Molveno
Molveno is a charming alpine village in Trentino, resting on the shores of the eponymous Lago di Molveno, a lake repeatedly ranked...
Updated 20 July 2026
This season · July · Summer
What to do in Molveno now
The story
The story of Molveno
The village on Lago di Molveno
The village of Molveno stretches along the eastern shore of the lake, with views ranging from turquoise waters to the rocky walls of the Dolomiti di Brenta reflected on its surface. Strolling through the village streets, visitors breathe the authentic atmosphere of an alpine Trentino village, with traditional buildings, small shops and restaurants serving local cuisine. Molveno's position, right at the foot of the Brenta group and not far from the Paganella plateau, has long made it a reference point for mountain tourism in Trentino, attracting visitors in both summer and winter. The well-kept, accessible lakeside promenade is the beating heart of village life, an ideal starting point for relaxing walks or simply enjoying the unique panorama that combines water and mountains in a single glance.
A swimmable lake among the most beautiful in Italy
Lago di Molveno is one of the village's great sources of pride: its clear waters have earned it recognition as one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy and the prestigious Blue Flag, awarded for the quality of its bathing waters and services. Along the shores there are well-equipped beaches, some of which have received specific awards for their beauty, where visitors can swim, sunbathe or practice water sports such as sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and stand up paddle. The water, fed by mountain springs and streams, ranges in colour from turquoise to intense blue depending on the light, offering memorable photographic views. For those seeking relief on summer days or moments of pure lakeside relaxation, Lago di Molveno is one of the most beloved mountain bathing destinations in the entire Italian Alps.
The Dolomiti di Brenta and the Adamello-Brenta Nature Park
Rising behind Molveno are the Dolomiti di Brenta, the only Dolomite group located west of the Adige river and recognised by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site for its extraordinary geological and landscape value. The spires, towers and vertical walls of the Brenta create a spectacular backdrop dominating the entire lake basin. On the opposite side stands the Gazza-Paganella massif, a plateau offering further hiking opportunities and equally striking views. The whole area lies within the Parco Naturale Adamello-Brenta, Trentino's largest protected area, established to safeguard an alpine ecosystem of extraordinary richness that is home to symbolic species such as the brown bear. The park offers nature trails, visitor centres and educational activities, making Molveno an ideal base for discovering alpine biodiversity in all its forms.
Pradel and hiking in the Brenta
From the village of Molveno, a modern cable car connects the valley floor to Pradel, a wide panoramic terrace on the mountainside that serves as the privileged gateway to hiking in the Brenta group. From Pradel, trails of every difficulty level set off towards the famous Brenta refuges, historic support points for climbers and hikers along the via ferratas and equipped paths that cross these Dolomites. The area is a sought-after destination both for those looking for simple panoramic walks and for experienced hikers seeking more demanding routes among spires and gullies. In winter, Pradel becomes a family-friendly ski area, while in the warmer months it becomes a starting point for trekking, downhill biking and other outdoor activities, confirming Molveno's vocation as an ideal base for experiencing the Brenta in every season.
Sports, relaxation and family activities
Beyond its natural beauty, Molveno offers a wide range of activities designed for relaxation and fun for the whole family. The large Molveno Lakepark theme park, located along the lake shore, offers water games, play areas and green spaces ideal for adults and children alike. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy sailing, canoeing, sport fishing and cycling along the paths that skirt the lake and venture into the nature park, while hikers will find countless trails for every level, from easy lakeside walks to more demanding climbs towards the Brenta. The combination of lake, mountains and well-organised tourist services makes Molveno a versatile destination, capable of offering both relaxation and adventure in the same weekend, in every season of the year.
Not to be missed
- Swim at the award-winning beaches of Lago di Molveno
- Take the cable car up to Pradel for hikes in the Brenta
- Admire the spires of the Dolomiti di Brenta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Visit the Parco Naturale Adamello-Brenta
- Have fun at the Molveno Lakepark theme park
To see
What to see in Molveno
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Routes in Molveno
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