Few places in the world seem to come straight out of the pages of a storybook like the enchanting lakes that dot the Dolomites. Amidst the snow-capped mountain ridges, at the end of winding paths through the forests, stunning views of turquoise pools of water unfold, enhancing an area of impressive beauty.
Whether frozen or kissed by the summer sun, the numerous crystal-clear, bathing lakes of the Dolomites offer the opportunity to discover enchanted and hidden landscapes, creating true dedicated itineraries set in breathtaking natural settings.
READ ALSO: THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HIKES IN THE DOLOMITES
In these paradisiacal stretches of water suspended between peaks, forests and valleys, one can also enjoy numerous outdoor activities and sports, fromhiking around their perimeter on foot or by mountain bike, exploring them by boat, skating on their icy surface in winter or bathing in summer.
In the shades of their changing colours from emerald green to blue, the lakes of the Dolomites guard the secrets of the mountains that surround them, the strength of their immutability and the mystery of the legends that cloak them.
Surrounded by spring flowers or white snow, the beauty of these lakes scattered across the Dolomites conveys all the charm of unique places pervaded by a magical atmosphere that have become some of the most popular destinations for mountain lovers and those travelling with their families.
South Tyrol, the Belluno area, Val d'Ega or Alta Pusteria are just some of the areas in which the most evocative lakes are concentrated. To get to know them better, let's take a closer look at some of the most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites to include immediately in our favourite destinations.
Lakes of the Dolomites
Lake Braies
Lake Dobbiaco
Lake Landro
Lake Carezza
Lake Anterselva
Lake Sorapis
Lake Misurina
Lake Tovel
Lake Resia
Lakes of Fusine
"/>
Most Beautiful Dolomite Lakes
Lake Braies
To begin our journey of discovery of the most beautiful Dolomite lakes, we start in the picturesque area of Alta Pusteria where, in the centre of the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park, lies the splendid and renowned Lake Braies, universally recognised as one of the most beautiful in Italy. Its emerald-green waters mirror the imposing Croda del Becco massif and are considered swimmable despite their very low temperature.
Situated at an altitude of about 1,500 m, the lake can be navigated on board characteristic rowing boats to admire the stunning contrast with the surrounding mountain scenery from another point of view. Around its perimeter there is an easy 4-km loop trail through the woods, which goes around the lake between panoramic views and hidden treasures such as a small chapel in the trees.
Lake Braies is one of the most loved and frequented places in the entire Dolomites, both in summer and winter, and perhaps this is why it is at its best at dawn when in the silence the first rays of sunlight give unique shades to the water and the surrounding mountains.
"/>
Lake Dobbiaco
Not far from Braies, located in the Val di Landro valley between the Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park is the equally fascinating but lesser known Lake Dobbiaco. Its shallow waters ranging from turquoise to green guarantee refreshing bathing in summer and rich ice skating in winter, when the temperature drops and the cold envelops the entire area.
In the autumn season, on the other hand, rare water and migratory bird species can be observed from the western shore of the lake, nesting or stopping in the rich coastal vegetation. Lake Toblach offers scenic views that can be admired during a reconnaissance trip by pedalo or rowing boat, or by taking a walk around its perimeter along a nature trail of about 2.5 km accessible to all, including pushchairs, with numerous information stations on the local fauna and flora.
"/>
Lake Landro
The most natural stop to make after visiting Lake Toblach is at the shores of the marvellous Lake Landro, one of the most picturesque in the Dolomites. This pristine, turquoise-blue body of water lies at an altitude of 1400 metres in the Tre Cime Nature Park and offers a magnificent panorama of the Ampezzo Dolomites, the Cristallo chain and the Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
Its characteristic pebble beach invites you to relax, enjoy the spectacular view or take a dip in the water when the weather permits. The lake lies along the route of the Dobbiaco-Cortina cycle path and can be explored on the easy paths around it or by climbing its rocky cliffs.
"/>
Lake Carezza
On the Monguelfo plateau in the western Dolomites lies the small Carezza Lake, considered one of the most beautiful in the area. The green hues of its waters, reflecting the peaks of the Catinaccio and Latemar mountain ranges and the conifers that dot its shores, have earned it the nickname Rainbow Lake.
The kaleidoscope of colours of this lake ranges from green to blue, with pinkish and yellowish tones that provide a unique suggestion even when its waters freeze over in winter, creating a special play of reflections with the sun's rays. With an easy 20-minute hike around its shores, you can admire panoramic views from different angles in search of the perfect shot and perhaps immortalise the mermaid who, according to legend, inhabits its waters.
"/>
Lake Anterselva
One of the largest and most scenic lakes in the Dolomites in South Tyrol is Lake Anterselva, the jewel of the valley of the same name at Plan de Corones. In the dense wooded areas of the Vedrette di Ries-Aurina nature park, some bunkers from the Second World War can still be found, while the emerald green tones of the conifers are reflected in the lake's waters. The wide shores of Lake Antholz are ideal for relaxing with the family, assimilating the slow rhythm of nature and enjoying the beautiful panorama towards the majestic silhouette of the Vedrette di Ries.
"/>
Sorapis Lake
Over 1,900 metres above sea level, impressive turquoise-blue water and a rarefied, intimate atmosphere characterise the beautiful Sorapis Lake in the vicinity of Cortina D'Ampezzo. This jewel set on the slopes of God's Finger can only be reached on foot with a demanding hike of about 14 km or a shorter one of about 10 km through pastures, rocky stretches and incredible views.
On arrival, the effort will be repaid by the unique spectacle of this small mirror of intense colour and the feeling of being in a special place at the foot of the sky for an unforgettable experience.
"/>
Lake Misurina
Lake Misurina in the province of Belluno is also known as the 'Pearl of Cadore', one of the most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites in Veneto. Clear waters, larch forests and the great mountain backdrop of the Tre Cime, Piz Popena, Cristallino d'Ampezzo, Monte Piana, the Marmarole and Sorapiss make it an ideal place to breathe healthy air and set off on hikes in the flat nature or climbing at high altitude around Auronzo di Cadore.
Lake Tovel
The Adamello - Brenta Natural Park in the Trentino Dolomites conceals the naturalistic treasure of the splendid Lake Tovel. The natural phenomenon that dyed its waters a vermilion red until the 1960s has given rise to numerous legends and fuelled its mysterious fascination.
A walk around its perimeter on a footpath lasting about an hour and a half allows you to come into close contact with the surrounding nature, enjoy the panorama of the Brenta Group Dolomites and restore your spirit far from all chaos.
"/>
Lake Resia
On the territory of the South Tyrolean municipality of Curon Venosta, there is one of the most scenic and picturesque lakes in the entire Dolomites: Lake Resia. The first incredible feature of the lake is the bell tower rising from the water, where the sunken village centre of Curon once stood. The natural landscape of great beauty and the particularity of the bell tower emerging from the centre of the lake provide a unique and surreal atmosphere.
"/>
Fusine Lakes
The basin of the Fusine Lakes is one of the most fascinating areas in the Dolomites and is home to some of the most beautiful lakes in the area. It is a series of marvellous lakes of glacial origin connected by accessible paths that allow you to explore the wooded landscape at the foot of the Mangart mountain range.
In this natural environment with its magical atmosphere, one encounters the crystal-clear colours of the lakes contrasting with the bright tones of the spruce trees, which match the changing seasons. Visiting these places at different times of the year therefore means discovering different but equally evocative shades and tones each time.
"/>
Italy
