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Lake Molveno has been called the most beautiful lake in Italy, and when we stepped onto our hotel balcony for the first time, we knew why.
The turquoise lake is backed by forested hills with craggy grey peaks beyond. On its shores, a village with Alpine buildings in pink and yellow is separated from the water by a long stretch of lush grass and white beach.
It felt like a screenshot come to life.
Despite its outstanding beauty, this small lake in the Brenta Dolomites isn’t well known to foreigners. We’ve been to Italy many times and only heard about it this year when searching for lakeside hotels.
Lake Molveno turned out to be perfect for what we wanted—a relaxing holiday in a scenic location with opportunities to get active in the water and surrounding mountains.
We visited for a week at the end of August and into early September. As Molveno is located at an altitude of 864 metres (2,835 feet) above sea level, it’s a pleasant retreat from the scorching summer temperatures found further south in Italy.
The weather is unpredictable in the mountains, though. We had a mix of sunny days at 21ºC (70ºF) and cloudy days with afternoon rain showers. Nights are cooler, so be sure to pack layers.
In this Lake Molveno travel guide, I share the best things to do in Molveno, a review of our lakeside hotel, food tips, and how to get there.
At the end, there is a map that includes everything mentioned.
Contents
Where is Lake Molveno?
Lake Molveno is situated at the foot of the Brenta Dolomites, a part of the larger Dolomites mountain range in the Italian Alps, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It’s in the Trentino part of the Trentino-Alto Adige (Südtirol) autonomous region in northeast Italy.
The region is bordered by Switzerland and Austria and was once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, so it has a very different feel from the more southern areas of Italy.
You’ll see signs in both German and Italian, and the food is influenced by the Germanic heritage, with apple strudel as common as pizza.
Molveno’s nearest international airport is Verona Airport (VRN), 130km (81 miles) away.
It’s about an hour north of the much more famous Lake Garda.
See below for more on how to get to Lake Molveno.
Best Things to Do in Molveno
Lake Molveno would make a great base for exploring the Brenta Dolomites area, but since we wanted a relaxing trip, we stuck to things to do in Molveno itself.
In addition to the activities that we did, Molveno is popular with mountain bikers and paragliders.
1) Walk Around Lake Molveno
One of the best things to do in Molveno is to take a walk around the lake, which takes approximately three hours and offers fantastic views.
The 11.5km (7-mile) Lake Molveno hike is relatively easy, featuring flat sections, gentle ups and downs, and one significant hill on the western side. We had about 200 metres (656 feet) of elevation gain in total.
It’s well signposted—just follow the red and white signs marked Giro del Lago.
On a sunny Sunday afternoon in August, the trail was fairly busy with walkers, cyclists, and families, but we often had sections to ourselves.
You can start at the lido (beach) in town, but we started from our hotel, Grand Hotel Molveno, which is on the trail on the eastern side of the lake.
We started through the forest, with occasional glimpses of the lake, but it soon opens up, and the views are incredible looking back to town and the rugged mountains beyond.
At the southern tip of the lake, a beach area accessible by road makes it a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming.
Then the trail climbs uphill for great views of the lake from above on the western side, especially by the hydropower waterfall.
Some sections of the western side return to the forest, but there are still plenty of views to enjoy, as well as the Roman Bridge (which isn’t actually Roman).
You’ll end up back in town at the lido, Molveno’s beach area.
There are no facilities along the route, but there are many restaurants in town where you can enjoy lunch after the long walk.
This hike is the perfect introduction to Lake Molveno and an easier alternative to trails up in the mountains.
2) Take the Cable Car to Pradel
Another popular activity in Molveno is taking the cable car (funivia in Italian) up to Pradel, located at 1,367 metres (4,485 feet) above sea level.
In winter, there are a few ski slopes, and in summer, you can access many hiking and mountain bike trails.
Even if you don’t fancy a big trek, it’s worth coming up here for the stunning lake views.
If you have kids, there’s an easy educational trail, play areas, and a farm to visit.
