Lake Tenno Local Reserve

A natural treasure worth protecting

The Lago di Tenno Local 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.

The Lake tenno Local Reserve (Riserva Locale Lago di Tenno) protects a fragile natural environment. When you visit, please do so responsibly by following the rules designed to protect it. You can find them here.

Lake Tenno did it again! In 2026, 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.

How to get there:

• Paid parking available at Lago di Tenno – 5-minute walk (Google maps);
• Paid parking in the Matoni area – 5-minute walk (Google maps).

(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