This classic route in the Val di Tóvel valley starts at one of the most beautiful lakes in the Alpine region and leads through the north-eastern section of the Adamello-Brenta Nature Park
Image gallery: From Lake Tóvel to the Malga Tuena
On a beautiful weekend in June we start this hike to the Malga Tuena mountain hut. The time is well chosen, because we can park directly at Lake Tóvel, which is not possible during the summer months (see below, "starting point"). The lake is also known as "Lago Rosso", meaning red lake, because the algae species Tovellia sanguinea coloured the water blood red until 1964. Today, as in the past, the lake is immersed in the splendid natural landscape at the foot of the southern Brenta Dolomites. This of course invites to take one or the other break to enjoy the panorama…
Next to the Chalet Tovel we keep to the right and follow the white path that leads around the lake. At the signpost no. 309 "Malga Tuena" we continue on the right gravel path which now leads up into the forest. It soon becomes narrower and the ascent steeper: some sections have steps, there are several serpentines, and so we soon gain height and reach the alpine meadows of the Malga Tuena or Tuenna.
After a nice break at the mountain hut, which offers a fantastic view on the Brenta Dolomites and has its own dairy, we start our way back. It follows the same path as upwards. It's a pity that our hike is already finished, but we will surely come back to Lake Tóvel soon!
Author: Giacomo Roccabruna
Important notice: for the summer of 2024: A new protective construction against rockfalls will be built along the national road no. 14 leading to Lake Tovel (scheduled for completion at the end of 2025). In the months of July and August, there will be an alternating one-way traffic regulation (with light), on certain times the road will be completely closed for traffic.
Complete closure of the road:
- from the application of the regulation by the Public Roads Administration to June 30, 2024 (except from June 22 at 6 pm to June 24 at 8 am)
- from the 2nd of September 2024 on (except from September 7 at 6 pm to September 9 at 8 am, and from September 13 at 6 pm to September 16 at 8 am)
Access modalities:
- Before approaching Lake Tovel, you must go to the Lake Tovel sales counter in Tuenno at the former Cofco (ex-Russia) Square in Via Trento, where you can buy a day pass for one of the 8 available parking spaces (pre-booking is not possible, except for coaches)
- A free shuttle bus takes visitors from the remote car parks to the lake (round trip)
- People with reduced mobility have free access, but must also register at the ticket office in Via Trento to gain access to one of the remaining available parking spaces
- After 3 pm, access is possible at a reduced price
- Motorcyclists can purchase a ticket valid for 3 hours (instead of a day 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
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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 the 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.
