Lake Tenno - A turquoise diamond
A turquoise lake, born of a painter’s palette
- Picnic outdoors near the turquoise lake
- Visit the medieval village of Canale di Tenno
- Taste the famous “carne salada” (salt-cured meat)
Location
The area is located north of Lake Garda, precisely 14 km from Riva del Garda, 570 meters above sea level; near beautiful Lake Tenno we also find Canale di Tenno, one of Italy’s most beautiful medieval villages.
What to do
First of all, we recommend a visit to the medieval village of Canale di Tenno. Here, you can visit Casa degli Artisti, dedicated to painter Giacomo Vittone, an adoptive son of Canale, and participate in Rustico Medioevo, a festival of various arts which, in the first two weeks in August, brings to life moments of medieval life in the village.
After cultural visits, it's time to relax: after all, it is precisely what those who come to Lake Tenno look for. A hike to the lake is an opportunity to immerse yourself in its waters, giving yourself moments of deep contact with nature.
But this pastel-color lake surrounded by pastures and forests hides other secrets. Indeed, on the lake, we find a small island that houses a particular biotope and, for short periods; when the lake’s water recedes, we also find a second islet called Island of 1986, to memorialize the year in which it was spotted for the first time. Hence, the lake features its own “Neverland”. Sometimes you see it, others you don’t.
Finally, the only emissary of the lake generates the Cascata del Varone waterfall, and the Grotta Cascata Varone park is one of the most striking attractions of this area: here, you can follow a trail through bridges, stairs, paths and tunnels dug into the mountain.
The Nature Reserve
Established in 2024, the Lago di Tenno Local Nature Reserve protects an environment of great value.
Located at an altitude of 570 meters, the lake is distinguished by its intense color, due to the absence of aquatic vegetation and the remarkable cleanliness of its waters. Having remained almost unchanged in appearance for over 100 years, it is an ecosystem rich in animal and plant species. In 2025, it was once again awarded the Blue Flag, an international recognition that rewards environmental quality and services.
How to get there
If you arrive by car, on the A22 Toll Motorway, exit at Rovereto Sud and follow the signage to Lake Garda. Once in Riva del Garda, follow directions to Tenno.
By train, get off at Rovereto and continue by bus to Riva del Garda, then change bus to Tenno.
Access to the lake
Paid parking in Lago di Tenno, then a 5-minute walk;
Paid parking in Matoni, then a 5-minute walk.
In both cases, access is via a long stone staircase.
Free parking in Ville del Monte, then about a 20-minute walk along a secondary road and dirt road.
Contact & Directions
38066 Riva del Garda , Italy
