Lake Molveno

Molveno sits at about eight hundred and sixty metres, held in place by a natural landslide dam rather than a built one, with the Brenta Dolomites rising directly behind and the Paganella ridge on the other side. The water is glacially fed and cold, and its colour ranges from turquoise to deep blue depending on light and sediment. It is among the larger natural alpine lakes in the region and has repeatedly been rated highly for water quality. A lakeside path runs the full circuit, and a cable car from the village climbs toward the Brenta for walking routes and via ferrata approaches.

The landscape

• The landslide dam - a natural barrier holding the lake in place.
• The Brenta wall - Dolomite peaks rising directly behind the shore.
• The shore circuit - a full path around the lake.
• The cable car - a lift toward the Brenta walking and via ferrata routes.

When to go

June to September for swimming, boating and walking; winter brings skiing at nearby Paganella. Water stays cold even in August. Autumn colour is strong.

Practical notes

The water is genuinely cold for swimming. The village is a small resort with limited services out of season. Summer parking is paid and fills.

Nearby

The Brenta Dolomites rise above; Lake Tovel lies north.

Key facts