Lake Misurina (Lago di Misurina)

The Basics

Just over 100 miles (160 kilometers) north of Venice, Lake Misurina is a popular day trip from Venice and a highlight of tours of the Dolomite mountains. Set 5,700 feet (1,737 meters) above sea level, the waters of the lake reflect the slopes of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the Cadini, Sorapiss, and Cristallo peaks in the heart of the Dolomites.

A 1.6-mile (1-kilometer) path runs around the lake, perfect for a relaxing walk past picturesque lakeside hotels. Together with Lake Santa Caterina and the pretty mountain town of Cortina d'Ampezzo, Lake Misurina is a top attraction in this corner of the Dolomites and the perfect spot for a scenic getaway from the canal city of Venice.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Touring Lake Misurina requires a bit of walking, so wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen.

• The path around the lake is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

• Photography buffs will want to capture the breathtaking alpine views of the lake and surrounding countryside.

• There are a number of hotels with restaurants and cafés lining the lake.

How to Get There

Lake Misurina is accessible via public transit from Venice, but the easiest (and fastest) way to get there is by renting a car or booking a private tour that includes transportation and a stop in the ski resort town of Cortina d'Ampezzo.

When to Get There

Because of its elevation, Lake Misurina can be tricky to access during the winter months, when mountain passes are often closed due to heavy snowfall. Visit from spring through fall to enjoy the lush Dolomite scenery and mild microclimate of the lake.

Lake Misurina and the Olympics

Surprisingly, this little-known lake high in the Dolomites contributed to Olympic history. During the 1956 winter games, hosted by Cortina d'Ampezzo, Lake Misurina was the site of the last Olympic speed skating events held on natural ice.

Ways to explore

Given its location near the mountain town of Corinta d’Ampezzo and its (close-enough) proximity to Venice, Lake Misurina is a popular day trip. On Dolomite day tours, it’s a highlight of the itinerary with stops factored in for lunch, photos, and a stroll along the gentle 1.2-mile (2-kilometer) lakeside loop.

Serious hikers who want to skip the toll fee for the Three Peaks walk can start from Lake Misurina instead of the official starting point at Rifugio Auronzo; head to nearby Lake Antorno and follow Sentiero 101, which adds roughly another two hours of steep hiking to the Three Peaks walk.

Accessibility

The lakeside loop is flat and suitable for wheelchair users.

Age limits

None; families with small children in strollers can enjoy the lakeside loop, while older kids will love the Col de Varda chairlift to a mountain refuge.

What to pack

A microfibre towel is ideal to dry your feet after a summertime paddle. In winter, bring ice skates; if the conditions are right, you can join locals skating on the lake.

What to wear

Sneakers or comfy walking shoes, and layered clothing that’s suitable for the season and mountain environment.

Not allowed

Swimming isn’t banned, but Lake Misurina is an alpine lake at an altitude of around 5,754 feet (1,754 meters), so its water is generally too cold for a dip.

Amenities

Car parks, hotels, restaurants, shops, pharmacy in the village of Auronzo di Cadore

Address

Lake Misurina is in the town of Auronzo di Cadore. You can travel by car or public transportation from Venice, Belluno, Bolzano, and smaller Dolomite towns, such as Cortina d’Ampezzo and Dobbiaco.

Driving

Highways A27 and A22 offer quick journey times from Venice, Belluno, Bolzano, and Trento, while drivers from Cortina can take the scenic Passo Tre Croci road to reach Lake Mirsurina in around 30 minutes.

Public transportation

From Venice or Belluno, take a train to Calalzo di Cadore, then the public Dolomitibus to Auronzo di Cadore. From South Tyrol towns such as Bolzano or Trento, take a train to Dobbiaco and then the Südtirolmobil bus to Auronzo di Cadore. From Cortina, use the Dolomitibus and ask the driver where to hop off for the lake.

Best times to visit

If you’re staying locally, come at dawn or dusk for the most scenic views with fewer people around. If you’re a day-tripper arriving by car, aim to arrive early to secure a space in the car parks.

Best days to visit

There’s no bad day, but some local restaurants may close on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Best months to visit

July and August are the busiest months at the lake. June and September are ideal, as the weather is fair and mountain buses are still running. Visit between December and February for the best chance of ice skating on the lake.

Special events

Festivals and special events: La Desmonteada, usually the first weekend of October, is a traditional alpine festival in Auronzo di Cadore that marks the return of cows from the mountain pastures. Expect a procession of animals and traditionally dressed farmers, a blessing by the parish priest, and music and food stalls by the lake.