Molveno
Molveno
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Latest page update: 1 April 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The lakeside town of Molveno is situated within the Province of Trentino, on the shores of Lake Molveno. It has a population of around 1,000 residents and is located a distance of 45 kilometres west by road from Trento, the provincial capital of Trentino.
Standing at an elevation of 864 metres above sea level, it covers a total geographical area of 35 square kilometres. Without doubt the main attraction of Molveno is the eponymous lake upon whose shores it sits. During the summer, it's as busy here as any seaside town in Italy. |
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What People Ask About Molveno
Where is Molveno located?
What is Molveno known for?
Can you swim in Lake Molveno?
Is Molveno good for hiking?
How do you get to Molveno by public transport?
Related links
Lakeside lawn
The clean, shallow waters of the lake are the perfect tonic to the soaring temperatures that can top 40° Celsius in the summer. This is a real lakeside town in the sense that the main town area is right next to the lake. The favourite area of the town is the large park where people lay out on the grass to sunbathe or enjoy a picnic and from here to the town centre takes under ten minutes.
The town sits in an elevated position and enjoys marvellous views across the lake. Although Molveno is very much in Italy, it does have more of a Germanic feel to it than the towns around Lake Garda which is just 45 kilometres south of here. The colourful shops and the chalet-style architecture is perhaps what you'd expect to find a little further north across the Austrian border.
The town sits in an elevated position and enjoys marvellous views across the lake. Although Molveno is very much in Italy, it does have more of a Germanic feel to it than the towns around Lake Garda which is just 45 kilometres south of here. The colourful shops and the chalet-style architecture is perhaps what you'd expect to find a little further north across the Austrian border.
Nearby hiking and lake views
From the top of the town centre you can take a cable-car up the mountain to the Pradel area. Situated some 1,350 metres above sea level, it provides access to the Adamello Brenta Nature Park that's popular with hikers, and at the same time, provides some spectacular views down to the lake and beyond.
Back down at the lake itself, whether it's summer or one of the colder seasons, it's an area that's made for walking. You don't have to go on a long hike to enjoy it either; walking around the lawns at the edge of the lake is a wonderful experience and from here you can enjoy some of the carefully-manicured floral arrangements including the flower-laden bridge that crosses a small inlet at the corner of the lake.
While crossing this bridge you'll no doubt want to stop and take a photo of the beautiful waterfall feature that looks almost Japanese.
Back down at the lake itself, whether it's summer or one of the colder seasons, it's an area that's made for walking. You don't have to go on a long hike to enjoy it either; walking around the lawns at the edge of the lake is a wonderful experience and from here you can enjoy some of the carefully-manicured floral arrangements including the flower-laden bridge that crosses a small inlet at the corner of the lake.
While crossing this bridge you'll no doubt want to stop and take a photo of the beautiful waterfall feature that looks almost Japanese.
Into the Alps
Molveno is just a six minute drive (five kilometres) to the famous ski resort of Andalo which is perched in the Alps to the north of the lakeside town.
Continuing north from Andalo you can eventually find your way to the wonderful Lake Toblino which is partially concealed and from the map, looks as if it's unreachable by road. However, once you zoom in a bit you find it's a perfectly normal road and the effort to get there is well rewarded.
The Trentino region is well-known for its lakes and you can take your pick from dozens in the local area. There's none more famous than Lake Garda but you don't have to go quite as far as that to find something quite extraordinary; a forty minute drive (34 km) south of Molveno brings you to Lake Tenno where may feel as if you've somehow been transported to the Caribbean, such is the bright blue shade of the lake's water.
Continuing north from Andalo you can eventually find your way to the wonderful Lake Toblino which is partially concealed and from the map, looks as if it's unreachable by road. However, once you zoom in a bit you find it's a perfectly normal road and the effort to get there is well rewarded.
The Trentino region is well-known for its lakes and you can take your pick from dozens in the local area. There's none more famous than Lake Garda but you don't have to go quite as far as that to find something quite extraordinary; a forty minute drive (34 km) south of Molveno brings you to Lake Tenno where may feel as if you've somehow been transported to the Caribbean, such is the bright blue shade of the lake's water.
