Lake Tovel
A picturesque turquoise lake nestled in the Dolomites, offering fairytale-like scenery and a serene walking path.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Lake Tovel
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque turquoise lake nestled in the Dolomites, offering fairytale-like scenery and a serene walking path.
"The emerald green waters are just breathtaking, and the surroundings are nothing short of magical."
🚗 Parking Fees
Be prepared for a parking fee, especially during peak summer season. It can be quite high.
🚶♀️ Walk the Loop
The path around the lake is well-maintained and offers stunning views. Allow 2-3 hours with stops.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Emerald Waters
The lake's vibrant turquoise hue is truly mesmerizing, creating a fairytale-like atmosphere.
Lakeside Path
A well-defined path encircles the lake, offering constant, breathtaking views of the water and surrounding mountains.
Dolomite Scenery
Nestled within the Dolomites, the lake is framed by majestic mountains and lush forests, a nature lover's paradise.
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Planning Your Visit
Access & Timing
The Lake's Magic
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Fees
Be prepared for a parking fee, especially during peak summer season. It can be quite high.
🚶♀️ Walk the Loop
The path around the lake is well-maintained and offers stunning views. Allow 2-3 hours with stops.
🗓️ Check Opening Dates
The lake has seasonal opening dates; confirm before your visit to avoid disappointment.
🥾 Hiking Options
For a challenge, consider hiking via Malga Arza and Malga Termoncello for rewarding views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Fees
Be prepared for a parking fee, especially during peak summer season. It can be quite high.
🚶♀️ Walk the Loop
The path around the lake is well-maintained and offers stunning views. Allow 2-3 hours with stops.
🗓️ Check Opening Dates
The lake has seasonal opening dates; confirm before your visit to avoid disappointment.
🥾 Hiking Options
For a challenge, consider hiking via Malga Arza and Malga Termoncello for rewarding views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Lake Tovel for its stunning, almost magical turquoise waters and the breathtaking Dolomite scenery. The well-maintained walking path offers beautiful views, making it a worthwhile visit for nature lovers and photographers. Some find the parking fees a bit high, and it's essential to check seasonal opening dates.
"The Lago is stunning and so worth visiting.
It’s accessed along a 14 km road with a pay-booth at the head of the valley. There’s plenty of parking near the lake plus clean toilets.
With many photo stops and a picnic, it took us 2.5 hours to walk around the lake on the well-defined path - you could halve the time without the stops.
Check the lake is open (we were told our visit on 14/9/25 was the last day it was open)"
Andy Peart
"I hiked via Malga Arza and Malga Termoncello to get here which was a difficult hike to and from and a long way. But the lake was worth the hike. Beautiful colour and view."
Darryl Mears
"Super. Hidden gem of Dolomites. Awesome for swim and feels like fairytale lake 💕"
AKSHRA SHARMA
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lake Tovel is accessed via a 14 km road from the valley head. There's a pay-booth at the start of the road, and parking is available near the lake.
Yes, there is plenty of parking near the lake. However, be aware that parking fees can be substantial, particularly during the summer months.
You can drive to Lake Tovel, but there is a toll road and parking fees apply. It's advisable to check the current access conditions and fees before your visit.
Driving is the most common method. The road is scenic, offering glimpses of the surrounding nature. Public transport options might be limited, so confirm local bus schedules if not driving.
Yes, experienced hikers can reach Lake Tovel via challenging trails like the one through Malga Arza and Malga Termoncello, offering a more adventurous approach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While there isn't a traditional 'ticket' for entry to the lake itself, there is a fee for using the access road and for parking.
Lake Tovel is open seasonally. It's crucial to check the specific opening and closing dates for the year you plan to visit, as it's not accessible year-round.
There are fees for the access road and parking. The cost can vary, especially between summer and other seasons.
Yes, swimming is possible in Lake Tovel, and it's often described as a magical experience, feeling like a fairytale lake.
No, Lake Tovel is not accessible all year round. It has specific opening and closing dates, so verify these before planning your trip.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy a pleasant walk around the lake on a well-defined path, take photos of the stunning scenery, and even swim in the beautiful waters.
Walking the entire loop around the lake can take about 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on how often you stop for photos and to enjoy the views.
Yes, clean toilets are available near the lake, which is convenient for visitors.
Yes, the well-defined path makes it suitable for families, though younger children might need supervision. The beautiful scenery is captivating for all ages.
The water is famously a stunning turquoise or emerald green, incredibly picturesque and often described as magical.
📸 📸 Photography
Every angle offers a stunning view! The reflections of the mountains in the turquoise water are particularly photogenic. Look for viewpoints along the walking path.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing the magical atmosphere for photography.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and regulations regarding drone usage in national parks or protected areas before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive scenery. A polarizing filter can help enhance the water's color and reduce glare.
The entire perimeter offers great shots, but keep an eye out for spots where the surrounding peaks are perfectly mirrored in the calm water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the main path is accessible, more adventurous families might consider shorter sections of the surrounding trails if children are older and enjoy hiking. The clean toilets near the lake are also a practical plus for families. Remember to check the seasonal opening dates, as access might be restricted outside of the main tourist season.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting Color of Lake Tovel
Many visitors describe the lake as a 'fairytale lake' due to its magical appearance. The clarity of the water allows for stunning reflections of the surrounding peaks, especially on calm days. This natural beauty makes it a prime destination for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike, offering a truly unique and memorable experience.
While the algae are responsible for the vibrant colors, their presence can also mean the lake's appearance can change. It's advisable to check recent visitor photos or reports if a specific color intensity is a key factor in your visit. Regardless, the natural setting and the lake's inherent beauty are always breathtaking.
Exploring the Lakeside Path
The terrain is generally easy, making it suitable for most fitness levels, including families. Along the way, you'll encounter various vantage points that showcase the lake's stunning turquoise waters from different perspectives. The path winds through forests and opens up to scenic clearings, providing a diverse and engaging walking experience.
For those seeking a more challenging adventure, there are opportunities to connect with longer hiking trails that lead to or from the lake, such as the routes via Malga Arza and Malga Termoncello. These offer a more strenuous but rewarding experience for seasoned hikers, providing a different perspective on the Dolomite landscape.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit