Northern Italy boasts an extraordinary collection of lakes that showcase the region’s natural elegance and cultural depth. These freshwater gems are scattered across landscapes where alpine peaks meet rolling hills and charming medieval towns. Each lake offers a unique experience, from clear turquoise waters to dramatic mountain backdrops and serene villages that seem untouched by time. Exploring lakes in Northern Italy provides a refreshing escape from crowded cities, offering calm settings for relaxation, adventure, and authentic local experiences.
Travelers visiting Northern Italy’s lakes can enjoy a wide range of activities including swimming, boating, hiking, and dining by the water’s edge. The surrounding regions are known for their vineyards, castles, and artisanal markets, making every visit not just scenic but also immersive. Whether planning a nature getaway, a romantic retreat, or a cultural exploration, these lakes deliver a perfect mix of scenic beauty and local charm. From well-known destinations to more secluded bodies of water, each lake promises something memorable. This guide highlights the top ten lakes to explore in Northern Italy, focusing on the most picturesque and enriching spots that deserve a place on every travel itinerary. It is a must-read for anyone planning a Northern Italian escape shaped by water, history, and breathtaking views.
Here Are Top Ten Lakes To Explore In Northern Italy
10. Lake Idro
Lake Idro lies between Lombardy and Trentino, a glacial lake nestled at 368 meters above sea level with deep clear waters and forested slopes meeting rocky shores . The shoreline spans approximately 24 km across four communes including Idro, Anfo and Bagolino. This hidden retreat offers kiteboarding, windsurfing, boating and fishing in pristine surroundings, along with lakeside hiking on trails through wooded hills. Although local authorities face challenges with water quality due to agricultural runoff and limited sewage infrastructure, the scenery remains dramatic and untouched in many areas . Visitors are drawn by nature’s quiet beauty and fewer crowds, offering a peaceful alternative to more frequented lakes.
The surrounding hills are ideal for trekking or cycling with views of azure water framed by mountain ridges. Small lakeside villages offer local cuisine and artisanal crafts in rustic trattorias and markets. Wildlife such as deer and birds may be spotted along forested edges. For those seeking authentic Italian outdoors without overwhelming tourism, Lake Idro delivers clean air, natural calm and plenty of adventure. It stands out as a lesser-known but charming lake destination in Northern Italy.
9. Lake Tenno
Lake Tenno sits just above Lake Garda in Trentino and is widely celebrated as Italy’s cleanest inland lake with water that glows turquoise‑blue from glacial minerals . Nestled beneath forest‑clad hills beside the medieval village of Canale, this swimming‑only lake features a small island and peaceful shores ideal for paddle boarding and kayaking. A short walk leads to Canale’s stone alleys, voted one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, with terraces overlooking the lake .
The calm atmosphere and crystal‑clear water invite relaxation, nature walks among chestnut groves and lakeside picnics. In summer the shoreline warms gently, attracting families and couples seeking serenity. The lake is typically quiet and uncrowded compared to nearby Garda, offering a restorative setting with local cafés and artisan bars. Outdoor lovers can explore hiking trails into surrounding hills or discover wine tours nearby. As a low‑impact destination, Lake Tenno offers beauty, tranquillity, and simplicity for those pursuing an authentic alpine lakeside escape.
8. Lake Sorapis
Tucked high in the Dolomites near Cortina d’Ampezzo at about 1 925 meters elevation, Lake Sorapis is a remote alpine gem framed by soaring jagged peaks and famed for its intense turquoise hue caused by glacial rock flour suspended in meltwater . Reaching the lake requires a 10.5 km hike from Passo Tre Croci, across narrow rocky paths equipped with ladders and cables. The trail is rated moderate to challenging and rewards hikers with dramatic mountain scenery and a reflective alpine basin .
This is one of Northern Italy’s most visually arresting lakes, appealing to experienced walkers seeking peaceful natural beauty. The water level varies seasonally, sometimes nearly drying in late summer while deeper and richer in spring melt. Surrounded by granite ridges and alpine meadows, it is best visited in late spring or summer when paths are clear. No facilities exist at the lake, preserving its pristine condition. For those drawn to raw alpine wilderness and uncluttered vistas, Lake Sorapis is a tranquil masterpiece off the beaten path.
7. Lake Molveno
In the Dolomites, Lake Molveno sits at about 864 m and stretches over 3.3 km², with a maximum depth of 124 m, making it Trentino’s deepest natural alpine lake . Surrounded by forested slopes and the Carè Alto and Paganella peaks, the water is so pure that reflections of the mountains seem weightless. Local descriptions call it a “pure jewel in a treasure chest” . The lake supports diverse fish species such as marble trout, perch and Arctic char, ideal for fishing, scuba diving and boating.
The wind known locally as Ora del Garda makes conditions perfect for sailing and windsurfing from March to October. Sandy beaches and bays invite sunbathing and swimming, while nearby wellness hotels and spa centers support relaxation after hikes or climbs. In 2024 Lake Molveno received the Cinque Vele award as Italy’s most beautiful lake again, recognized for exceptional water quality, facilities and environmental care . Villages like Molveno, Andalo and Ragoli provide dining and outdoor services. With high elevation, clean air and panoramic trails, this lake is ideal for families, couples or nature lovers seeking scenic mountain escapes.
