As many lakes in Trentino, the lake of Molveno has been exploited for hydroelectric aims too, which partially modified its aspect. The lake, originated by a landslide, marks the border between this group of mountains and the Group of the Paganella-Gazza mount.
On its bottom a whole wood has been found. It consists of a huge quantity of trunks, uprooted or broken, immersed in the mud, but there are some trees still rooted in the old ground of the wood. This wood allowed scientists to say exactly when the lake was formed, i.e. 3000 years ago.
The lake of Molveno, with its surface of 3,3 sqm is the second natural lake entirely in Trentino territory. The lake of Molveno is well-known also for its fish, and since 1600 it has been inhabited by the salmerino fish.
"Precious pearl in most precious treasure chest", as the writer and poet Antonio Fogazzaro, a frequent visitor of the town, called it. Its crystal clear waters and its beach have been awarded the title of "Most Beautiful Lake of Italy" for the 6th consecutive year, according to Legambiente and the Italian Touring Club. The town of Molveno is also awarded the TCI Orange Flag tourist quality label.
Size of Molveno lake
Width: 1.5 km
Length: 4.4 km
Maximum depth: 123 meters
Area: 3.27 km²
What to do at Lake Molveno
Lake Molveno, with its crystal-clear waters gathered from the peaks of the Brenta and the slopes of the Paganella, offers water sports enthusiasts the opportunity to plough through its waves on board a windsurf, canoe, sailboat, rowing boat or pedal boat.
Families will find a real lido in the mountains with 12 hectares of beach, lawns and mini-golf for children, the Acqua Park with slides and water games, the mini-club and the pump truck with skill area, for kids learning to ride a mountain bike.
With the Panoramic Cable Car, open from May to October, it is possible to go up to the Pradel Plateau, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the lake and a starting point for various hikes in the Brenta Dolomites.
Finally, about ten minutes' drive from Lake Molveno is the Spormaggiore Wildlife Park.
Tour of Lake Molveno
A beautiful walk, which you can also try by bike, of 11 km (about two hours) around Lake Molveno. It starts from the campsite in the direction of Ponte Romano and the Fortini di Napoleone (Napoleon's forts) where the hut of the same name stands, and then continues to the end of the western side of the lake to take the panoramic path along the eastern shore. Return to Molveno via the Re dei Belgians path and the Bior bridge.
