Step forward, Lake Molveno – the incredible Italian lake that flies under the radar

The northern Italian lakes are world famous for their outstanding beauty. But while Garda, Como and Maggiore tend to grab most of the attention, there are lesser-known stunners that are just as rewarding to visit – especially if outdoorsy adventures are what you’re after.

Bringing a more alpine feel than other Italian lakes, Lake Molveno ticks a whole load of boxes. From its peaceful lakeside atmosphere to its sky-piercing Dolomite scenery, it hits the spot if you’re looking to double up on lake and mountain activities – while finding plenty of time for relaxation.

Dive into all the reasons why Lake Molveno deserves a spot on your lakeside-break shortlist.

The lake sits at the foot of the Brenta Dolomites, roughly an hour north of Lake Garda in the Trentino region of northern Italy. The Brenta Dolomites are a dramatic mountain group that form part of the wider Dolomites – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – within the Italian Alps. They rise up sharply between Molveno, south-east of the range, and Madonna di Campiglio on the western side.

To get here with TUI, you’ll fly into Verona Airport before enjoying a scenic coach transfer, which’ll only take a couple of hours. Once you arrive and check in, you’ll receive a Dolomiti Paganella guest card as part of your stay, giving you free local public transport and discounts on cable cars.

And why is it so special? Well…

When you picture a serene alpine escape, this is it. A bright turquoise lake with irresistibly clear water, surrounded by lush, wildlife-rich forests, and a single stone-built town clinging to the hillside. Add in the backdrop of the towering Brenta Dolomites, and the wow-factor ramps up a notch. These jagged, needle-like peaks, formed from a combination of limestone and dolomite rock, add a sense of scale and drama that you won’t find at most other Italian lakes.

Plus, you get ever-changing views throughout the day – from sunrise light on the highest peaks to mirror-like reflections on calm mornings and golden evening colours across the lake. In other words, prepare your phone gallery to get a major upgrade after a visit here.

Lake Molveno is tiny compared to some of its neighbours, with a surface area of just 3.3km² and an 11.5km shoreline (stack that up against Lake Garda's 370km² surface area and 160km shoreline for a sense of scale). And with just one town at its northern end, Molveno, the whole area feels more like a tucked-away gem than a major hotspot. Motorboats aren't allowed on the lake either, so it's wonderfully peaceful when you head out onto the water.

Molveno itself is your quintessential alpine town, with traditional wood-and-stone buildings, colourful flower displays and a traffic-free centre lined with family-run eateries and regional craft shops. People live and work here year-round, and there are nods to its long history – from a fresco-laden 14th-century church to the historic water-powered sawmill.

Evenings here tend to be relaxed rather than centred around nightlife, making it a great fit if you prefer winding down over a good meal after a day spent outdoors.

The Funivie Molveno gondola – which rises 500m in elevation in 6 minutes – is just a short walk from the water's edge, making it easy to switch between mountain adventures and laid-back lake days.

And that's the beauty of a holiday here. You can spend the morning high above the lake, exploring forests, peaks and panoramic walking routes. Then come afternoon, swap hiking boots for swimwear and stretch out on the beach or cool off with a dip in the lake. Along the shore, the open pebble beaches and lively lido area sit side-by-side, perfect for swimming, sunbathing and enjoying a little waterslide action at the Acquapark. Or indulging in la dolce vita with a long lunch and a spritz or two.

Two summer lifts – the gondola from town, and a 2-seater chairlift it connects to – open up a vast network of panoramic trails that walkers of all abilities can get excited about. From gentle strolls and easier routes winding through alpine meadows and forest paths, to full-day mountain adventures heading deep into the rocky terrain of the dramatic limestone peaks, there’s everything here. And on many routes, you can stop for refreshments at traditional mountain huts, known as ‘rifugi’ – such as the much-loved Rifugio La Montanara by the top of the chairlift, or more remote spots like Rifugio Croz dell'Altissimo.

Families can opt for easy options like the Sciury nature trail on the Pradel plateau, while down in the valley, you also have the 11.5km lakeside loop. Taking around three and a half hours, it's one of the best easy walks in the Dolomites.

Lake Molveno is just as appealing on two wheels as it is on foot. The area is criss-crossed by around 400km of cycling trails, ranging from gentle forest tracks and scenic lakeside routes to challenging mountain bike adventures. For more experienced riders, Molveno forms part of the Dolomiti Paganella Bike area, alongside nearby Andalo and Fai della Paganella, opening up a huge network of downhill runs, enduro trails and lift-assisted routes.

Don't worry if you're not a seasoned mountain biker, though. E-bikes make it easy to tackle the climbs and explore the surrounding mountains at your own pace, with bike hire available right next to the gondola station.

The adventures don't stop when you step off the trails, and it’s the variety that makes Molveno such a winner. Thanks to the shelter of the surrounding mountains, the lake’s calm, crystal-clear waters are ideal for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, where you’ll soak up the scenery from a whole new angle.

If you have a head for heights, the Forest Park on the Pradel plateau is packed with treetop rope courses and zip lines that both kids’ and adults will love. For an even bigger adrenaline rush, more than 50km of via ferrata routes criss-cross the surrounding mountains, using ladders, cables and metal steps to help you tackle dramatic rock faces.

Families can spend an afternoon meeting animals and discovering mountain farming traditions at the Malga Tovre farm, or playing crazy golf down at the lakeside park. Meanwhile, thrill-seekers can tick off a tandem paragliding flight from the Pradel plateau and soar high above the lake.

Lake Molveno lies in Trentino, where Italian traditions blend with centuries of Austrian influence. Menus celebrate the best of both worlds, from handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza and creamy gelato to hearty canederli (bread dumplings), local cheeses and honey, cured meats and comforting mountain dishes.

And it’s not just what you can eat, but where, that will really blow you away. Like elsewhere in the Dolomites, the area's rifugi – traditional huts dotted across the mountainside above the lake – are destinations in their own right. Reaching one after a morning’s walk and tucking into homemade specialities, with sweeping views of Dolomite peaks stretched out before you, is an experience you won't forget in a hurry.

Like the rifugi, Molveno's family-run stays will give you a proper taste of Trentino hospitality. Take the peaceful, stylish retreat of the Alle Dolomiti Boutique Lake Hotel, with its flower-filled balconies, polished wood interiors and mountain-backed pool area. Or the equally inviting Grand Hotel Molveno, with its private beach and romantic lakeside terrace cocooned in nature – perfect for enjoying that evening glass of vino. They’re the sort of traditional spots where staff know the area inside out, where you can get great local recommendations and feel at home from the moment you arrive.

When you add it all together – the magnificent scenery, the huge range of outdoor activities, the warm hospitality and thoughtful extras like the included summer cards – it's easy to see why Molveno becomes a place people return to year after year.

Start planning your trip to Lake Molveno.

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Author: Marty Fraser-Turner

Last updated: 24.08.2026