5 Most Beautiful Lakes of the Dolomites
3 min read5 destinations
Dolomite Alps are one of the most picturesque destinations in Italy and all of Europe. Travelers come here to admire majestic mountain peaks, scenic panoramic roads, and stunning alpine lakes with crystal-clear turquoise waters. The good news is that many of the most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites can be reached by car, without the need for long and challenging hikes.
In this article, we explore the most beautiful lakes in the Dolomite Alps that deserve a place on your Northern Italy road trip itinerary.
Lake Braies
The lake most people picture when they think of the Dolomites: emerald water at about 1,500 meters, ringed by the peaks of the Seekofel range, with the wooden boathouse and rowboats that have become one of the most recognizable photo spots in Italy. You can drive right up to the shore, and a 4-kilometer trail circles the lake. The color shifts with the light and weather, so the water rarely looks the same twice.
Lake Carezza
A small lake at the foot of the Latemar range in South Tyrol, known for water that shifts from emerald green to deep turquoise with the light and the time of day. Local legend explains the palette with a wizard who shattered a rainbow into the water while trying to win the heart of the mermaid living in it. The lake sits just off the road toward Bolzano, and the loop around it is short — an easy stop rather than a full outing.
Things to do in Dolomites
Paid links: booking through them supports YowJourney.
Lake Misurina
The largest natural lake in the Cadore Dolomites, sitting above 1,750 meters, and the usual starting point for Tre Cime di Lavaredo — the massif is in view straight from the shore. Unlike the wilder lakes on this list, Misurina is a small resort with hotels, restaurants and lakeside promenades, which makes it the most practical base for families.
Lake Dobbiaco
While Braies absorbs thousands of visitors a day, Dobbiaco stays quiet: a lake ringed by dense forest in the Puster Valley, a short drive from its famous neighbor. Well-kept trails circle the water with views of the woods and the peaks above, and since the lake sits between the region’s popular routes, it makes a natural pause on the way rather than a destination in itself.
Lake Landro
Landro sits right on the SS51 panoramic road between Dobbiaco and Cortina d’Ampezzo, yet stays off most international itineraries. The reason to pull over is the view of the Cristallo massif — the best on this stretch — mirrored in exceptionally clear water, with far fewer people around than at the better-known lakes.
Dobbiaco and Landro sit right on the SS51 between Dobbiaco and Cortina, Misurina is a short turn off it, and Braies is a detour up the Val Pusteria nearby, so you can still string all four into a single day's drive; Carezza is the outlier, over on the road toward Bolzano. Plan for July to September, when the high roads are clear, and treat Lake Braies as the one to time: in summer its parking is paid and limited, so arrive before 9am or after 4pm, or book ahead. Early light is also when the water is stillest and the crowds are thinnest.
