The Lago di Santa Caterina, also called the Lago di Auronzo, is a reservoir made by damming the Ansiei torrent. The dam went up between 1930 and 1932, and today the water, which runs from emerald green to turquoise, stretches more than two kilometres through the town of Auronzo di Cadore. It's the centre of summer life here, with grassy banks, canoes and pedalos, all under the peaks that close the basin, from the Tre Cime to the Cadini. Swimming is not allowed, though: the municipal tourist office confirmed it to us.
The full loop is no more than six kilometres, on a flat path for walkers and cyclists that links the various hamlets of the town. It's an easy stroll, fine even with a pram, with green spaces and services never far off. In summer the lakeside fills with events and outdoor activities, and the spot makes Auronzo a handy base for the Cadore and for reaching Misurina and the Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
How Lago di Santa Caterina ad Auronzo compares with the other lakes, and what changes from one to the next: Lakes of the Dolomites: the most beautiful ones and how to visit them.
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Swimming · Lago di Santa Caterina
Swimming forbidden
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Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in the Lago di Santa Caterina?
No, swimming is forbidden. The tourist office of the municipality of Auronzo di Cadore confirmed it to us on 7 August 2026, and the same goes for nearby Lake Misurina. On the lake you can canoe or take a pedalo, and walk along the shore. The lakes where you can swim are in our guide to swimming in the Dolomites lakes.
Is the lake suitable for families?
Very much so. The full loop, at most six kilometres, runs on a flat path for walkers and cyclists that even works with a pushchair, with green spaces and services the whole way. It's a good family day out.