The Lake Tenno, also known as the “Blue Lake,” is a gem of Trentino at the foot of Monte Misone. Located in Upper Garda, it is immersed in an unspoiled alpine landscape where you can experience a sensation of suspension in time.
At 570 meters above sea level, no human construction surrounds the lake. The result is asilent oasis, surrounded only by a dense forest which, together with the white stones on the lakebed, produces surprising effects.
This mix of natural elements makes the colors green and blue of the lake’s clear waters explode, giving them a semi-tropical feel.
Another peculiarity of this habitat, which amplifies the impression of being outside of time, is that Lake Tenno is not accessible by car. You can only reach it via a medieval staircase, and the resulting view is definitely evocative.
The Effects of the Seasons on Lake Tenno
Lake Tenno is perfectly round and has a surface area of 0.22 square kilometers, with significant level fluctuations. This is very evident with the change of seasons; in autumn its level is always higher than in summer.
And precisely for this reason, during the summer season we can reach an island located in the center of the lake, a small islet that in winter is completely covered by its clear waters.
Immersed in the utmost quiet and blessed with pleasant temperatures, it is the perfect place for walks and a long, rejuvenating swim, as well as sunbathing, far from crowded and chaotic beaches.
Around Lake Tenno: The Village of Canale di Tenno
The village of Canale di Tenno, part of the most beautiful villages of Italy circuit, is a must-visit if you want to explore the Lake area. This ancient medieval village produces a very similar effect to that of the lake of the same name. Here too, time seems to have stopped.
Resilient walls in perfect condition, narrow and quiet streets enriched with barrel vaults, and flowers on the balconies of the strictly stone houses decorate this small center. This timeless dimension has inspired several European artists throughout history.
One of the artists who left a mark in Canale is Giacomo Vittone, from Turin, who often depicted the village in his works. The House of Artistsis dedicated to him, a pilgrimage site and residence for artists wishing to participate in exhibitions and cultural events.
Moreover, Canale di Tenno hosts every year, during the first fifteen days of August, the festival “Rustic Middle Ages”. Among ladies and knights in costume, banners and torches, you will experience an evocation of medieval life, where various arts take center stage.
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Other Attractions in Canale di Tenno
Among other attractions in Canale di Tenno are the Christmas markets where you can taste and buy exquisite local food and wine products such as carne salada, very thin slices of locally sourced beef. Spiced and drizzled with a bit of oil, they are often served raw or lightly seared.
Also visit the Agricultural Tools Museumlocated in the “Aldo Gorfer” Center, named after a journalist and writer from Trentino. Here you can get hands-on experience of fieldwork in all its phases and appreciate the effort this job entails.
The Vicinia Monument
Just outside Canale you can visit a statue, the “Vicinia of the Ville del Monte”. This monument recalls the times when Canale di Tenno and nearby villages were governed by a form of autonomous administration called the “vicinia”.
This system required the heads of families from the four Ville del Monte to decide together how to manage the vicinia, an ancient institution for managing common goods: water, timber, pastures, and aid to those in difficulty.
From Canale di Tenno you can follow a nature trail leading to the Monte Calino “San Pietro” Refuge, from which you can enjoy a wide panoramic view of Lake Garda.
From Lake Tenno to the Varone Waterfall, the Most Famous in Upper Garda
From Lake Tenno you can follow another route, this time more naturalistic, which leads to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Trentino: the Varone Waterfall.
Here the lake’s waters meet a sedimentary rock offering us a spectacular and unforgettable scene.
The Varone Waterfall is entirely crossed and carved by the Magnone River. This place is so famous that it was cited and described in detail by the writer Thomas Mann in “The Magic Mountain .”
A suggestive circular path is located inside a park rich in flora from every corner of the planet. This itinerary will take you straight to the waterfall, not before leading you through an ancient garden dating back to the 19th century, to enjoy a peaceful and zen atmosphere surrounding the waterfall itself.
To reach the Varone Waterfall you must pass through two caves. You can choose which to take, the upper or the lower one.
In both cases these are very narrow spaces, where you will be surrounded by a light mist, so in summer passing through them gives a refreshing boost. For the same reason, especially in autumn and winter, we recommend bringing a rain poncho.
Together with the waterfall, these small caves will not disappoint; they were carved by water over twenty thousand years!
Discover what to do at Lake Tenno and surroundings by joining Meeters and staying informed about the events they organize, hoping that the idea of a group experience will be stimulating and exciting for you.