Tovel Lake

The Lake Tovel is an alpine lake located at 1,178 m a.s.l. in the municipality of Ville d’Anaunia, in Val di Non (province of Trento, Italy). It lies within the Adamello Brenta Nature Park, the largest protected area in Trentino, and is surrounded by the spectacular Dolomite walls of the Brenta Group, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

With a surface area of about 0.38 km² and a maximum depth of 39 meters, Lake Tovel is one of the most famous and scenic lakes in Trentino and one of the most photographed spots in the Dolomites.

Why Lake Tovel is famous: the “Red Lake” phenomenon

The lake gained international fame thanks to a unique natural phenomenon: until 1964, its waters turned a deep red during the summer months. This was caused by the alga Tovellia sanguinea, a dinoflagellate first scientifically described in this lake, which thrived under specific light and temperature conditions.

The phenomenon disappeared in the mid-20th century. Among the most accepted hypotheses is the reduction of cattle grazing along the shores, although it remains documented in the park’s educational panels and scientific archives.

Things to do at Lake Tovel

Walk around the lake
The circular trail along the shoreline is about 3.5 km long, with minimal elevation gain. Walking time: 45–60 minutes. The path is suitable for families.

Hiking in Adamello Brenta Nature Park
From the northern shore, several trails lead to:

• Malga Tuena (1,423 m): trail 309, 1h30, easy difficulty
• Rifugio Peller (2,022 m): 3 hours, medium difficulty
• Upper Val di Tovel: glacial environment, ideal for wildlife observation and photography

Autumn foliage

From mid-September to mid-October, the beech and larch forests around the lake turn shades of red, orange, and gold. Lake Tovel is considered one of the best foliage spots in Trentino.

How to reach Lake Tovel (summer 2026)

Provincial road SP14 connects Tuenno to the lake (14 km, approx. 25 minutes by car).

Road access schedule

Parking and shuttle service

• Reservation required by 6:00 a.m. on the same day
• Parking is free on weekdays until 30 June 2026, then becomes paid from 1 July
• When mountain parking areas are full, visitors are directed to the Ex Cofco area in Tuenno, with shuttle service to the lake
• When shuttle service is active, the final road section between Lavacel and Lake Tovel is closed to private traffic from 11:00 to 14:30

Parking exemptions

• 100% electric vehicles
• Disabled parking permit holders
• ParcoKey holders
• Authorized categories under park regulations

The lake remains always accessible on foot or by bicycle.

For info
Azienda per il Turismo Val di Non
Via Roma, 21 - 38013 Borgo d'Anaunia TN
info@visitvaldinon.it - +39 0463 830133