Most Beautiful Alpine Lakes. Where They Are and How to Get There

There are many small oases of pure and crystal-clear water, nestled among the mountains of our Alps. They are mirrors of water that on clear days reflect the faces of the mountains, like magic. They have the power to capture our gaze and to return all the wonder of the surrounding nature. That’s why we want to take you on a journey to discover the most beautiful and lesser-known alpine lakes. Our lakes are fed by rivers, torrential rains, and also by glaciers that stubbornly persist. From Piedmont to Trentino Alto Adige, passing through Lombardy and Veneto, it is still possible to find many lakes worth exploring and preserving. Whether you want to spend a day relaxing or live a new sporting adventure in a breathtaking landscape, you have to come with us to discover the most fascinating alpine lakes.

On foot or by transport?

Mountain lakes attract many hikers especially in summer. To reach those at high altitude requires some training and, ideally, a nice sunny day. In winter it is nice to go and find the frozen little lakes that seem to sleep under a blanket of ice. Many alpine lakes are reachable by car or, better yet, by public transport. Many are located along roads at the foot of the mountains and you just need to park in the recommended lots near the lake shores. Other lakes are accessible by comfortable cable cars. Many alpine lakes have a delicate ecosystem, capable, year after year, of maintaining and regenerating themselves. That’s why we want to remind you that lakes are magnificent, even if you admire them from a little further away. The tranquility that mountain lakes can give back is a precious gift.

From Piedmont to Trentino Alto Adige: the most beautiful alpine lakes

Our tour starts with the alpine lakes of Piedmont, those born from Italian glaciers. Lago di Ceresole Reale is one of many natural alpine lakes in this region, at 1,582 meters above sea level. Characterized by turquoise water and dense forests, this lake was transformed into a large high-mountain reservoir and is a starting point for those who want to explore Gran Paradiso. The recommended starting point is Rifugio Massimo Mila, equipped with parking and a playground for children.

In Piedmont we also have another notable gem: Lago di Orfù. It is located in Val di Susa, in the Gad hamlet of Oulx, not far from Turin. It is reachable by car via a dirt road. Visit in summer to enjoy its beach and transparent waters. You can take a nostalgic pedal boat ride and, for the little ones, there is also a water ball!

Two unmissable alpine lakes in Lombardy

Among the many alpine lakes in Lombardy, we mention Lago Palù in Valtellina. It is a must-see in summer, but also in winter when divers are engaged in courageous ice dives. This originally glacial lake is reachable by a comfortable cable car from the town of Chiesa Valmalenco. The lake can also be reached by trekking, doable in all four seasons. In upper Val Seriana, among the Bergamo Orobie Alps, shines Lago del Barbellino. Actually, there are two lakes: one artificial and one natural. To reach them you need to start from Valbondione – the famous location of the Serio River waterfalls. The first lake is about two and a half hours away, inside a landscape that continuously changes between woods and wide panoramas. Once you reach Rifugio Curò, it is possible to also reach the upper Lago del Barbellino, at 2,129 meters, at the foot of Pizzo del Diavolo di Malgina. Don’t overdo it if you’re not trained and enjoy lunch at the homonymous Rifugio del Barbellino.

Hunting alpine lakes in Trentino and the Dolomites

Intensely turquoise and perfectly round in shape is Lago di Tenno, also called the “blue lake.” We have moved to Trentino, at the foothills of Monte Misone.

The curiosity about this lake is that it has an island considered a biotope, connected to the land by a stone path. Come here for a nice picnic in the dedicated area. Another large clear lake and among the most beautiful in Trentino is Lago di Molveno. It is located inside Adamello Brenta Natural Park, among the Paganella mountains; the Dolomites of Brenta are reflected in its waters. Its large beaches make it resemble lakes found at lower altitudes. Reach the town of Molveno descending from Andalo, where you will find several parking areas.

A pearl in Val di Fassa

We want to recommend another lake in Trentino, one of the most peculiar, located in Val di Fassa and of volcanic origin. Trail no. 640 starts directly from the town of Pozza di Fassa and will lead you to Val de San Nicolò, where waiting for you is a typical “enchanted” mountain lake: Lago Lagusel.

In Alto Adige, for a dip in turquoise lakes

Alto Adige offers many “blue pearls,” among the cleanest in Italy. In Val d’Ega the reflections of the peaks of the Latemar Group are mirrored in Lago di Carezza. Its waters have infinite shades of green and blue, so much so that in the local Ladin language it is called “the rainbow lake.” The lake is surrounded by tall red firs and we cannot forget how this forest was heavily damaged by the Vaia storm in late October 2018. Our journey continues towards Lago di Braies, in the eastern Dolomites of Val Pusteria. A “wild” lake, famous for the lush nature surrounding its shores and the magnetic charm of Croda del Becco dominating from above. The lake is easily reachable; just a few steps from the parking lot will bring you to a true paradise. In summer, it is possible to take a trip on one of the wooden boats. Fill up your energy to row to the center of the lake and enjoy a moment just for yourself.

Among the lakes of Val Pusteria there is another famous lake, the third largest in Alto Adige: Lago di Anterselva. Sports and nature lovers love this lake for the multitude of activities and excursions that the environment offers. For some years now, the lake has also been accessible by bicycles and strollers. A little gem: on the southeast shore there is a fenced area for fallow deer.

Final stop: the alpine lakes of Veneto

Veneto is also dotted with small and magnificent freshwater mirrors. Among the lakes of the Dolomites, we must present you with a true pearl. It is Lago Sorapis, in the province of Belluno. At 1,900 meters altitude, this lake gives its name to the Ampezzane Dolomites. Its waters are a very clear blue, almost magnetic, impossible not to be amazed! To get there you need to take trail no. 215 directly from Passo Tre Croci. Enjoy a packed lunch and stay there in contemplation.

Finally, we want to tell you about another glacial lake located not far from Passo di Falzarego. It is Lago di Limides, at exactly 2,171 meters. Here, the great Dolomite mountains of this area are mirrored: Averau, Tofane, and Lagazuoi. The easiest trek we recommend starts from Rifugio Col Gallina, easily reachable by car. The route is not long and is also suitable for the little ones.