You can also take a two-seater chairlift even higher up to 1530 metres (5020 feet), where there are a few mountain huts for lunch.
The journey up takes just six minutes in the enclosed car. There was no queue at 9am and we had a car to ourselves.
At the top, there’s a mountain hut next to the cable car station where you can grab a coffee, snack, or meal. Note the toilets are for customers only—Simon is always happy to grab an espresso at the bar so I can use the facilities.
If you want to head further into the mountains (as we did), there’s a map of hiking trails at the top of the cable car.
Details: Visit the Funivia Molveno website for more information. For adults, the cable car costs €12 one way or €17 round trip. You save a euro with the Dolomiti Paganella guest card that many hotels provide.
3) Hike to Three Mountain Huts
There are endless possibilities for hikes into the Brenta Dolomites above Molveno, whether you are an Alpine adventurer or casual walker.
If you start your hike from the top of the cable car in Pradel (as we did), you’ll save yourself a 1.5-hour uphill climb and have more time to get deeper into the mountains.
For hiking ideas, you can pick up the Visit Paganella Hiking and Trekking leaflet from town (our hotel gave it to us), although they are mostly shorter walks.
We wanted something a little challenging but not too extreme, and chose this hike on AllTrails to three mountain huts: Croz dell’Altissimo Refuge – Selvata Refuge – Andalo Refuge.
The hike was the highlight of our trip with jaw-dropping scenery amongst the immense Dolomite peaks.
We walked through forest, along narrow rock ledges, and across crystal-clear rivers.
Although it was a long walk, we didn’t find it too hard because of the three breaks we had at the rifugi, mountain huts that offer basic accommodation and meals (and toilets!).
We started at the top of the cable car in Pradel and followed Trail 340 to Rifugio Croz dell’Altissimo. There are plenty of signposts, and it was easy to find our way.
If you are looking for an easier hike (3.7km/2.3 miles one way), this is a great option before returning to the cable car. We had some tasty apple strudel outside the hut with mountain views.
The climb up to Rifugio Selvata at 1,630 metres (5,347 feet) was more challenging, but it only took 40 minutes, with more gorgeous views on the way.
This rifugio is simpler than the others, but it still offers a small lunch menu. It was my favourite due to its peaceful location in a clearing surrounded by mountains. We loved sitting in the deck chairs in the sun with a cold drink.
The next section was mostly downhill through forest for about an hour.
Technically, there are some via ferrata (climbing routes with fixed cables) on this section, but it’s very easy. The wires provide something to hold onto to get past some narrow, rocky sections.
Rifugio Malga Andalo at 1350 metres (4429 feet) was our next stop. There’s a road up there, so it was a lot busier, and it felt jarring to see cars.
The rifugio has another beautiful setting in an Alpine meadow and a more extensive menu than the others. We enjoyed some polenta gnocchi (they made us a vegetarian version with cheese sauce) and spätzle with butter and sage.
The final hour of the hike was the steep descent to Molveno, which was the least enjoyable part as it was tough on our legs. It’s also through the forest, so there are fewer views.
Hiking poles would have been helpful, but if you have knee issues, I would recommend avoiding this section. You could turn back at Rifugio Selvata and take the cable car down.
Or some people in the AllTrails review prefer to hike the loop in reverse, starting with the ascent and taking the cable car down. It would be a very steep climb of over two hours, though.
We still absolutely loved the hike. It was truly spectacular and not too challenging. Try to choose a clear day to make the most of the views.
Details: We walked 12km (7.5 miles) in about four hours with 386 metres (1266 feet) of elevation gain. Including three breaks, we were out for six hours (from the top of the cable car). See the AllTrails hike page for a map.
4) Swim in the Lake
It is possible to swim in Lake Molveno, and I highly recommend it! Swimming in the clean, clear, turquoise water with the mountains soaring above was magical.
The water is pretty chilly, though. Even at the end of August, the water was 18ºC (64ºF), and it’ll be colder earlier in the summer. It was too cold for Simon, but I loved it.
