Circular hike around Lake Tovel

We are a group of three (two adults and one child), and drive towards Tuenno in the Val di Non, following the signposts for „Lago di Tovel“, our hiking destination. The hike can be started also from the marked parking spaces a few kilometres before the lake. We decide to leave our car at the nearest car park. The paid car park is equipped with a toilet and litter bins. From here we start our walk around the lake. If we find a quiet area we will stop for a picnic there.

The path starts at a small souvenir shop and descends to the lake, which reflects wonderful shades of green and blue. This circular hike can be undertaken in either direction, towards the forest or the Hotel Lago Rosso. We begin our stroll along the left lake shore and enter a dense, shady wood. In the water swim small fish and in the bushes we spot a snake trying to hide among the leaves as quickly as possible. The almost unspoilt nature of the Adamello-Brenta Nature Park is truly impressive.

Soon, the narrow hiking path turns into a climb secured with steel ropes. The steps take us higher up on the rocks until a slope extends to our left and a very narrow path near the rock descends vertically towards the lake. As this section makes us feel uneasy, we carry our child in our arms. This short section soon ends and we return onto a safer path where small bays with white pebbles extend along the shore of the crystal-clear green lake. Now it's time for a picnic. Water, stones and wood are still the most interesting elements to play with!

After a relaxing lunch break we continue are hike along a relaxing, wide forest path along the lake shore. We walk past a high rock from where a spring with clear water descends and arrive at the other end of Lake Tovel - a true natural highlight. Until 1964, this stunning lake used to turn red in summer due to a microorganism living here. We proceed along the hiking path towards the Lago Rosso restaurant from where a large gravel path takes us back to the car park. After about 1.5 hours of walking (picnic not included) we conclude our adventure along this wonderful circular itinerary surrounded by impressive mountain peaks. Of course we took many photos along our way to never forget this memorable experience.

Please respect the environment and do not leave any litter behind!

Date of the hike: 6 June 2010
Last updated in: 2026

Author: MS

Please note: since 2 September 2024, the strada provinciale (SP 14) leading to Lake Tovel is closed to the traffic due to the construction of a new boulder tunnel.

Access to the lake:

• before taking the road to Lake Tovel, you need to drive to Tuenno, to the Biglietteria Lago di Tovel (ticket office) at Piazzale former Cofco (former Russia) in via Trento, where you can purchase a daily parking ticket for one of the eight parking spaces. It is not possible to book them in advance, except for tourist buses.
• a free shuttle service is available for visitors to and from the furthest car parks (round trip).
• access for disabled persons is free but please note that you need to go to the ticket office in Via Trento in advance to get a parking space assigned.
• after 3 pm, the parking fee is reduced.
• only motorcyclists can purchase a 3-hour ticket instead of a daily ticket.