What to do · Lake Garda
Monte Baldo cable car from Malcesine
Information
- From
- €28 adult, online return
- Duration
- 4 h
- Season
- 4 April – 1 November 2026; winter from 26 December 2026 to 21 February 2027
- Who it's for
- All ages; children under 1.20 m free
- With a dog
- Muzzled, on a lead and with their own ticket
What it is
Monte Baldo is the long ridge that closes Lake Garda to the east, between Malcesine and Torri del Benaco. From the centre of Malcesine, a cable car rises in about 20 minutes to Tratto Spino, at 1,760 metres, with an intermediate stop at San Michele. On the second section the cabins turn slowly on themselves as they climb, and everyone sees by turns the lake and the mountain. At the top you have a good part of the lake at your feet, with the west shore opposite and the mountains of Trentino to the north.
It is the easiest excursion for the great view of Garda: no walking is needed, though it is worth strolling a while along the ridge.
Hours and season
In 2026 the summer season ran from 4 April to 1 November. From 2 November to 25 December it is closed for maintenance, and in winter it runs from 26 December to 21 February 2027, with the ski slopes above. The operator guarantees at least one departure every 30 minutes from 8:30, more frequent when there is a queue. Bikes go up only on their own departures, first thing and in the afternoon. The website does not publish the time of the last descent for each month: ask at the ticket office on the way up.
Prices
| Return | Single | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult, ticket office | €30 | €22 |
| Adult, online | €28 | €20 |
| Born in 2012 or later, ticket office | €18 | €15 |
| Dog | €10 | — |
Children under 1.20 m go up free, but need a free ticket from the ticket office. The ticket as far as San Michele costs only €12 return.
What to do at the top
- The ridge walk. From the station, almost flat trails lead north, with the lake on one side and the Adige valley on the other. Walk as far as you like and come back the same way.
- Watch the paragliders take off. Tratto Spino is a classic launch site; the pilots go up on a ticket of their own.
- Ride down by mountain bike, if you have experience: the cable car carries bikes up on dedicated departures.
Getting there and parking
The valley station is at Via Navene Vecchia, 12, in the upper part of Malcesine, a few minutes' walk from the harbour. If you arrive by boat from Limone or Riva, you walk up. By car, the cable car website mentions parking beside the station; in summer arrive early, because Malcesine fills up.
Tips
- Go up first thing Clouds usually build over the ridge towards midday and in summer the queue grows from 10:00.
- Buy online You save €2 per adult ticket and the ticket-office queue.
- Bring a jacket It is considerably colder at the top than on the lake, and the wind on the ridge is strong.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to go up Monte Baldo?
About 20 minutes from Malcesine to the upper station, changing cabin at San Michele.
Can dogs go up?
Yes, muzzled, on a lead and with their own €10 ticket (€8 online).
Does it run in November?
No. From 2 November to 25 December 2026 it is closed for maintenance.
Is it worth it with children?
Yes. The ride in the rotating cabin appeals to them, children under 1.20 m do not pay and there are flat walks at the top. Take a folding pushchair only if necessary: it also needs a ticket.
As a familyWith teenagersWith a dog
Who runs it
- Funivie del BaldoMalcesine – Monte Baldo cable car, return Visit their website