I swam from the private beach at our hotel, the Grand Hotel Molveno, but Molveno village has a long white pebble beach where you can swim in the calm water. Water shoes are helpful on the pebbles, but are not essential.
Behind the beach is a large area of lush grass that’s a lovely spot to hang out. You can rent beach chairs from the boat rental place (see below).
In the lido area, there’s also an outdoor swimming pool, a kids’ playground, mini golf, and water sports rentals.
5) Rent an Electric Boat
Another excellent way to enjoy the lake is to rent an electric boat (motor boats are banned).
At the lake, there’s a rental hut where you can rent boats as well as kayaks, standup paddleboards, beach chairs, and book a round of mini golf.
We rented a Gogo boat because it looked the most comfortable, with six seats in a semi-reclining position.
The boats are easy to operate (no experience necessary), although they aren’t the most responsive. They are slow but quiet, and we found the experience really relaxing, and the views are, of course, stunning.
Two hours is just enough time to get to the other end of the lake and back.
Details: Find the rental hut at Noleggio Barche on Google Maps. One hour Gogo boat rental costs €36, but there’s a discount with the Paganella guest card, so we paid €56 for two hours. You also need a €10 cash deposit. In mid-morning, we had to wait 10 minutes for a boat to become available.
6) Paddleboard on the Lake
I also loved paddleboarding on the lake. I brought my own inflatable SUP and was able to leave it inflated by the lake, as our hotel has a private beach and dock.
You can also rent a paddleboard from the boat place above.
The advantage of having my own board was being able to go out early in the morning and just before sunset, when the wind was calmer and I had the entire lake to myself.
Paddling beneath the mountain peaks, glowing orange and reflected in the water, was an incredible experience.
Details: Paddleboard rentals from the rental hut in the village (Noleggio Barche) cost €13 for one hour.
7) Wander Molveno Village
Molveno village, situated on the shores of the lake, is a picturesque place with pitched-roof Alpine buildings in pastel shades and flower boxes on its balconies.
Closer to the lake are the recreational facilities, as well as restaurants and hotels located on Via Lungolago, just a short distance back from the water.
The traffic-free historic centre is up the hill with a church, plus shops and restaurants.
The cable car is located in the upper part of town.
For one of the best views, go to Ponte sul Rio Massò, a bridge over the river close to the boat rental. The sight of the turquoise waterfalls with the village and jagged peaks behind is postcard-perfect.
Where We Stayed: Grand Hotel Molveno Review
We stayed a little out of town at the Grand Hotel Molveno, which has been run by the Bettega family since 1906.
This 3-star hotel isn’t fancy, but it does have the perfect location on the banks of Lake Molveno with stunning views of the village and Brenta Dolomites.
The hotel is an easy 20-minute walk from town on the pleasant lakeside path that’s lit at night.
It felt more peaceful on this side of the lake, and the views were better than in town.
Facilities
We loved the extensive grounds that led down the hill to a heated pool by the lake, complete with loungers on the grass (ask for pool towels at reception).
It’s a great place to relax, although I preferred to swim in the lake itself from the tiny private beach or dock.
I was able to leave my paddleboard behind a shed down by the lake.
There’s also a games room with table tennis and kids play area, a bar with a wonderful terrace view, and a restaurant (more on food below).
There’s a tennis court a few minutes’ walk from the hotel in the woods, but it looked a little neglected.
Our Room
We made sure to book a lake-view room (and requested a balcony, as not all rooms have them) to take advantage of the amazing views. Sitting on our balcony was definitely a highlight.
Our room was simple, featuring two twin beds pushed together and a single pillow each (although they provided extras promptly when we requested them).
There’s an empty fridge and a basic small TV, but no kettle or glasses. There was no air conditioning, but opening the door to our balcony provided enough of a breeze (nights are cool anyway).
We had a desk and plenty of storage in the wardrobe.
The bathroom was a bit dated, with a poorly designed shower that allowed water to spill everywhere. At least it was hot and powerful.
Housekeeping did a good job, but they start by 9am. Be sure to put up a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign if you want to lie in.
The view more than made up for the minor annoyances, though.