Comune di Molveno
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Province: Trento
Region: Trentino Alto Adige South Tyrol Population: 1,119 (in 2024 - source) Size: 35 km² Elevation: 864 metres Highlights: swimming in the lake, water feature, cable-car Close by: Andalo, San Lorenzo Dorsino, Castel Stenico, Lake Tovel |
Awarded the Bandiera Arancione (Orange Flag)
Since: 2006
1 of 5 in Trentino Alto-Adige/South Tyrol listed by Touring Club Italiano
Since: 2006
1 of 5 in Trentino Alto-Adige/South Tyrol listed by Touring Club Italiano
My recommended accommodation options for Molveno:
- Alpotel Dolomiten Located a short walk from both Lake Molveno and the town centre, this family-run hotel offers modern alpine-style rooms, a wellness area, a rooftop terrace, and a restaurant serving local specialities. Guests appreciate the friendly service, views of the Brenta Dolomites, and access to nearby walking trails. €€€ (high-end)
- Hotel Londra Set on the hillside with panoramic views of Lake Molveno, this hotel features comfortable rooms—many with balconies—a restaurant, garden, and free parking. Visitors enjoy the peaceful location, traditional hospitality, and proximity to the town centre and lakefront. €€ (mid-range)
- Hotel Miralago Situated in a panoramic position above the lake, this long-standing hotel offers cosy rooms, a restaurant with lake-view dining, and a terrace surrounded by trees. Guests value the relaxed atmosphere, views of the water, and good walking access to Molveno’s centre. €€ (mid-range)
- Feeling Hotel Fontanella Perched above the lake with a contemporary alpine design, this hotel offers elegant rooms with balconies, a wellness centre, and a panoramic dining area. Visitors enjoy the stylish interiors, peaceful setting, and excellent food. €€€ (high-end)
- Camping Spiaggia Lago di Molveno – Chalet & Bungalow Located right on the lakefront, this holiday park offers wooden chalets and bungalows with kitchenettes, outdoor seating, and access to the beach, playground, and sports facilities. It's a popular choice for families and nature lovers. €€ (mid-range)
Molveno Gallery
Close to Molveno
- Andalo (approx. 7 km north of Molveno): A popular destination for both winter and summer activities, Andalo offers stunning views of the Brenta Dolomites. The town is known for its ski resorts in the winter and its hiking trails in the summer. Lake Andalo, a small artificial lake, is also a peaceful spot for a walk or a paddle in the warmer months.
- Fai della Paganella (approx. 12 km northeast of Molveno): A town renowned for its ski slopes, Fai della Paganella is also a fantastic destination in the warmer months, offering hiking trails and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The area is perfect for those seeking both outdoor adventure and tranquillity.
- Arco (approx. 20 km south of Molveno): Known as the “climber's paradise,” Arco is famous for its rock climbing spots, particularly in the Sarca Valley. Visitors can also explore the Arco Castle, which provides panoramic views of the surrounding area, or stroll through the historic centre, lined with cafes and boutiques.
- Riva del Garda (approx. 25 km south of Molveno): Situated on the shores of Lake Garda, Riva del Garda offers a stunning mix of natural beauty and historical charm. Visitors can explore the medieval Rocca di Riva, stroll along the lakeside promenade, or enjoy outdoor activities such as sailing, windsurfing, and hiking.
- Cavedago (approx. 10 km north of Molveno): A small village set in the scenic Non Valley, Cavedago offers a peaceful atmosphere with views of the surrounding mountains. It is an excellent base for exploring the Adamello Brenta Natural Park, ideal for nature lovers, with hiking and wildlife-watching opportunities in the summer.
Molveno Travel
By Rail: Molveno does not have its own train station. The nearest major station is in Trento, approximately 40 km away. Trains from Verona to Trento take about 1 hour, and from Bolzano around 45 minutes. From Trento, the journey to Molveno continues by bus or taxi, taking approximately 1 hour.
By Road: Molveno is approximately 40 km northwest of Trento, with a driving time of around 50 minutes via the SS45bis and SP64 roads. From Trento, follow signs for Sarche, then take the SP64 through San Lorenzo in Banale to reach Molveno.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Molveno is approximately 40 km northwest of Trento, with a driving time of around 50 minutes via the SS45bis and SP64 roads. From Trento, follow signs for Sarche, then take the SP64 through San Lorenzo in Banale to reach Molveno.
Nearest International Airports:
- Verona Villafranca Airport (Aeroporto di Verona-Valerio Catullo): Located about 130 km south of Molveno, the drive takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes via the A22 motorway and SS45bis road. From the airport, you can take a train to Trento and continue as described above.
- Milan Bergamo Airport (Aeroporto di Bergamo-Orio al Serio): Situated around 180 km southwest of Molveno, the drive takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Train and bus combinations are available via Trento.
