A definitive list of gorgeous lakes to visit in the Italian Dolomites
The Italian Dolomites are home to one of the most impressive landscapes in the world. You won't get tired of the unending snow-capped mountains, unforgettable jagged peaks, lush alpine meadows, storybook valleys and scenic mountain villages. Apart from that, the Dolomites boast rich, glassy lakes that deserve once-in-a-lifetime visit.
Some of the lakes can be visited by car while for some you need to hike. If you are looking for a list of some of the most breathtaking lakes of the Dolomites for photography, then you have come to the right article where you get six of these incredible lakes summarised. I had loads of fun capturing these lakes and can't wait to get back to the Dolomites one day. For your convenience, I have marked the lakes on Google Maps so that you can save them for your next trip to Italy.
So, get ready to make some sensation on your instagram page !
Jump Ahead
You may also want to visit my page about the Greatest gems of the Dolomites.
Lake Sorapis
Lake Sorapis is located in the province of Belluno, southeast of the city of Cortina d'Ampezzo, at an altitude of 1923 m in the Sorapiss Mountain Group..
There are multiple trails that take you to the lake. The trail majorly used is 215 in the direction of Refugio Vandelli. You can park your vehicle at the parking area available near Passo Tre Croci Trailhead. Nr. 215 is a moderately difficult trail. Utmost caution needs to be exercised as the path can be slippery at points. On many places, cables and ladders have been installed for a smooth ascent. You will realise that all the efforts you put into this hiking were 100% worth it. The intense blue color of the lake is due to the glacial dust deposits. The Dino di Dio (God's fingers) is a striking summit right in front of the lake. It is neither allowed to swim nor to camp at the lake Sorapis.
Location on Google Maps: Lake Sorapis
Lake Braies
Who does not know about this lake ? Lake Braies is one of the most trending lakes of Instagram which is easily accessible by car. The lake is located at 1496 m right below the Seekofel massif in the Pusteria valley. There are paid car parks available near the lake. No strenuous hiking is required to visit this lake. Although if you do want to go on a hike, then you can make a 3.2 km loop around the lake. The wooden boats are the signature photo subject of this lake. A popular angle to photograph/videograph this lake is at early morning or late evening by flying a drone over the row-boats tied back to back. You can also rent a wooden boat for a romantic ride across the lake. It is allowed to swim in Lake Braies. However, since its waters are quite cold both during summer or winter, I did not see people taking a dip. Evening fishing is allowed in this lake but you need to buy a day ticket for that, other wise you may get in trouble.
Location on Google Maps: Lake Braies
Lake Carezza
Just like Lake Braies, even the lake Carezza is easily accessible by car. The Carezza lake is located in the municipality of Nova Levante at an altitude of 1534 m. A paid car park is available near the lake. I always carry coins with me as not all payment machines accept debit/credit cards. There are views over the Latemar massif and the flourishing spruce trees give this lake a fairytale touch. Its characteristic colour is due to the dolomite rock forming the lake bed as well as due to the presence of algae. There are multiple legends associated with this lake. One of the stories is that of a sorcerer and a nymph. They say that once a sorcerer became furious because he couldn't catch hold of a nymph who lived in the lake. Out of anger, the sorcerer tore a rainbow apart and threw it into the lake. Since, then the lake is known as "Lac de Ergobardo" (the Rainbow lake) in Ladin. Swimming is strictly prohibited in this lake in order to protect its unique nature.
Location on Google Maps: Lake Carezza
Lake Misurina
At 1754 m, the legendary Misurina lake is situated in the municipality of Auronzo de Cadore. A dope lake, well worth a visit, I found it to be most car-friendly lake both in terms of access and availability of parking lots. It is surrounded by many mountain ranges, especially the three Peaks of Lavaredo and the Sorapiss Group. I remember while I was hiking to the lake Sorapis via trail number 217, I could easily identify lake Misurina from faraway. Another nearby lake Antorno is just 2 km away from Misurina. Swimming in the lake is allowed. Row-boats are also available on rental. There are many souvenir shops, hotels and good restaurants around the lake. In winter, the lake gets completely frozen because of which it attracts many ice-skaters. Even many speed skating competitions have been held here. The climatic characteristic of the area around the lake is known to heal those who have respiratory diseases.
Location on Google Maps: Lake Misurina
Lake Landro
The turquoise Lake Landro is a part of Three Peaks Nature Park because of which many hikers use this lake as the starting point for a hike to the three peaks of Lavaredo. There is a breathtaking view of the Cristallo mountain range right across the lake. The lake is situated at the bottom of the Landro valley in the municipality of Dobbiaco at a height of 1406 m. It is easily accessible by car and there are free parking spots available right beside the lake. I strolled around the lake searching good photography spots especially to capture the steep faces of the Cristallo Group. The lake can be easily circumnavigated on foot. It is allowed to swim here. In fact, this lake is warmer than all other swimmable lakes situated at the same altitude. I promise, this lake will make your instagram grid stand out. If you have more time, then you can also visit another beautiful Dobbiacco lake which is only 8.6 km away from the lake of Landro.
Location on Google Maps: Lake Landro
Lake Federa
Lake Federa is located in the Negra valley at a height of 2046 m. To reach this lake, you need to hike the trail 434/437 for around 5 km with an ascent of around 460 m. The trail head is at the Ponte de Ru Curto bridge. Only few parking spots are available near this bridge. Hence, I arrived early to grab a spot. The lake is a part of the Croda da Lago mountain range. The peculiar Becco di Mezzodi mountain, standing proudly at an altitude of 2603 m, offers a magical backdrop. I hiked late May when some trails in the Dolomites are still covered in snow. The trail 434/437 was snow-free. But many parts of the path were slippery. Hikers are glad to take a refreshing swim in Lake Federa after a strenuous hiking session. On your way back to the Ponte de Ru Curto parking, make sure to take a break at a view point, called as "Punto panoramico su Cortina sentiero 434", from where there are rewarding views of the majestic Tofana Group.
Location on Google Maps: Lake Federa
Conclusion
Try to avoid hiking/visiting the lakes on busy summer weekends so as to have the lakes all to yourself. I always prefer starting early, so that I am back before the afternoon showers. I highly recommend having sturdy hiking boots. Do not forget your hiking poles and a raincoat. Carry enough water and nutrition. If you love hiking, then these lakes are totally worth it. There are panoramic views along all trails. The scenery that you will get to see simply justifies all the efforts of getting there. I hope I was able to give you a glimpse into some of the most beautiful lakes of the Dolomites. If you have any query related to these lakes, please feel free to drop a comment and I will try my best to get back with a response asap.
You want more travel inspiration from Europe ? Then follow the links below.
If you found my post helpful, then don't forget to bookmark & share it.
Comments