A natural treasure worth protecting

The Lago di Tenno Local Nature Reserve was established in 2024 – a community-led initiative that soon grew into a broader project supported by local institutions across Trentino.
Its goal? To protect the unique beauty and natural richness of Lake Tenno and its surroundings.

What makes this place so special?

• Nestled in a natural basin at 570 metres above sea level, beneath Monte Misone, Lake Tenno looks like an alpine lake – yet it’s also shaped by the nearby Lake Garda’s influence.
• It has one inlet (the Rio Secco) and a main spring, but no surface outlet. Instead, water seeps underground and resurfaces in the Magnone stream, which feeds the Varone Waterfalls.
• There’s no vegetation on its rocky lakebed – one of the reasons for its famously vivid turquoise colour.
• Water levels can vary dramatically throughout the year, sometimes by 10 to 15 metres. In summer, the island turns into a peninsula you can walk to; in spring and autumn, rising waters often submerge the path and most of the beach.
• Its landscape has remained virtually unchanged for over a century. Only three houses sit along its shores – and traces of human presence are mostly visible in the carefully tended fields and meadows.
• With no pollution sources nearby, Lake Tenno boasts exceptionally clean waters.

These conditions have created a thriving ecosystem, home to many plant species and rare amphibians.

Lake Tenno did it again! In 2025, they were awarded the Blue Flag (Bandiera Blu) – a prestigious international badge of honour for crystal-clear waters, well-kept surroundings and great services for anyone after a relaxing day at the beach.

Want to help protect Lake Tenno? It doesn’t take much – here are a few simple tips: gardatrentino.it/lagoditenno

How to get there:

• Paid parking available at Lago di Tenno – 5-minute walk
• Paid parking in the Matoni area – 5-minute walk

(In both cases, access involves a long stone staircase.)

• Free parking in Ville del Monte – approx. 20-minute walk along a quiet road and dirt track