LAKE TOVEL in Trentino | How to Get There and Where to Park. Useful Information
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LAKE TOVEL in TRENTINO
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HISTORY of LAKE TOVEL
Lake Tovel is an Alpine lake located in the Tovel Valley, within the Non Valley in Trentino, at an altitude of approximately 1,178 meters, inside the Adamello Brenta Nature Park. It is world-famous for its crystal-clear waters in shades of green and turquoise, as well as for the unique natural phenomenon that historically turned its waters red on a periodic basis. Known as the "Red Lake," it owed its fame to the summer bloom of a microscopic alga, Tovellia sanguinea. The reddening phenomenon ceased in 1964, likely due to environmental changes and a decrease in the nutrients present in the water. Today, Lake Tovel is one of the most beautiful nature destinations in Trentino, surrounded by coniferous forests, mountains, and the spectacular landscapes of the Brenta Dolomites.
WHERE TO PARK to see LAKE TOVEL
To reach Lake Tovel by car, you must take the Tovel Valley road starting from Tuenno. Several parking areas managed by the Adamello Brenta Nature Park are located along the valley. During peak periods, parking requires a fee, and booking your parking spot online in advance may be necessary. The parking areas are identified by specific names.
For the 2026 season, parking management was active during the following periods:
From late May to early June + the first weekend of June
Daily from mid-June to late September
On weekends until November 1st
PARKING RATES 2026
Parking Area | Online (Mon–Fri) | Online (Sat–Sun / Peak Season) |
Lago (closest) | €10 | €12 |
Lavacel | €8 | €10 |
Glare, Tamburello & Capriolo | €6 | €8 |
Purchasing a ticket directly on-site incurs an additional €2 surcharge.
PARKING LOTS (Adamello Brenta Nature Park)
Lago Parking – The closest parking lot to the lake, allowing you to reach the shores in just a few minutes on foot.
Lavacel Parking – Located along the valley, this is also the parking area dedicated to camper vans.
Glare Parking – One of the parking areas along the road to the lake.
Tamburello Parking – Located in the lower part of the valley.
Capriolo Parking – Another parking area from which you can utilize the internal shuttle buses.
Ex Cofco Parking (Tuenno) – Used when all parking lots in the valley are full. A paid shuttle service operates from here to reach the lake.
HOW TO GET to LAKE TOVEL
Lake Tovel can be reached by car, public transport, or on foot via the trails of the Tovel Valley.
BY CAR
To reach Lake Tovel by car, head to the town of Tuenno in the Non Valley and follow the signs for Val di Tovel. From here, the SP14 provincial road ascends the valley for about 11 km up to the lake parking lot.
During certain times of the year, especially in summer and on peak weekends, access to the valley is regulated. On days when the internal shuttle service is active, the road is closed to traffic between the Lavacel locality and the Lago parking lot from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Therefore, even visitors with a parking reservation must enter before 11:00 AM.
BY SHUTTLE
To reach the lake without using a car, two services are available:
Val di Tovel Express – Connects Cles (bus station) directly to Lake Tovel. The service runs during specific summer periods and autumn weekends. In 2026, a round-trip ticket costs €6.00.
Internal Valley Shuttles – Free shuttles connecting the parking lots within the Tovel Valley, running from the Capriolo locality up to the lake. No reservation is required: numbered tickets are distributed by staff on a first-come, first-served basis.
When the Ex Cofco parking lot in Tuenno is activated, a dedicated shuttle is available at a cost of €4.00 round trip. Children up to 8 years old accompanied by an adult travel free of charge on all designated services.
For updated schedules, costs, and reservations, check the official website dedicated to Val di Tovel mobility.
ON FOOT
You can also reach the lake on foot via the Sentiero delle Glare, a trail starting from the Capriolo locality. It crosses a striking landscape characterized by massive rock and gravel deposits before ascending through the forest toward the lake.
HOW LONG to SEE LAKE TOVEL
The best way to visit Lake Tovel is to walk the loop trail that entirely circles the lake. The route is approximately 4.2 kilometers long and takes an average of 1.5 hours. It is an easy hike with minimal elevation gain, suitable for families and children used to walking. Along the way, you will find several panoramic viewpoints, small beaches, and spectacular glimpses of the crystal-clear waters. We recommend allowing at least half a day to enjoy the lake at a relaxed pace, take photos, and rest along its shores.
Accessibility and Practical Details: The loop trail is generally easy to navigate. However, there is one critical point featuring a narrow passage over rock with steps, which is unsuitable for strollers and visitors with reduced mobility (who are advised to stick to the southern area of the basin, which is significantly more accessible). Dogs are allowed exclusively on a leash, in full compliance with park regulations and out of respect for local wildlife.
WHEN TO GO to see LAKE TOVEL
Lake Tovel is a wonderful destination in all seasons, but the best times to visit are spring, summer, and autumn. During summer, the waters take on incredible shades of green and turquoise, while the surrounding forests are lush and green. It is also the ideal time to hike the trails and relax on the natural pebble beaches.
In spring, the lake awakens after winter, while in autumn it becomes one of the most beautiful destinations in Trentino thanks to the warm colors of the forests surrounding its shores. In winter, access roads are generally closed after the first heavy snowfalls, and the lake can only be reached after checking current accessibility conditions.
