The Lago di Molveno loop is the most complete walk you can do at the foot of the Brenta Dolomites without heading into the high mountains. The circuit follows the whole shoreline, about 12 km, with the Brenta peaks mirrored in the blue-green water. Molveno is no ordinary lake: Legambiente and the Italian Touring Club have awarded it the Five Sails more than once, and its beaches fly the Blue Flag.
The beauty of the loop is that it's two walks in one. The east shore, the village side, is easy and lively: lakefront promenade, grass beaches, the lido, bars where you can stop for a coffee or an ice cream with a view. The west shore is another story altogether: a woodland trail with constant ups and downs, lonely stretches, glimpses of the water between the trunks and a suspension bridge that is the most photographed spot of the whole circuit.
It's a route for anyone who walks a little: there's nothing technical, but 12 km is still 12 km. With small children it's best to stick to the east side, much of which is manageable even with a pushchair; the full loop asks for decent shoes and half a day.
How to get there — Molveno lido (823 m)
You reach Molveno from the A22, exiting at San Michele all'Adige - Mezzocorona and climbing to the Paganella plateau via Fai and Andalo, or from Trento along state road 421 through the valley of the lakes. In the village there are paid car parks near the lido and the sports centre; in August arrive early, because they fill up fast.
The trailhead is in the Dolomiti di Brenta area. Check the travel guide for lift schedules, parking and access rules.
Stage by stage
1. From the lido along the east shore
From the Molveno lido follow the lakefront south: grass beaches, jetties and the Brenta always in front of you. It's the easiest and busiest stretch, with bars and water points.
2. The southern tip of the lake
At the far end of the lake the trail rounds the southern tip. From here, if you like, a short detour leads to the Nembia biotope, peaceful and almost always deserted.
3. The wild west shore and the suspension bridge
You head back north on a woodland trail, with constant ups and downs and glimpses of the water. Halfway along you cross the suspension bridge, the most scenic moment of the circuit.
4. Back to Molveno
The trail drops back down to the shore and returns you to the village at the northern end of the lake. You close the loop at the lido, where in summer a swim is compulsory.
When to go & weather
The loop walks well from April to November. In summer you can pair the circuit with a swim, because the water, cold as it is, is fine for bathing and the beaches are equipped. September and October bring the best colours and far fewer people. In winter the east side stays walkable, but the west shore can be icy underfoot: better to leave it out.
Recommended gear
- Light trekking shoes or trainers with a good sole
- Water: there are no bars or fountains on the west shore
- Swimsuit and towel in summer, for a dip at the end of the loop
- A light jacket, because the woods on the west shore stay cool
Useful tips
- Walk it anticlockwise: you get the wild side done first and finish comfortably on the lakefront
- With a pushchair stick to the east shore: the west side has ups and downs, roots and steps
- Add a short detour at the southern tip for the Nembia biotope, a small quiet lake full of birdlife
- In high summer set off early in the morning: you get parking, cool air and a mirror-still lake for photos
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Lago di Molveno loop?
The full circuit measures about 12 km, with a total climb of around 150 metres concentrated in the ups and downs of the west shore. At an easy pace, with a few breaks, allow 3 and a half hours.
Can you do the Molveno lake loop with a pushchair?
Only in part. The east lakefront is easy and largely pushchair-friendly, the west shore is not: narrow trail, roots and steps. With a pushchair, do an out-and-back on the village side.
Can you swim in Lago di Molveno?
Yes. The beaches fly the Blue Flag and in summer they're equipped with a lido, hire points and bars. The water stays cool even in August, but people most certainly swim.
Can dogs do the lake loop?
Yes, on a lead all the way round. On the beaches in high season municipal rules apply, with dedicated areas: ask in the village before settling on the lido lawn with your dog.