Jewel of the Dolomites: Unveiling the Allure of Lake Molveno, Italy

The Molveno Lake, located in the same municipality and encircled by the central chain of the Brenta Group and the mountains Gazza and Paganella, is a fascinating location in Trentino Alto Adige noted for the amazing natural landscape that surrounds it.

Described as a “precious pearl in a more precious casket” by the poet Antonio Fogazzaro, Molveno is a lake of natural origin that was created about 4,000 years ago as a result of a massive landslide. Since 2014, it has been referred to as the “most beautiful lake in Italy” due to the high standard, beauty, and cleanliness of the water, the beach, the facilities, and the safety. It was awarded the environmental quality designation “5 sails” by Legambiente and TCI from 2011 to 2018.

Additionally, since 1957, its waters have supplied the Lake Santa Massenza hydropower plant, so approximately every ten years, its reservoir is almost entirely drained to allow for appropriate maintenance. Lake Molveno is also known as “the emptied lake” as a result of this.

Lake Molveno attractions and activities

Many people travel to Lake Molveno for a few days of rest and relaxation or to commit themselves to hiking and outdoor excursions. This is due to the location’s abundant natural attractions and amenities, which enable you to disconnect and thoroughly immerse yourself in nature even when you’re with kids.

Tour of the lake by e-bike, bicycle, or walking

Of course, a tour of the lake should be your first activity in Molveno, both in the summer and the winter. The 11-kilometer course is appropriate for kids and is long. It is entirely surrounded by nature and extends along a pedestrian cycle. It can be done in a variety of ways:

3 hours or so walking; 2 hours or so on bike; and 1.30 hours or less on an e-bike.

While traveling, you may take in the breathtaking scenery, which spans from the peaks of the Brenta to the Dolomites.

However, there are still many sights to view in Molveno, beginning in the nation’s geographic center:

the beach at Lake Molveno; the sixteenth-century Sawmill Taialacqua; the historic Roman bridge and the Rio Ceda waterfall; and the Napoleonic forts that the Austrians erected in the early nineteenth century to thwart the French advance.

Cable car ride

It is essential important to ascend to a high height by using one of the numerous cable cars accessible after a ride around Lake Molveno. There are two primary logs:

the chairlift from Pradel to Croz dell’Altissimo and afterwards to Rifugio La Montanara; the cable car from Molveno to the Pradel Plateau.

Once there, it’s impossible to resist continuing to hike because there are so many various routes to go and places they lead. On the Pradel Plateau, in particular, there are various shelters, a lovely path for families with young children, a petting zoo, and some activities to make the day even more enjoyable while spending time with Sciury the local squirrel mascot!

Walking and trekking

Trekking and environment enthusiasts in Molveno are indescribably spoilt for choice: in fact, many walks that start from the lake give a beautiful view of the surroundings, including the Dolomites, thanks to its mountainous landscape.

Relaxing on the beach

In the summer, Lake Molveno’s beach is the perfect place to unwind for a few hours. At the base of the village, there is actually a pebble beach and a very clean English-style lawn. The water is transparent because it is so pure and clear, making it perfect for cooling off on warm, muggy days.

The entrance is completely free, and inside you can rent a deck chair or a sunbed, have a picnic on the grass, or navigate the lake in an electric boat or a pedalo. However, there are water parks with slides and swimming pools just for kids!

Walk around the old city

Although Molveno has been a village since the Neolithic, urbanization only started in the middle of the nineteenth century. At an elevation of 864 meters, the historic center offers a stunning view as well as a variety of sites and monuments to see:

The Sawmill Taialacqua, constructed in the sixteenth century at the whim of the eponymous priest;

The Church of San Borromeo, a great monument of the country dating back to 1940;

The Gothic-style Church of San Vigilio situated inside the cemetery.

Along with visiting these iconic locations, Molveno’s narrow lanes, quaint cafes, and shops filled with delicious cuisine, mountain gear, and regional crafts are all suggested.

A trip to Nembia Lake

Moving only south of Molveno, you may explore Lake Nembia, a different serene natural oasis with remarkable beauty that provides guests with a 3-kilometer-long circular trail to walk in utter relaxation.

The Spormaggiore Wildlife Park

The Spormaggiore Faunistic Park is within 15 minutes by car from the Lago di Molveno, and inside, animals live in semi-free conditions. As a result, it is simple to imitate brown ors, lupi, volpi, linci, caprioli, and gufi; however, unlike traditional zoos, the observation of all specimens is not guaranteed; it depends on their desire to be displayed or not.

Visiting Castel Belfort

Finally, a visit to Befort Castle, which is close to the Spormaggiore Wildlife Park and is completely free to enter, is practically required before leaving Molveno. An amazing view of the valley and neighboring peaks may be had from its crenellated tower.

Accommodation in Molveno

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