6. Lake Braies (Pragser Wildsee)
Also known as Pragser Wildsee, Lake Braies lies at 1 496 m in South Tyrol’s Prags Valley, surrounded by Dolomite peaks like the Seekofel mountain . The emerald water and alpine cliffs reflect in a serene setting that has earned the nickname “Pearl of the Alps.” A flat lakeside trail of about 3 km lets visitors walk around the lake on well‑maintained paths, while wooden rowboats are available for classic lakeside photos .
Excess tourism led authorities to restrict vehicle access in peak summer, including parking reservations costing €38 and road closures between July and early September 2023 . Despite constraints, the lake remains stunning and accessible to hikers and photographers. Sunrise views are particularly dramatic. No motor boats are allowed, preserving calm surface reflections. Paths on the east shore may close in winter due to avalanche risk, but the western side remains open year‑round. For those seeking scenic beauty amid Dolomite grandeur yet wishing to avoid heavy infrastructure, Lake Braies combines alpine elegance, walking trails and natural serenity.
5. Lake Iseo
Lake Iseo, in Lombardy’s Franciacorta wine region, spans about 65 km of shoreline dotted with vineyards, villages and the large island of Monte Isola, Europe’s biggest inhabited lake island . Famous in 2016 for “The Floating Piers” installation by Christo that joined Sulzano, Monte Isola and San Paolo with a 3 km walkway over yellow fabric , the lake continues to draw visitors with its beauty and cultural depth.
Monte Isola is accessible by ferry and its summit sanctuary Madonna della Ceriola offers panoramic views of the lake and vineyards below . The Torbiere del Sebino nature reserve shelters rare wetland habitats rich in birdlife. Cycling is popular on the Vello‑Toline path and along the ancient Strada Valeriana. Lakeside towns like Sarnico and Lovere offer Liberty‑era architecture, artisan shops and local cuisine including stuffed lake tench or salted sardines served with polenta . Lake Iseo blends nature, slow travel and cultural richness for a relaxed yet scenic lakeside experience.
4. Lake Orta
Lake Orta lies in Piedmont, just west of Maggiore. Its atmosphere is nearly monastic—with a single inhabited island, Isola San Giulio, dominated by a 12th‑century basilica and Benedictine monastery. The historic village of Orta San Giulio, with pedestrian lanes, arcades and baroque houses, sits quietly on the water’s edge. A short ferry ride connects the village to the island.
Visitors can wander cobbled lanes, climb to Sacro Monte, an elevated pilgrimage site with chapels and views and enjoy simple lakeside meals in the shade of lime trees. The peaceful landscape is framed by wooded hills and low mountains, making it a drawing spot for romantic getaways or meditative retreats. Canoeing, paddle boarding or gentle boat rides allow exploration of the calm, dark surface. Local shops sell artisanal ceramics and lakeside inns serve risotto or lake fish. Far quieter than larger lakes, Lake Orta is prized for intimacy, cultural charm and serene reflection.
3. Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore spans Lombardy, Piedmont and part of Switzerland over 64 km and is Italy’s second largest lake by surface area, diving to depths of 372 m in places . Its mild climate nurtures Mediterranean gardens on islands like the Borromean trio, Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori as well as Villa Taranto and Alpinia gardens around Stresa and Verbania .
Boat ferries glide between towns such as Arona, Stresa, Verbania and Locarno, linking gardens, villas and lakeside promenades. Cultural highlights include cliff‑side monasteries like Santa Caterina del Sasso and excursions into nearby Val Grande National Park. The lake’s shores welcome hikers, cyclists and photographers drawn to dramatic Alps mirrored in glassy bays. Lacustrine life and outdoor adventure combine with heritage, music events and fine dining. Lake Maggiore offers a balanced blend of park‑like gardens, historic estates and alpine scenery.
2. Lake Garda
Italy’s largest lake, Lake Garda spans Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino offering diverse landscapes, pebbled beaches, windswept northern cliffs, olive groves and Mediterranean vegetation. Towns like Sirmione feature Roman ruins and thermal spas, while Riva del Garda and Malcesine appeal to windsurfers and climbers. Hiking Monte Baldo along scenic ridges provides breathtaking views across the water and surrounding peaks .
On the lake’s southern shore, restaurants serve fish from the water and wines from nearby vineyards. Citrus groves and lemon houses bloom around Gargnano. Cultural stops include Scaliger castle and medieval fortresses. Family friendly attractions such as Gardaland and wine routes through Valpolicella and Franciacorta enhance appeal . Ferries, buses and rail seamlessly link towns. From relaxing beach days and boating to fine dining and cultural excursions, Lake Garda blends versatility with scenic variety.
1. Lake Como
Renowned as Italy’s most elegant lake, Lake Como lies just 50 km north of Milan in a Y‑shaped glacial basin framed by Alps. The lake features celebrity‑famous villas such as Balbianello, Serbelloni, Carlotta and Melzi, alongside historic towns like Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, Como and Nesso .
Public ferries and hydrofoils link villages with travel time 10 to 90 minutes depending on route. Bellagio in the center is known as the Pearl of Lake Como for its winding alleys, waterfront gardens and ambience . Varenna charms with pastel houses, botanical gardens and the medieval Castello di Vezio perched on a hill. Menaggio combines lively promenade and family‑friendly lidos. Outdoor activities range from hiking Sentiero del Viandante or Greenway, boat cruises, kayaking and funicular rides to Brunate with panoramic vistas .
Dining highlights include lake perch risotto, agone, pizzoccheri and local Valtellina wines. Spring and early fall offer optimal weather and fewer crowds when gardens bloom and daylight is comfortable . Lake Como’s combination of scenic grandeur, refined heritage, lively towns and cultural allure firmly secure its top ranking.
