July 18, 2025, 3:45 am | Read time: 3 minutes
The absolute favorite destination among the northern Italian lakes for vacationers from Germany remains Lake Garda. However, just 70 kilometers away, there’s a body of water that, while significantly smaller, rivals Lake Garda in terms of beauty and a dreamlike setting with many hiking trails. This is Lake Iseo.
Lake Iseo (Italian: Lago d’Iseo) is rarely mentioned when German tourists talk about their vacation experiences at the northern Italian lakes. But anyone who has experienced the advantages of this lake, located northeast of Brescia in a narrow mountain valley, will surely want to return a second time.
Since Lake Iseo was the site of one of the last major art installations by Christo and Jeanne-Claude, the “Floating Piers” in 2016, it has definitely made its mark on the tourist map. However, it remains much quieter than Lake Garda, which is about 70 kilometers away.
Ideal Location and Beautiful Beaches
Lake Iseo is located in Lombardy and, like Lake Garda, is just a few kilometers from the Milan-Venice highway and only about half an hour via provincial roads from Bergamo and Brescia. It’s also not far from Como and Lake Como.
Perfect for Swimming and Water Sports
There are several official bathing beaches along the lake’s shore. For example, in the small town of Iseo at the southeastern end, and in Sarnico in the southwest. There are also free beach sections, such as in Marone. According to the website Bresciatourism.it, this area is also known as “Piccola Tahiti”—little Tahiti— due to its beauty. Thanks to its favorable downdrafts, Lake Iseo is also popular with water sports enthusiasts, surfers, and sailors.
The Most Beautiful Places on and in Lake Iseo
The charming village of Riva di Solto on the west coast of Lake Iseo is particularly known for its wineries. Among the olive groves and vineyards, there are plenty of vacation homes and bed-and-breakfasts. Other vacation spots on the lake include Iseo, Sarnico, Sale Marasino, Sulzano, Parzanico, and Predore, Lovere, and Pisogne.
By car, you can completely circle Lake Iseo on a romantic lakeside road that passes through many tunnels carved directly into the rocks and mountain masses.
The Island of Monte Isola
From the pier at the small harbor, excursion boats travel to the charming island of Monte Isola in the middle of Lake Iseo. It is the largest island in an inland body of water in Europe and offers hiking trails as well as many romantic spots. Also worth seeing is the church Santuario della Madonna della Ceriola. It is located at one of the highest points on the island, offering a great view of the lake and the coast.
If you want to treat yourself, visit Castello Oldofredi in the town of Peschiera Maraglio on Monte Isola. Here, you can dine wonderfully with a view of the lake and, if needed, stay overnight at moderate prices.
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Best Time to Visit
Even though Lake Iseo is still relatively unknown here, it gets busy during the high season. Therefore, it’s advisable to vacation here outside of the summer holidays if possible. Spring and late autumn are also excellent for hiking, boating, and exploring the charming island towns.