Some lakes you reach by car, and some you earn one step at a time. The alpine lakes of Trentino belong to the second group: small sheets of water hidden among the woods and the mountains, where the surface mirrors the peaks and the only sound is the wind in the firs. Getting there means walking, sometimes a few minutes, sometimes an hour of climbing, and that is exactly what makes them special. In this guide we take you to discover eight alpine lakes to reach on foot, with the length, elevation gain and difficulty of each walk, so you know what to expect before you set off. At Italy Holiday we have been welcoming guests to this land for a long time, and these are the lakes we would recommend to a friend on the way.

1. Lago delle Malghette, the alpine lake above Madonna di Campiglio

Lago delle Malghette is one of the most beautiful lakes in Trentino, a glacial lake at around 1,890 metres in the heart of the Adamello Brenta Nature Park, set among the spruce forests above Madonna di Campiglio. Its clear waters mirror the peaks of the Brenta Dolomites, and a deep peace reigns all around. You do not arrive here by car: you walk, and it is the walk itself that makes the arrival so moving.

The most direct way starts from the area of Malga di Dimaro and follows trail number 265: about 3 kilometres of climbing with an elevation gain of close to 230 metres, covered in a little over an hour. Those who want a longer walk can start from Madonna di Campiglio, descend from the Pradalago area and reach the lake in about three hours along trails 265 and 201. It is a hiking path over earth and stones, with no difficult sections, but suited to those used to walking in the mountains. Once at the lake, a path follows almost all of its shore.

2. Lago di Tret, the silent oasis in the woods

Hidden in the woods of the upper Val di Non, near the village of San Felice, Lago di Tret is a small alpine lake at around 1,600 metres. It is a quiet, little-visited place, surrounded by thick conifer forests, perfect for those seeking silence and nature. The lake itself is small and you can walk around it in about fifteen minutes, but the real charm of this lake is the walk to reach it.

From the Val di Non side the path climbs for about an hour, with an elevation gain of around 300 metres. Much of the route follows wide forest roads through the woods, comfortable and well signposted, with a steady but never harsh climb. It is a walk of medium difficulty, suited to those with a little fitness and a wish to immerse themselves in the quiet of the forest. At the top the reward is a calm, evocative lake, among the most loved in the valley.

3. Lago dei Caprioli, the lake of the gnomes in Val di Sole

Above the village of Pellizzano, in the Fazzon area, lies Lago dei Caprioli, a small lake at around 1,280 metres set among the woods of Val di Sole. It is one of the most photographed spots in the valley, with green waters surrounded by conifers and meadows, and the mountains of the Adamello Presanella in the background. Around the lake a comfortable flat path lets you make the full loop of the shore in a short time, truly suited to everyone.

But the loveliest way to discover it is on foot, along the Gnomes' Trail that climbs from the village through the woods and the switchbacks. It is a themed route, enriched with wooden and stone sculptures inspired by the gnomes of the forest, which children enjoy a great deal. The climb is about 4 kilometres with an elevation gain of close to 400 metres, so fairly demanding, and takes about an hour and a half. Those who prefer can drive up to the car parks near the lake and simply enjoy the stroll by the water.

4. Lago di Calaita, the balcony over the Pale di San Martino

In the upper Vanoi valley, inside the Paneveggio Pale di San Martino Nature Park, Lago di Calaita rests at around 1,600 metres on a wide expanse of meadows and woods. It is a natural lake of serene beauty, and once you arrive you find a postcard panorama before you: the Cimon della Pala and the peaks of the Pale di San Martino are mirrored in the water. It is one of the most striking spots in all of eastern Trentino.

You can drive up to the car parks near the lake, but the real invitation is to walk. The full loop of the shore is the simplest and best-loved walk: a flat ring route, with no difficulty, which opens onto broad meadows after a first stretch. It is not suitable for strollers, but it is fine for families with children used to walking. Those who want to climb further will find paths toward the Forcella Calaita with modest elevation gain.

