This classic route in the Val di Tóvel starts at one of the most beautiful Alpine lakes and leads through the north-eastern section of the Adamello-Brenta Nature Park
Image gallery: From Lake Tóvel to Malga Tuena
We begin our hike to Malga Tuena on a beautiful weekday in June from the car park of Lake Tóvel, which usually is sold out quickly at weekends (further information in the note "starting point"). Lake Tóvel is also known as the "lago rosso" (red lake), thanks to a unique natural phenomenon that occurred annually until 1964, when the algae Tovellia sanguinea coloured the lake water red during its bloom. This body of water is embedded in a stunning natural landscape below the northern Brenta Dolomites. You should absolutely visit it!
In the proximity of Chalet Tóvel, we take the white road on the right, where the path around the lake begins. At path no. 309, signposted "Malga Tuena", we turn right onto an unpaved path which leads uphill through the forest. Soon, the climb becomes steeper with significant gradients, including some sections with steps and several switchbacks, leading us steadily higher. After about an hour of walking time, the forest gives way to the meadows of Malga Tuena (or Tuenna).
After a rest at the malga, which is also an agriturismo with a cheese factory and a beautiful panoramic terrace offering views of the Brenta Dolomites, we return to our starting point via the same route. It's a shame this beautiful hike is already over, but for sure this was not our last time at Lake Tovel.
Author: Giacomo Roccabruna
Please note:
- From 2nd September 2024, the provincial road no. 14 leading to Lake Tovel will no longer be accessible to visitors due to construction work on a new rockfall tunnel. The road will only be open on the first two weekends of September.
- Malga Tuena: permanently closed from 6th September 2024
Access modalities:
- Before driving to Lake Tovel, visitors must go to the Lake Tovel ticket office in Tuenno at the piazzale ex Cofco (ex Russia) in Via Trento, where they can purchase a daily ticket for one of the 8 available parking spaces (pre-booking is not possible, except for coaches)
- A free shuttle bus transports visitors to the lake from remote car parks (round trip)
- Visitors with disabilities have free access, but must also register at the ticket office in Via Trento where they will be assigned one of the available parking spaces
- Reduced price access is available after 3 pm.
- Motorcyclists can purchase a 3-hour ticket instead of a daily ticket.
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- Starting point:
- Parking space at Lake Tóvel
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- Time required:
- 03:15 h
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- Track length:
- 8,0 km
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- Altitude:
- from 1.165 m to 1.735 m
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- Altitude difference:
- +570 m | -570 m
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- Route:
- Lake Tóvel – Poza delle Stele – Malga Tuena mountain hut
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- Signposts:
- "Malga Tuena", no. 309
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- Destination:
- Malga Tuena
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- Resting points:
- Malga Tuena (currently closed)
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- Recommended time of year:
- Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
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- Download GPX track:
- From Lake Tóvel to Malga Tuena
If you want to do this hike, we suggest you to check the weather and trail conditions in advance and on site before setting out.
