I had the opportunity to visit and photograph the stunning region of Trentino for the second time! The first time I went there, I discovered some photogenic spots which I highlighted in this blog. This time, I discovered even more beautiful places. Trentino is a unique paradise located in the North-East of Italy, in the heart of the Italian Alps, between Lake Garda and the Dolomites. It is just South of Austria and famous for its extraordinary variety of landscapes and its impressive mountains.
The region of Trentino features 297 lakes and a large number of rivers. That is why Trentino sometimes is called ‘Little Finland’. You will not often see as many lakes in The Alps as in Trentino. Of course, I haven’t seen all of them, but I will highlight 10 stunning lakes that I visited and which I think are very much worth visiting, even more so if you are into photography!
1) Lake Garda
I will start off with one of the most popular lakes of Trentino, Lake Garda. It is the biggest lake in Italy and the ideal place for those who practice water sports, or for those who wish to experience some of the “Italian Lifestyle” with aperitifs and excellent cuisine. The area also has a lot to offer when it comes to biking and hiking. The surrounding mountains reach a height of 2000 meters and olive and lemon trees bloom along the shores of the lake. And with the Mediterranean climate, you can imagine this is a true paradise. Tip: From Torbole, navigate to Doss Casina. You will go up a mountain road and the views on the route are breathtaking at sunset!
From Torbole, it is a great walk along the beach, it has some stunning views.
2) Lake Tenno
This beautiful mountain lake lies in just fifteen minutes drive from Lake Garda and is one of the smallest and cleanest lakes in North Italy. Once you get there, the first thing you will notice is its crystal clear turquoise colour. This is because the surrounding forest together with the white stones on the bottom of the lake, add a greenish light blue colour to it. Lake Tenno is perfect for cooling down in the summer as the water won’t be warmer than 20 degrees Celsius. but you can also have beautiful walks in its surrounding nature.
It’s possible to reach this little island by foot in Summer. But in relation to the water level in summer, autumn rain might raise its level about 15 meters!
3) Lake Ledro
Just a few kilometres from Lake Garda and south of the Brenta Dolomites you will find Lake Ledro. Due to the location of this beautiful lake, temperatures here are generally lower than at Lake Garda, making it the perfect hideaway on those hot summer days. Whether you prefer fishing, paragliding, or rather go for a nice walk around the lake or refresh yourself in the cool and amazingly clear water, Lake Ledro has some perfect surroundings and facilities for any kind of outdoor activities.
Lake Ledro is the 4th largest lake in Trentino. It lies quite sheltered, which is why the lake is also known for its uncontaminated mirroring waters.
A perfect summer morning to wake up here. On the beaches of the lake, it is possible to rent some equipment such as paddleboards.
With its turquoise waters, Lago di Ledro looks straight out of a fairy tail.
4) Baita Segantini
An idyllic little mountain lake in the area of Baita Segantini (Passo Rolle) with direct view on the Pale, and famous for photographers. The well-known shot of Baita Segantini and its little chalet with the Pale di San Martino is usually taken in front of the little lake, where you’ll find some great reflections. We have been there at night, where the setting provided the perfect place for a dark and starry sky view. In this blog from my previous visit, I will explain more about the Phenomenon of Enrosadira I found here. This place never disappoints!
We went in the late night, to be treated with the most perfect view on the Milkyway and a breathtaking sunrise.
Starry, starry night…
Read about the Enrosadira Phenomena in my previous blog
5) Lake Welsperg
Quite hidden on the other side of Baita Segantini, you will find this picture tiny little fishing lake. An idyllic place to visit, especially in the morning when the first rays of sun hit the Dolomites to create a magical tone of colours. A special thanks for the wonderful tip from my friend photographer Ronald Jansen, who visits Trentino on a regular base and who knows this area like the palm of his hand.
The colors in the early morning were fascinating, it was beautiful to see the light and clouds change over the peaks of Pale di San Martino.
7) Lake Piazze
The lake is located upstream from Lake Serraia, between the wooded foothills of Ceramonte and Dosso di Costalta. Part of the lake water collected by the dam (located along the south bank), is used to power the hydroelectric power station of Pozzolago. In summer, this lake is much loved by water sports enthusiasts and sun worshippers lying on the green pasture surrounding it. Tip: walk around the lake on a fascinating trail.
In a distance, you have a lovely view of the Saint Oswald church (Parrocchia di Sant'Osvaldo) of Bedollo.
6) Lake San Pellegrino
Not far from Baita, you will find the Lake of San Pellegrino, which is a small body of water located at the San Pellegrino Pass at an altitude of 1900 meters. It is a small lake that is the result of a series of streams that descend from the high mountains surrounding it, lying at the foot of Col Margherita with a backdrop of volcanic rocks. This little lake would be best photographed during autumn, in the morning. The first rays of the sun will hit this perfect little tree on the side, which is standing in the back of the lake. Its waters reflect the magnificent Dolomites of the Val di Fassa and the Cime di Passo San Pellegrino.
We were here in summer, on a tranquil morning. Can you imagine what autumn must look like… I guess we have to come back here again!
8) Lake Caldonazzo
The largest lake in Valsugana, and the largest lake entirely belonging to Trentino. With 4 Blue Flag beaches, this lake makes it a perfect destination and paradise for water sport enthusiasts: here, you can practice many sports such as water skiing, sailing, swimming, windsurfing, paddle boarding and canoeing. Or take a walk in the morning to capture those tranquil surroundings.
View on the many boats of a sailing school at a little harbour in Lake Caldonazzo.
9) Lake Lases
You will find this tranquil little gem in the lush nature of the Valle di Cembra. A small and idyllic lake to swim, which is often done by certified divers and clubs and schools offering diving courses. The lake also forms the habitat of many rare species of flora and fauna and is a popular place for fishing. And a perfect place to wander with your camera in the morning.
10) Lake d’Ampola
This lake is set in the beautiful upper Valle di Ledro near to the western boundaries of Trentino and is surrounded by a swamp. We reached the lake by a short walk over a wooden boardwalk. It is one of the few lakes that are still completely in its original state and provides a perfect habitat for frogs, tadpoles, reeds and water lilies. In its well known Visitor Centre, you can find out everything about the lake’s wetlands and their inhabitants with a virtual tour, which is a great education for children too.
Lake d’Ampola, which is surrounded by a wetland swamp.
My visit to the lake was in summer. Can you imagine the fairy tail when these lilies are in full bloom and the pond turns yellow! I will have to come back.
And there is more…
Of course, I didn’t see all Trentino’s stunning lakes. There are so many that I would still love to visit, such as Lake Toblino, Lake Tovel, Lake Resia, Lake Braies and many more. But it good to save some for later right? In the meantime, I will have to buy some more memory cards and extra camera batteries, as you can’t take enough with you here!
I would like to thank Visit Trentino for allowing me to experience this wonderful destination again. A special thanks to the regions of North Lake Garda, Valle di Ledro, Valsugana and Piné Cembra for showing me your most amazing places and your great recommendations. Check out their websites to find more information about these regions.
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