In Trentino Alto Adige there is a fascinating place, known for the extraordinary natural setting that surrounds it: it is the Molveno Lake, located within the homonymous municipality and surrounded by the central chain of the Brenta Group and the mountains Gazza and Paganella.
Defined by the poet Antonio Fogazzaro as a «precious pearl in a more precious casket», Molveno is a lake of natural origin that was formed about 4 thousand years ago following a giant landslide. From 2011 to 2018 it received from Legambiente and TCI the environmental quality mark «5 sails» and, from 2014, it is the «most beautiful lake in Italy» thanks to the quality, beauty and cleanliness of the water, the beach, services and safety.
Since 1957, moreover, its waters feed the hydroelectric plant of Lake Santa Massenza, so every 10 years or so its reservoir is almost completely emptied to allow adequate maintenance. For this reason, Lake Molveno is also called «the emptied lake».
What to see and do on Lake Molveno
Many people choose Lake Molveno as a destination to relax and enjoy a few days of relaxation, or to dedicate themselves to hiking, hiking and outdoor trips. This is because the place allows you to switch off and immerse yourself completely in nature, even in the company of children, thanks to the many natural attractions and not that makes available to visitors!
Cycling, walking or e-bike tour of the lake
The first thing to do once in Molveno is obviously a tour of the lake, both in summer and in winter. The route is 11 kilometers long and is also suitable for children. It extends along a pedestrian cycle and is totally surrounded by nature. You can go through it in several ways:
- on foot, in about 3 hours;
- by bike, in about 2 hours;
- by e-bike, in about 1.30 hours.
During the journey you can admire beautiful views, with a view that ranges from the peaks of the Dolomites to those of the Brenta.
But it does not end here, because there are many things to see in Molveno, starting from the very center of the country:
- the beach of Lake Molveno;
- Sawmill Taialacqua, built in the sixteenth century;
- the ancient Roman bridge, accompanied by the Rio Ceda waterfall;
- the Napoleonic forts, built in the early nineteenth century by the Austrians to prevent the French advance.
Cable car ride
After a ride around Lake Molveno, it is absolutely necessary to climb to high altitude by taking one of the many cable cars available. The main logs are two:
- the cable car from Molveno to the Pradel Plateau;
- the chairlift from Pradel to Croz dell’Altissimo and then to Rifugio La Montanara.
Once arrived, the trekking becomes irresistible: there are many paths to follow, they have different departures and lead practically everywhere. In particular, on the Pradel Plateau there are some shelters, a beautiful walk with children, a petting zoo and some activities to make the day even more fun in the company of the local mascot, Sciury the squirrel!
Trekking and walking
In Molveno, lovers of trekking and nature walks are irretrievably spoiled for choice: thanks to its mountain landscape, in fact, from the lake start many walks that offer a breathtaking view of the surrounding area, both in the Dolomites.
Among the most popular and popular walks include:
- Rifugio Pradel: can be reached either by cable car or by walking from the centre of Molveno;
- Rifugio La Montanara: also in this case you can reach by cable car, either on foot starting from Molveno or from Pradel;
- Rifugio Croz dell’Altissimo: it can be reached from Molveno, Pradel and La Montanara. An alternative is the path that, starting from Molveno, leads through the Valle delle Seghe;
- Baita Ciclamino: a simple and pleasant path, which starts from Molveno and ends with a snack at high altitude. On the way back you can go down through the Valley of the Saws to reach the Sawmill Taialacqua and the beach of Lake Molveno.
Relaxing on the beach
During the summer, the beach of Lake Molveno is ideal for spending a few hours relaxing: at the foot of the village, in fact, there is an English-style lawn, very clean, and a pebble beach. The water is so clear and clean that it is transparent and ideal for cooling off on hot and sultry days.
The entrance is totally free and inside you can rent a sun bed or a deck chair, have a picnic on the lawn, or plough the lake on board a pedalo or an electric boat. For children, however, there are water parks complete with slides and swimming pools!
Walk in the historic center
Molveno is a village inhabited since the Neolithic, but the urban development has occurred since the mid-nineteenth century. Its historic center, located at an altitude of 864 meters, offers a beautiful view, as well as a large number of places and monuments to visit:
- the Church of San Borromeo, dating back to 1940, a real landmark of the country;
- the Church of San Vigilio, in Gothic style and located inside the cemetery;
- the Sawmill Taialacqua, built in the sixteenth century at the behest of the homonymous pastor.
In addition to these characteristic places, it is recommended to get lost in the alleys of Molveno, sit in its typical cafes and browse inside its shops full of mountain equipment, local crafts and simply tasty food.
Paragliding and mountain biking
If walking and relaxing are the two main activities to do in Molveno, its lake offers many ideas for sports enthusiasts. There are two main ones:
- paragliding on Lake Molveno, that is a tandem flight (obviously with an experienced pilot) over breathtaking landscapes;
- the mountain bike excursions along the various trails designed specifically for fans, especially the 400 kilometers of trails between Lake Molveno and the Brenta Dolomites provided for by the Paganella Dolomiti Bike project.
Parapendio sul lago di Molveno
Visit to the Nembia Lake
Moving just south of Molveno you can visit Lake Nembia, another quiet and rare beauty natural oasis that offers visitors a circular path of about 3 kilometers to walk in total relaxation.
Considering that its waters never freeze, it is ideal for lovers of fishing, who can bring home a nice loot made of rainbow trout, brown trout and char (but only after buying permission).
Discovery of the Spormaggiore Wildlife Park
A soli 15 minuti di auto dal Lago di Molveno si trova il Parco Faunistico di Spormaggiore, al cui interno gli animali vivono in condizioni di semi libertà. Di conseguenza, è facile imbattersi in orsi bruni, lupi, volpi, linci, caprioli e gufi ma, a differenza degli zoo tradizionali, l’avvistamento di tutti gli esemplari non è garantito: dipende dalla loro voglia di mostrasi o meno!
Parco Faunistico Spormaggiore
Shopping in Andalo
Se si becca una giornata piovoso a Molveno non c’è nessun problema: si può rimediare sullo shopping ad Andalo, un piccolo paese confinante ricco di negozi e centri benessere. Qui è possibile acquistare prodotti locali come canederli, grappe, mele, marmellate, amari e tisane a base di erbe di montagna, per poi fare un salto in una spa vicina e lasciarsi coccolare tra saune, idromassaggi, bagni turchi e massaggi rilassanti.
Centro storico di Andalo
Trip to Castel Belfort
Finally, before leaving Molveno, a stop at Befort Castle is practically a must: located near the Spormaggiore Wildlife Park, the charming building was built in the fourteenth century and is free entry. From its crenellated tower you can enjoy an incredible view of the valley and the surrounding peaks.
| Like all self-respecting castles, Castel Belfort is shrouded in legend: it is said that, in the fifteenth century, the knight Christopher Altspaur, driven by jealousy and his paranoia, tried to kill his wife and that, Even today, his ghost roams the castle desperate for evidence of his infidelity. Absolutely not to be missed! Copertina: iltrentinodeibambini |
