May 18, 2025, 12:21 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Enjoy a Mediterranean atmosphere and take a dip in one of the crystal-clear mountain lakes—this is no problem in the Italian Alpine region of Trentino. We present seven lakes that rival the popular Lake Garda!
With more than 300 lakes, Trentino is often referred to as Little Finland. Adding to its charm is the breathtaking backdrop of the Dolomites. For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Lake Garda, which administratively belongs to Trento, Verona, and Brescia, there are many other swimming, fishing, and sports opportunities nearby. We present the most important lakes in Trentino for visitors in brief profiles.
Overview
In the Valley of the Winds: Lago Toblino and Lago Cavedine
About a 20-minute drive from Trento, on the other side of the local mountain Monte Bondone, the Valle dei Laghi, or Valley of the Lakes, reveals its charm. Perhaps the most beautiful lake in the valley is Lago Toblino, with its romantic 16th-century castle often shrouded in mist. Perched high on a rocky outcrop, it frequently serves as a film set. Protected by the mountains, the area enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean climate. The vegetation is also Mediterranean: on one side, you pass vineyards and stone walls from which fig trees sprout. On the other side, plane trees and cypresses grow, through which the lake shimmers.
Locals also call the Valley of the Lakes the Valley of the Winds because, starting at noon, the so-called Ora circulates here, a warm air channel that blows air from Lake Garda northward. This benefits water sports enthusiasts, especially surfers at Lago Cavedine, which lies directly behind Lago Toblino. You can swim not only in the lake but also in the Sarca River, which exits the lake to the north and later flows into Lake Garda. A beautiful swimming spot is under the Roman bridge near the small town of Ceniga, south of Lago Cavedine.
Small Lake in Trentino: Lago di Lamar
At the other end of the Valle dei Laghi lies one of the most curious lakes in Trentino, the small Lago di Lamar. It looks like a mirror surrounded by wooded cliffs. The grassy beach is especially popular with families in the summer. The surrounding mountain forest is a protected area for bats. If the warning signs are to be believed, the seclusion of the lake also attracts bears. The first specimens were released in the Dolomites 25 years ago.
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High Above: Lago Molveno
At over 800 meters above sea level, Lago Molveno’s emerald green water shimmers even as you approach. Nestled between the Brenta Dolomites and the Paganella mountain range, it has been named Italy’s most beautiful lake several times, most recently in 2024, thanks to its expansive shore meadows and white pebble beaches. To protect the crystal-clear water, only electric boats are allowed.
The lake is up to 120 meters deep, so the water temperature does not rise above 21 degrees Celsius even in August. A two-hour hiking tour around the lake leads to a Roman bridge now hidden behind dense vegetation. You also pass five small fortifications that were meant to halt Napoleon’s army, which had previously defeated the Austrian army south of Trento.
Healing and Warm: Lago Levico and Lago Caldonazzo
Just 20 kilometers from Trento lies Lago Levico, also known for its spa in the village of Vetriolo on the mountain. The healing water comes from an altitude of 1,500 meters. Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I elevated the “Levico Terme” to city status in 1894, as the area was still part of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy at the time. Even then, bottles of healing water were delivered to Berlin and Moscow.
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While Lago Levico offers bathing beaches on its southeastern shore, it is otherwise rather inaccessible. In contrast, its neighboring lake, Lago Caldonazzo, is the local lake for the people of Trento. Here, at the largest swimming lake in Trentino, there are the most campsites. Levico and Caldonazzo lakes are among the warmest swimming lakes in the Alps and are connected by underground caves. The best view of both lakes is from the village of Tenna, where many wealthy residents of Trento have a second home.
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Round and Turquoise Blue: Lago di Tenno
Almost perfectly round and turquoise blue, Lago di Tenno is a small lake located above the busy lakeside road of Lake Garda. From the nearby medieval village of Canale di Tenno, where many artists live, you can see the lake. However, many residents of Trentino avoid it and prefer to stay in the higher part of the region.