5. Lago delle Piazze, the clear water of the Pinè Plateau

On the Pinè Plateau, at just over 1,000 metres, Lago delle Piazze is a lovely alpine lake surrounded by meadows, reeds and pine woods. Its waters are awarded for their cleanliness, and in summer it becomes a relaxing place for a family day, among beaches, shade and panoramic spots over the water. It is a quiet lake, away from busy roads, ideal for those seeking calm.

The lake loop is an easy walk of about 3.5 kilometres, largely flat, on a comfortable gravel path that can also be done with a stroller or by bicycle. Along the way you find benches for resting and shaded stretches in the woods. You can also reach the lake on foot from the nearby villages of Baselga di Pinè and Bedollo, extending the walk through the fields and trees of the plateau.

6. Lago della Serraia, the twin walk on the plateau

A short distance from Lago delle Piazze, also on the Pinè Plateau, lies Lago della Serraia, at around 970 metres. It is the bigger brother of the nearby lake, also surrounded by woods, meadows and reeds, with clear waters and swimming areas awarded for their quality. Together they form the pair of lakes of the plateau, perfect for a half-day of walking between water and nature.

The path that runs the perimeter of the Serraia is comfortable and flat, and it connects to the one around Lago delle Piazze. Those who feel like walking a little more can do the full loop of the two lakes, a relaxing ring of a few kilometres suited to everyone, including families with children. It is a quiet walk, away from roads and dangers, with long wooded stretches and glimpses of the water.

7. Lago di Lavarone, the small karst lake of the Alpe Cimbra

On the Lavarone Plateau, in the heart of the Alpe Cimbra, a small lake of karst origin with clear waters rests at around 1,080 metres. Lago di Lavarone is surrounded by woods, has two equipped beaches and in summer its waters are good for swimming. It is an ideal place for a relaxing family day, with fresh air and a calm atmosphere, and an art trail in the woods with works to discover along the way.

The lake loop is an easy walk that follows the shore. For those who want to walk more, the plateau offers several paths: the "Respiro degli alberi" (the breath of the trees) is a ring of about 2.5 kilometres with a little over a hundred metres of elevation gain, while the Sentiero delle Sorgenti (the springs path) offers a circular route of 3 or 4 kilometres with modest elevation gain. They are easy walks, suited to everyone, perfect for pairing the stroll with relaxation by the water.

8. Lago di Tenno, the turquoise diamond above Garda

Just above Riva del Garda, at around 570 metres, hides Lago di Tenno, famous for the intense turquoise colour of its waters and for being one of the cleanest lakes in Italy. It is lower than the other lakes on this list, but its alpine charm is intact: the crystal-clear water changes shade with the light, and all around the woods come down to the shore. From June to August it is lovely for a swim, while spring and early autumn are ideal for walking.

From the car park you go down to the lake along a staircase of about 120 steps, then a flat path makes the full loop. The ring is about 3.4 kilometres with an elevation gain of just 40 metres, almost entirely flat, and takes about 40 minutes, offering ever-new views. Nearby is Canale di Tenno, a medieval stone village among the most beautiful in Italy, well worth a stop after the walk.

Where to stay to discover the alpine lakes of Trentino

These eight lakes are scattered across different valleys, and the right base depends on which ones you want to see. If you are drawn to the warm lakes of the Valsugana, around Caldonazzo, Levico and Calceranica, from there you easily reach the Pinè Plateau with the lakes of Piazze and Serraia, and in a little over half an hour the Alpe Cimbra with Lago di Lavarone. It is a handy base for those who want to combine the beaches of the big lakes with the walks to the small alpine ones.

For the lakes to the west, like Lago delle Malghette and Lago dei Caprioli, the right valleys are the Val Rendena around Madonna di Campiglio and the Val di Sole: from here the trails start practically from your doorstep. Trento is a central, well-connected base, ideal for reaching the Val di Non and Lago di Tret. Rovereto and the Vallagarina bring you closer to Garda and Lago di Tenno, about an hour by car. And Lago di Calaita, in the Vanoi valley, remains a fine day trip from much of eastern Trentino.

At Italy Holiday we welcome guests in these areas, in homes designed to make you feel at home from the very first moment. If you dream of a holiday made of forest paths and mountain waters, find out where to stay near the alpine lakes of Trentino and pack your boots: these hidden gems are waiting for you.

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