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. The water basin is one of the largest in the entire region and is fed by the river Brenta. The lake in question is one of the easiest to reach, being only 560 metres above sea level.
Around the lake are numerous beaches, lidos, bars and restaurants. It is the ideal lake for water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, diving and water skiing. Because of these various opportunities, it often hosts international events.
Caldonazzo Lake
Not far from Caldonazzo is our second destination, Lake Toblino. Legend has it that this was the home of some fairies, respected and worshipped by the locals in ancient times. Lake Toblino lies in the Valle dei Laghi in Trentino and is certainly one of the most romantic places in the Dolomites. Around the lake you will find lemons, olive trees, rosemary cultivations and vineyards.
Toblino Lake
At the centre of the lake is a magnificent castle, which enchants as in a fairy tale. The 16th-century fortress, like the lake, has an ancient heritage of many legends. We recommend a walk along the lake, taking advantage of the comfortable paths and wooden footbridges.
After stopping for lunch (we recommend you try the spatzle or Tyrolean dumplings, despite the heat) we head for our third stop, Lake Santa Colomba. Considered by many to be a small lake, due to its small size compared to other water reservoirs in Trentino, it too is located near Trento.
Lake Santa Colomba is hidden in the Cembra Valley and is known for the enormous geological interest around the lake area, which once housed an active mining area. The lake has a small surface area of 21,800 square metres and the maximum depth is about 9 metres. Lake Santa Colomba is located 922 metres above sea level, which makes the surface unfrozen during the winter.
Santa Colomba Lake
Despite this, at certain times of the year the surface still freezes over, giving us breathtaking views. Having retrieved the car, we return to Trento for a small pit stop for us and our car, again at the fast column at Via del Brennero 154. We set the navigator in the direction of Bolzano, the city where we will spend the night and which will be the base for our movements tomorrow.
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.
Carezza Lake
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.
Tret Lake
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.
Braies Lake
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.
Dobbiaco Lake
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.
