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. A few kilometres before the lake, there are some parking spaces, from where you can also start your hike. We decide to park at the nearest car park. Once at the car park (which requires a fee), also equipped with toilets and bins for waste sorting, we are ready to go. We have packed our backpack with everything we need for a picnic, in case we find a suitable spot.

The path starts at a small souvenir shop and leads downhill to the lake, which displays wonderful shades of green and blue. This circular hike can be taken in either direction, towards the woods or the Hotel Lago Rosso. We begin our stroll along the left shore of the lake before reaching a dense, shady wood. In the water, we admire small fish and in the bushes we spot a snake that quickly tries to hide among the leaves. In the Adamello-Brenta Nature Park, nature remains wonderfully intact.

After a short distance, the path beside the lake becomes steep and narrow as it climbs a slope, secured with iron ropes in some places. Steps lead us higher and higher, until we reach the highest point of this section. Now we are right above a steep rock wall and, for safety reasons, carry our child in our arms. Soon, this challenging section ends and becomes a safer passage. The stunning view and the spectacular landscape, characterised by small bays and white gravel on the banks of this crystal-clear, emerald-green lake, give us the impression of being near the sea – the perfect spot for our picnic. Our child has fun playing with everything nature has to offer: from pebbles, to water and branches.

Well fuelled, we continue our circular hike along a wide path through the wood, running alongside the lake. We pass a rock face where a small spring of clear water emerges. Shortly after this, we find the exact spot that, until 1964, was the scene of a unique phenomenon: the waters of Lake Tovel would turn red during the summer months, due to the presence of a particular alga. After another stop, we continue walking to the Hotel Lago Rosso. From here, a forest path takes us back to the car park. Our walk, not including the picnic stop, takes about an hour and a half. With many fascinating memories and still amazed by the beauty of the lake, mountains, and nature, we return home.

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

Author: MS

Please note: starting from 2nd September 2024, the SP 14 road leading to Lake Tovel will be inaccessible to visitors due to the construction of a new boulder tunnel.

The road will be open only on the first two weekends of September.

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 ex Cofco (ex 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 these 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 must go to the ticket office in Via Trento in advance, so as to be assigned a parking space.
• After 3 pm, the parking fee is reduced.
• Only motocyclists can purchase a 3-hour ticket instead of the daily ticket.