Food
As the hotel is a bit further out and we wanted a relaxing trip where we didn’t have to think about where to eat each night, we opted for the half-board rate, which included breakfast and dinner.
We found the food to be decent, but not amazing. Partly, this is due to being a vegetarian in Trentino, which isn’t the most vegetarian-friendly region of Italy, and the Germanic influence in the food, which wasn’t always to our taste.
The night before, you choose your primo, secondo, and side (salad or vegetables) from the menu of three options (including one vegetarian choice). You choose your dessert at the end of the meal.
As this is a hiking destination, most people dress casually for dinner, so there’s no need to dress up.
The breakfast buffet was nothing special, but it offered a decent range, and the croissants were good. I recommend dressing warmly so you can sit outside on the terrace and enjoy the magical views.
As there’s no shop or casual eatery onsite (a bar is available for drinks), I recommend stocking up on drinks and snacks to have in your room.
Cost
At around €200 per night for both of us, including breakfast and a three-course dinner, we thought the hotel was good value.
While our room was simple and the food was nothing special, the peaceful location, incredible views, and private lake access more than made up for it.
A more luxurious hotel with this setting would likely cost double the price, so I’m glad it’s affordable. We would definitely return.
Check prices and availability of Grand Hotel Molveno on Booking.
Where to Eat in Molveno
Although we had half board at our hotel, we did eat out in Molveno village for lunch.
We didn’t find the food remarkable compared to other parts of Italy, but here are a few places we enjoyed:
- Imperia – This casual bar and restaurant is ideal for lunch. There are sandwiches (including a tasty vegetarian one), pasta (the homemade tagliatelle was good), and salads. The highlight is the superb warm apple strudel—don’t miss it!
- L’Aquilone – Tasty gelato close to the lake. The cherry was especially good.
- Pizzico – A casual pizza spot opposite L’Aquilone. It felt a bit chaotic on a Sunday afternoon, but the huge pizza was just what we needed after a hike (you can also order just half).
- Taverna La Botte – Another decent pizza place that also specialises in beer.
Note that if you are looking for a supermarket, it’s best to stock up before you arrive. There are a couple of small ones in the village (including the Margherita Conad), but they close in the afternoons and on Sundays.
How to Get to Lake Molveno, Italy
By Car
The easiest way to get to Lake Molveno is by car. We rented one at Verona Airport—we used Booking.com to search for the best deal and ended up with Alamo (run by Locauto).
The drive from Verona to Molveno varies in duration. On the way there, on a Saturday afternoon, it was quicker to avoid the toll road and take the route via the top of Lake Garda.
This is a pretty slow road, and it took us 2 hours and 20 minutes. Plus, we stopped at a supermarket for snacks and drinks.
On the way back, we drove the toll road (which cost €6.80) early in the morning, and it took 1 hour and 40 minutes. It was an easier, faster drive, if not quite as scenic as the other route.
By Public Transport
From Verona (or other cities in Italy), you could take the train to Trento or Mezzocorona and then catch a bus to Molveno.
From Verona airport, this would have taken us over three hours with multiple changes.
Getting Around Molveno
We walked everywhere once we were in Molveno. If you want to explore more of the region, having a car would be useful, but there are also buses available.
Parking is limited in Molveno village and must be booked in advance on the Park Molveno website.
Our hotel had plenty of free parking and we left our car there all week.
There’s a free bus in the lake area in summer, but it’s not that frequent, so the times never worked out for us.
Lake Molveno Map
Is Lake Molveno Worth Visiting?
Lake Molveno is absolutely worth visiting! Whether you are looking for a relaxing break, hanging out by the lake, or a more active adventure, it’s a fantastic spot.
We seriously could not get over how breathtaking the views are, both from the lake and higher up in the mountains. We loved enjoying it from our balcony, too.
Although it was fairly lively at the end of August, Molveno isn’t as crowded as some of the more famous Instagram spots in the Dolomites, so it never felt too busy.
We would definitely return to Molveno and want to do more hikes in the Brenta Dolomites.
If you have any tips, leave a comment below.
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