

The territory for the ramblers, the rock acrobats and the mountain-bikers is high over the glittering mirror of the lake. And also here, between 70 and 2,000 metres in height, everyone can find the optimum conditions for their favourite discipline. Hiking trails lead from the lake shore up into alpine regions or broad ridges and up to alpine lodges with fantastically beautiful views. The vegetation and breathtaking views are unique and ‘species’ rich in style. Arco, five kilometres north of the lake, is the middle and meeting place of the climbing scene. Over 2,000 dedicated climbing routes, from beginners’ tracks to extreme climbing difficulty, are drawn through the compact rock walls around this pulsating area. Even those who seek to overcome the vertical, climbing rocks in safe mode here are in the right place. In the north of Lake Garda there are several more cable systems reaching up into the airy heights than anywhere else in the mountains. However, these are insufficient superlatives. Hardly another region can offer mountain bikers such a multifaceted terrain: old military tracks and gravelled routes rise, often extremely steeply, to outlying villages and passes. For specialists on rough “treaded’ tyres it is essential to take the demanding tour over the Tremelo Pass and Monte Baldo. The route through the lowlands around Dro, the fields between Riva and Arco and the lake shore between Torbole and Riva guarantee much more pleasure than stress.

A lake to meet all ambitions, leaving nobody out in the cold.With the Autozug you can travel from Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt (Neu-Isenburg) or Hamburg whilst sleeping comfortably in a sleeping or couchette carriage to Verona.