A turquoise gem set in nature
This little mirror of water set in the mountains is famous for its iridescent colour, which varies from turquoise to emerald green depending on the seasons. Some call it “lago Azzurro” but for the locals it is simply known as the “laghet”, or little lake: a nickname that shows how attached they are to it.
Lake Tenno was formed in the 11th century after a huge landslide that blocked the course of the River Secco; the water gradually filled the new basin and this was how the lake was formed. Local legend has it that the enormous mass of earth fell off at midday and covered a village that stood alongside the river: the few survivors founded a new settlement on the other side of the valley and called it Pranzo, (Lunch) to commemorate the time of the fatal landslide.
Today the lake always attracts many visitors in all seasons: in summer it is perfect for a refreshing dip or a picnic on its rocky beach, while during the rest of the year it provides the ideal setting for those who love walking in nature. And those who want to keep on walking will find the village of Canale di Tenno, a little further on (about 20 minutes away), one of the most Beautiful Villages in Italy.
Entry points
• Paid car park in the Lago di Tenno area, then 5 minutes on foot
• Paid car park in the Matoni area, then 5 minutes on foot
In both cases the entry points feature long stone staircases.
• Free parking in Ville del Monte, then about 20 minutes on foot on a secondary road and dirt roads.
