5 beautiful lakes in the Dolomites you need to visit this summer
Italian Dolomites are a region known for its out-of-this-world beauty. Rugged peaks of the Alps, lush green forests, vast alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes come together to form some of the most scenic backdrops you’ll find in Europe.
While some lakes in the Dolomites reached great fame on social media, others are still lesser-known locations that many decide to skip. Whichever one it is, each lake on this list has something unique to offer, making it worth a stop on your summer road trip through the Dolomites.
Where are the most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites?
To help you get familiar with the area, here is a little map indicating where exactly some of the most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites are located.
1. Lago di Braies
Name in German: Pragser Wildsee
Altitude: 1500 metres above sea level
Depth: 17 m on average, the deepest point is 36 m
It is for a reason that Lago di Braies is nicknamed the Pearl of the Dolomites. A mix of blue and emerald green, its waters cover an area of 31 hectars, making it the largest natural lake in the Dolomites.
The peaks of the Seekofel massif form its iconic backdrop. An inherent part of the lake’s landscape are wooden row boats, slithering on its morning surface like a friendly snake. On a warm summer day, Lago di Braies invites you for a refreshing swim. However, only a few dare to take a dip in its crystal-clear but cold waters.
You can easily get here by car and park at one of the four parking lots (P4 is the closest one to the lake). An easy, flat trail will take you around the shore of the lake in about an hour or two depending on your pace.
Most popular activities around here include hiking, renting row boats, and photography.
A peaceful morning at the lake
Lago di Braies in all its beauty
2. Lago di Misurina
Name in German: Misurinasee
Altitude: 1754 metres above sea level
Depth: 5 m
Scenic mountain backdrop and a lakeside hotel reflecting in the perfectly calm waters. This isn’t Fairmont Chateau at Lake Louise but Lago di Misurina in the Dolomites.
Located just 15 kilometres outside Cortina D’Ampezzo, it’s the largest natural lake of the Cadore. A walking path around the lake offers fantastic views of the mountains, while paddleboard and kayak rentals grant the opportunity to look at the area from unique perspectives.
The loop around the lake is only about 1.6 kilometres. It’s one of the most easily reachable lakes in the region, as it lies right next to the main road leading through the town of Misurina.
Mountain air around here is so balmy, that it’s said to alleviate symptoms of respiratory disorders. It is for this reason that Misruina houses a paediatric asthma centre Istituto Pio XII.
There are a number of hotels scattered around the lake, making it the perfect base for day trips in the region.
Even on a cloudy day, Lago di Misurina offers some spectacular views
3. Lago di Sorapis
Name in German: Sorapissee
Altitude: 1925 metres above sea level
Depth: 2.6 m
This milky blue gem, located in the depths of the Sorapiss mountain range, requires a steep two-hour hike to reach. The magnificent Dito di Dio (God’s finger) peak looms tall above Lago di Sorapis. When shrouded in thin clouds, it creates an otherworldly atmosphere.
The small alpine pastures in the background make it a wonderful place to relax, tucked away from the rest of the world.
While Lago di Sorapis is much harder to reach than the other lakes, the reward well justifies the effort. It is by far one of the most beautiful places in all of Dolomites.
It is an increasingly popular spot, so start the hike as early in the day as possible. You can leave your car at Passo Tre Croci and follow trail number 215 to reach the lake.
Lago di Sorapis tends to dry up towards the end of summer, so plan your visit accordingly. Also, keep in mind that the trail includes some narrow, half-exposed passages. Plan your hike on a dry, sunny day — especially if you’re a less experienced hiker.
Ethereal atmosphere
Lago di Sorapis from a different perspective
4. Lago di Dobbiaco
Name in German: Toblacher See
Altitude: 1259 metres above sea level
Depth: 3.5 m
What Lago di Dobbiaco lacks in hype, it makes up for in its recreational possibilities and diversity of flora and fauna. Located next to the SS51, you can easily visit here by car.
This hidden gem has a number of advantages. First, many tourists decide to skip it in favour of the ‘more famous’ lakes. This gives you a unique opportunity to see something others might miss.
Second, Lago di Dobbiaco lies right next to a campsite, so if you base yourself here, you can literally spend every single afternoon relaxing at the water after hiking.
Last but not least, the strategic location of Dobbiaco means that it’s no more than a 30-minute drive to some of the main attractions in the area, including Lago di Braies, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Misurina, and the starting point of the Lago di Sorapis hike — Passo Tre Croci.
Some of the main activities you can take pleasure in are walking, picnicking, paddle boarding, swimming (though the water is very cold), or eating and drinking in one of the restaurants.
The scenic nature trail around the lake is between 4.5 kilometres long. If you visit in spring or autumn, you may be able to spot migrating birds!
Lago di Dobbiaco at dusk
5. Lago di Carezza
Name in German: Karersee
Altitude: 1520 metres above sea level
Depth: the highest achieved was 22 m in spring; in October, the lowest level reaches ‘only’ 6 m
Located just half an hour’s drive from Bolzano, Lago di Carezza is a spectacle of colour. Surrounded by spruce trees and nested under the Latemar massif, this place is one of a kind.
A local fable tells the story of how Lago di Carezza got its rainbow colours. A sorcerer took a liking to the mermaid living in the lake. A witch advised him to dress up as a jewel merchant and throw a rainbow between the mountain peaks.
Lago di Carezza in the early morning light
Spruce forest around the lake
The wizard threw the rainbow but forgot to put on his disguise. Realising it was him, the mermaid disappeared into the lake never to be seen again. In a rage, the wizard threw the rainbow as well as all the jewels into the water.
There’s a parking lot next to the lake and a trail around it that takes a mere 20-30 minutes to walk. It’s not allowed to swim in the lake due to its fragile ecosystem. A wooden fence runs around it to ensure this pristine place remains untouched.
Sunrise and sunset are by far the best times of the day to visit, as they especially bring out the rich colours of the landscape.
A most beautiful scene
Hopefully, this list of the most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites serves as a good guide to start planning your adventures! The region is filled with beauty, so take your time discovering each and every one of the gems you find as you roam through these stunning landscapes.
Have you visited any of the lakes on the list? Which one was your favourite? Let me know in the comments below!