Our electric car tour to discover the most beautiful lakes in Trentino-Alto Adige
This time our electric car tour will be a little different from usual, more thematic in some ways: on board our electric car we will explore some of the best lakes in one of the most beautiful regions of northern Italy: Trentino-Alto Adige.
Departing from Milan, we arrive in Trento in about two and a half hours. Having arrived in the capital, we will then take advantage of this for a quick recharge in the time it takes to have a coffee at the Plenitude+Be Charge fast-charging point in Via del Brennero 154.
Day 1: Lake Caldonazzo, Lake Toblino and Lake Santa Colomba
About half an hour’s drive from the Trentino capital is our first stop, Lake Caldonazzo. Lake Caldonazzo is an alpine lake in the province of Trento in Italy. With 5.38 km², it is the largest lake in Trentino-Alto Adige. It lies at an altitude of about 449 metres above sea level and is surrounded by the mountains of the Lagorai chain.
Lake Caldonazzo is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as swimming, sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, fishing and hiking. Along its shores are numerous beaches, some equipped with showers, public toilets and beach volleyball courts.
The lake is also an important water resource for the region and is used for hydroelectric power generation. In addition, the fauna of the lake is very rich and includes species such as brown trout, trout perch, whitefish and chub.
In the vicinity of the lake there are also many other attractions, such as the medieval village of Pergine Valsugana, the Pergine Castle and the surrounding mountains, which offer many opportunities for hiking and nature activities.
Not far from Lake Caldonazzo is our next destination, Lake Santa Colomba. Hidden in the Cembra Valley, Lake Santa Colomba is known for its great geological interest, once the site of an active mining area.
The lake has a small surface area of 21,800 m2 and the maximum depth is about 9 metres. Lake Santa Colomba is 922 metres above sea level, which means that the surface does not freeze over in winter.
After refuelling for lunch (we recommend trying the spatzle or Tyrolean gnocchi despite the heat), we set off for our third destination, Lake Toblino . Considered by many to be a small lake, due to its small size compared to other lakes in Trentino, it is also located near Trento.
According to legend, it was once home to some fairies respected and revered by the local population. Located in the Valle dei Laghi in Trentino, Lake Toblino is certainly one of the most romantic places in the Dolomites. Around the lake are lemons, olive trees, rosemary and vineyards.
In the middle of the lake is a magnificent castle that enchants like a fairytale. The 16th-century fortress, like the lake itself, guards an ancient heritage rich in legends. A walk along the lake along comfortable paths and footbridges is recommended.
After retrieving the car, we return to Trento for a small pit-stop for us and our car, again at the fast-charging station at Via Brennero 154. We set the navigator to Bolzano, where we will stay and from where we will depart. We start our excursions the next day.
Day 2: Carezza Lake and Tret Lake
We wake up early and head for Via Roma 96 in Bolzano, where we will charge our electric car at the Plenitude+Be Charge Fast column to set off with a fully charged battery. A few minutes’ drive from Bolzano is the first stop of the day: Lake Carezza. According to some, this lake is a worthy competitor to the famous Lake Braies.
This corner of nature is perfect for every kind of traveller, hiker, photographer or simply for those who want a moment of peace and relaxation surrounded by nature. You can walk around the lake to enjoy splendid views with the Dolomites as a backdrop. The scenery is beautiful all year round, due to the perennial snowfall on the peaks.
Lake Carezza is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites, thanks to its calm, emerald-green to very dark shadows. To protect the lake’s ecosystem, a fence has been put up at a considerable distance, which unfortunately is often overlooked by people trying to capture the most Instagrammable shot.
There are several refreshment points around the lake, which we take advantage of to have lunch and a little rest. Back in the car, we head for another body of water: Lake Tret. Although it is close to Lake Carezza as the crow flies, the journey will take at least an hour and a half due to the winding roads. Once we arrive, the landscape is really exciting.
Compared to other names, Lake Tret is one of the lesser known lakes in the region. Often referred to as St Mary’s Lake, it is small in size but of great charm. Moreover, it is one of the few truly bathing lakes in the entire region. Enjoy the beautiful view and relaxing atmosphere. We then return, tired, to Bolzano, ready to rest up for our last day in Trentino.
Day 3: Braies Lake and Dobbiaco Lake
The third and final day of our weekend in search of the best lakes in Trentino starts early in the morning, heading for the most famous lake in the Dolomites, and one of the best known in Italy: Lake Braies. This beautiful lake is beautiful all year round, thanks to the Dolomites reflected in the blue water in all seasons.
It is also possible to hire a boat, which is ideal for taking photographs without people around. Being the most famous lake, it is not always easy to find parking, so the advice we can give you is to arrive really early or stay overnight near the lake.
Having finished our visit, we want to pass by one last lake before returning to Milan: Dobbiaco Lake. Located just a few minutes from Cortina d’Ampezzo and Braies, this lake is the entrance to the Tre Cime National Park, the starting point of the trail that will take you to one of the most enchanting settings in the world.
The lake takes its name from the nearby village, which is a real holiday resort, with many services, restaurants and chalets. You can follow the path along the lake, walking around the beautiful body of water.
After lunch, we jumped into the car on our way to Bolzano for a final pit stop at the Be Charge Fast column, and then headed for Milan.
In three days we tried to visit some of the most beautiful lakes in Trentino-Alto Adige, well aware that we had to make a choice between the region’s beauties. If you have more time, we also recommend visiting Lake Tovel, Lake Santa Giustina, Lake Sorapis and Lake Misurina.
