Did you know you can go chestnut picking in San Zeno di Montagna near Lake Garda for less than €10?

Chestnut Picking Near Lake Garda: Discover Veneto’s Hidden Autumn Gem

Autumn in northern Italy means crisp air, golden forests, and the sweet scent of roasted chestnuts. If you’re visiting Lake Garda between mid-October and early November, there’s a unique seasonal experience waiting for you in San Zeno di Montagna, just above the lake’s eastern shore: chestnut picking in the heart of Veneto.

Where It Happens: San Zeno di Montagna & the Tenuta dei Cervi Estate

Perched on the western slopes of Monte Baldo, the town of San Zeno di Montagna (Verona province) offers one of the most scenic autumn landscapes in northern Italy.
Within its territory lies the Tenuta dei Cervi, a historic 180-hectare private estate stretching from 650 m to 950 m above sea level. The land is covered in oak, beech, and chestnut trees, crossed by walking trails that open onto breathtaking views of Lake Garda.

This is also the birthplace of the Marrone di San Zeno PDO (Protected Designation of Origin), a prized chestnut variety famous for its sweetness, easy peeling, and nutty aroma.

When to Visit: The Chestnut Season and Local Festival

Chestnut season in Veneto usually runs from mid-October to early November, when the trees shed their glossy brown fruits across the forest floor.

During this period, San Zeno di Montagna hosts the Chestnut Festival (Sagra del Marrone di San Zeno) — an event dedicated to local produce, roasted chestnuts, handmade sweets, and wines from the Monte Baldo area.

In 2025, the festival is scheduled on consecutive weekends from 18 October to 2 November (check exact dates before your trip, as they can vary slightly each year).

What You Can Expect

At Tenuta dei Cervi, visitors can enjoy an authentic countryside experience surrounded by colorful foliage and the smell of roasted chestnuts. Families, couples, and hikers often come here to walk among the trees, collect fallen nuts, and enjoy panoramic views of the lake below.

The terrain alternates between forest paths and clearings, making it suitable for easy to moderate walks. The altitude keeps temperatures cooler than at the lakeshore, so dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes.

Note: Specific entry rules, schedules, or limits for collecting chestnuts may vary from year to year. It’s best to confirm directly with the estate or with the San Zeno Tourist Office before visiting.

How to Get There

From Lake Garda

By bus: From the town of Garda, take ATV Bus Line 470 toward San Zeno di Montagna. The journey takes about 25 minutes and operates year-round.
By car: Drive from Garda or Costermano up the provincial mountain road to San Zeno di Montagna. Parking areas are available near the village and local trailheads.

From Verona

By public transport: Take a train or bus to Garda or Costermano, then transfer to the ATV 470 line up the hill. Travel time from Verona is approximately 1.5 – 2.5 hours depending on connections.
By car: The drive from Verona city takes around 60 minutes via the A22 or A4 motorway exits toward Affi or Peschiera del Garda.

Estate location for navigation

Tenuta dei Cervi – Loc. La Ca’, Strada dei Monti, San Zeno di Montagna (VR)
Before going, contact the estate directly to confirm open days and rules:

Segreteria: +39 045 800 7419
Portineria La Ca’: +39 045 728 5060

Responsible Visiting Tips

Confirm permissions: Some forest areas are protected or privately managed, and foraging may be restricted. Always check before collecting.
Stay eco-friendly: Collect only fallen chestnuts, avoid damaging roots or branches, and respect local wildlife.
Plan for weather: Expect cooler air and possible fog in the mornings. Waterproof shoes are recommended.
Bring reusable bags: Soft, breathable cloth bags are best for storing chestnuts during your walk.
Check local updates: Rules, opening hours, and public transport schedules can change seasonally.

What Makes Marrone di San Zeno Special

The Marrone di San Zeno PDO is one of Italy’s most esteemed chestnut varieties, cultivated exclusively on Monte Baldo’s volcanic soil between 250 and 900 meters altitude. Its flavor is sweet and aromatic, the skin detaches easily, and it’s used for roasted “caldarroste,” creamy soups, chestnut pasta, and desserts.

During the festival, local producers sell everything from chestnut honey and flour to liqueurs and cakes. Restaurants in San Zeno also feature limited-edition seasonal menus — try chestnut gnocchi or homemade castagnaccio paired with local Valpolicella wine.

Suggested Day Itinerary

Morning:
Take the bus or drive from the town of Garda up to San Zeno di Montagna. Stroll around the historic center, where you can see the church of San Zeno and stop for a cappuccino with a lake view.

Late Morning – Afternoon:
Head toward Tenuta dei Cervi or nearby trails for a chestnut walk. Enjoy the colors, collect a few chestnuts if permitted, and take photos overlooking Lake Garda.

Late Afternoon:
Return to the village to explore the Chestnut Festival stalls or visit a local restaurant for a traditional meal featuring seasonal ingredients.

Why You Should Go

This corner of Veneto combines authentic traditions, unspoiled landscapes, and easy access from Italy’s largest lake. Whether you join a local harvest, walk among chestnut trees, or simply enjoy the mountain air, San Zeno di Montagna offers an autumn experience that’s affordable, family-friendly, and deeply Italian.

How to Book the Chestnut Picking Experience

At the moment, the chestnut picking experience in San Zeno di Montagna — including the trails and groves of Tenuta dei Cervi — is managed directly by the estate itself.

To join the harvest or confirm visitor access, you should contact the estate in advance. Each autumn, Tenuta dei Cervi publishes its own “Calendario e Regolamento Raccolta Castagne” (Chestnut Harvest Calendar and Rules), which outlines the official opening weekends, permitted areas, and collection guidelines.

Here’s how to reach them:

📍 Tenuta dei Cervi
Località La Ca’, Strada dei Monti, San Zeno di Montagna (VR), Italy

📞 Contacts for information and booking:

Segreteria (Main Office): +39 045 800 7419
Portineria La Ca’: +39 045 728 5060

You can ask about:

Exact opening days and hours during the harvest season (typically mid-October – early November).
Entry and collection rules, including permitted containers and areas.
Whether advance notice or a small entry contribution is required.

For official updates, you can also check:

The municipal tourism website of San Zeno di Montagna, which lists the annual Sagra del Marrone di San Zeno dates (festival and harvest weekends). https://www.visitsanzenodimontagna.com/en

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