FOLIAGE at LAKE TOVEL
Lake Tovel is one of the top spots in Trentino to admire autumn foliage. Between late September and October, the forests surrounding the lake turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red, creating a striking contrast with the emerald waters. The trees reflecting on the lake’s surface offer incredible scenery, perfect for photography and nature walks. The exact timing of the peak foliage changes every year depending on temperatures and weather conditions.
WHERE TO SLEEP near LAKE TOVEL
There are several options for those wishing to stay near Lake Tovel. You can choose to stay directly on the shores of the lake or in nearby towns within the Non Valley, such as Tuenno and Cles, which serve as excellent bases for exploring the area.
Here are a few accommodations to consider:
Lago di Tovel (TN) – Chalet Tovel – Mountain Lake *** (just steps from the shores of the lake).
Tuenno (TN) – Albergo Tuenno *** (in the town center, convenient for reaching Val di Tovel).
Tuenno (TN) – Agritur Leita (immersed in the apple orchards of the Non Valley).
Cles (TN) – Hotel Cles *** (in the center of Cles, ideal for exploring the valley).
Keep in mind that accommodations directly near the lake are limited, so booking well in advance is recommended, especially during summer weekends and the autumn foliage season.
TREKKING at LAKE TOVEL
Taking a hike around the lake is the best way to discover all its finest corners. The Giro del Lago di Tovel is a loop trail of about 4.2 km with an average duration of 1.5 hours. The path is easy and scenic, though it features a short section with rock steps and a metal cable to assist passage.
Beyond the loop walk, several longer and more demanding trails branch off from the Tovel Valley:
Sentiero delle Glare – A fascinating route that crosses the large expanse of rocks known as Glare, featuring an almost lunar landscape, before climbing toward the lake.
Malga Flavona – A more challenging hike that leads through forests and Alpine landscapes to the beautiful pastures of Campo Flavona.
Giro delle Malghe above Lake Tovel – A longer trek that allows you to admire the lake from above, passing by Malga Flavona, Passo Termoncello, and the Rislà Waterfall.
These longer routes require bette
BEST VIEWPOINTS to PHOTOGRAPH LAKE TOVEL
#1 PHOTOGRAPH THE LAKE WITH MOUNTAINS IN THE BACKGROUND
As soon as you reach the shores of the lake, you will find several vantage points to photograph the emerald waters with the Brenta Dolomites rising in the background. On windless days, you can also capture stunning reflections on the surface of the water.
#2 PHOTOGRAPH THE WHITE SHORE BEACHES
Along the loop trail around the lake, you will find small light-colored gravel beaches that create an incredible contrast with the green water. These are among the most iconic sights at Lake Tovel and make for truly captivating photos.
#3 PHOTOGRAPH THE LAKE FRAMED BY AUTUMN FOLIAGE
If you visit the lake in autumn, look for spots where tree branches frame the water. The yellow, orange, and red tones of the forest combined with the emerald green of the lake create one of the most gorgeous photo compositions in Trentino.
#4 PHOTOGRAPH THE MOUNTAIN REFLECTIONS
Early in the morning, when the water is calmest and there are fewer visitors, you can capture the mountains and forests reflecting perfectly in the lake. This is one of the best times to shoot without crowds in the background.
LAKE TOVEL with CHILDREN
Lake Tovel is an ideal destination for a family day out. The walk around the lake lets you admire wonderful landscapes, cross through woods, and stop at small natural beaches along the shore. The route is generally easy and suitable for children accustomed to walking, but it does feature a short section with rock steps and a metal handrail cable. For this reason, the full loop is not suitable for strollers. However, the initial stretches are wider and more accessible.
During the summer, swimming is permitted in certain areas along the shore, but keep in mind that the water is very cold and there are no lifeguards on duty.
WORLD MAPPERS' TIPS to SEE and VISIT the LAKE TOVEL
Free lake access: Entering the lake area is free; during managed mobility periods, you only pay for parking or the shuttle service, not an entrance ticket to the lake itself.
Nature reserve: The lake is a protected nature reserve inside the Adamello Brenta Nature Park. Respect the environment and leave no trace or trash.
Check ahead: Always verify parking opening dates and any traffic restrictions before leaving.
Book parking online: Booking your parking spot online in advance is highly recommended, especially during summer weekends and the peak foliage period.
Beat the crowds: Arrive early in the morning to enjoy the lake in peace and take photos with fewer people around.
Plan enough time: Set aside at least half a day for your visit so you can walk the loop trail and relax at the scenic viewpoints.
No boat rentals: Unlike Lake Braies, there is no public rowboat rental service here.
Swimming details: Swimming is permitted in designated areas, but the water is cold and there are no lifeguards.
Dog policy: Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times.
Winter access: In winter, the access road is generally closed after the first heavy snowfalls; always verify conditions before planning a trip.
Nearby attractions: Other great places to visit near Lake Tovel include:
Thun Castle (Castel Thun)
Sanctuary of San Romedio (Santuario di San Romedio)
Lake Santa Giustina (Lago di Santa Giustina)
Rio Sass Canyon (Canyon Rio Sass)
Cles and its historic center
Rislà Waterfall (Cascata del Rislà)
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