Lago di Misurina is the largest lake in the Dolomites, and one of those sacred places that silences you mid-sentence. Here, the mirrored majesty of the mountains seizes your senses, leaving you suspended between myth and might. Discover how to visit the “Pearl of the Dolomites” and soak in everything it has to offer — from wandering its shores to gliding across its waters.
The first time we saw Lago di Misurina (also known as Misurina See and Lake Misurina) was after a day hike on Tre Cime di Lavaredo. We were half starved, half sunburned, and a little dizzy from the previous 6-hour beauty overload. Lago di Misurina was not even on our radar as we decided on a whim to check out Cortina d’Ampezzo instead of returning to our hotel in Toblach (Dobbiaco).
We rounded a bend and the saw the lake glinting like a blade beneath the northern face of Mount Sorapiss. Our plans of strolling Cortina were hijacked instantly by Lago di Misurina’s shimmer. We found a shoreside parking spot and set out to discover all we could about this mysterious masterpiece tucked amid the peaks.
Whether you’ve got a day or just a couple of stolen hours, here’s how to make the most of your time at Lago di Misurina. In this post, we cover what to see, what to do and how to let this mirror of the gods work its strange magic during your time in the Dolomites.
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CONTENTS OVERVIEW
Where is Lago di Misurina in the Dolomites
Lago di Misurina lies in Cadore, a mountain district of Belluno, which is a province in Italy’s Veneto region. This is where the country really starts to feel less like Rome and more like the Alps. The lake rests just a crooked, pine-lined drive southwest of South Tyrol in the hamlet of Misurina, tucked into one of the most photogenic and geologically twisted pockets of the Dolomites.
It’s a bridge between cultures and crags. Only 20 minutes west of the lake beams Cortina d’Ampezzo, the glitzy darling of the Dolomites. Twenty minutes the other way? Toblach, a Tyrolean gem of Val Pusteria where schnapps competes with espresso for your morning jolt.
From Venice, Lago di Misurina is just over a 2-hour drive. If you are coming from the “Gateway of the Dolomites”, Bolzano, it is just under two hours. A half-hour drive to the east is Auronzo di Cadore.
Sitting at an elevation of 5,755 feet (1,754 meters), Lago di Misurina is big enough to swallow more than 80 ice hockey rinks and is cradled by a lineup of mountain royalty. From its shores, you can admire Sorapiss to the south, Mount Cristallo to the west, the jagged teeth of the Cadini Group biting the eastern sky, and the infamous Tre Cime di Lavaredo looming in the north like ancient warlords on a smoke break.
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How to Experience Lago di Misurina
Lago di Misurina is more than a pretty sapphire in the rugged crown of the Dolomites. Thanks to its unique microclimate, the lake boasts remarkably pure mountain air. People have come here for centuries to breathe deeply and find relief surrounded by nature.
In fact, Lago di Misurina was once home to the only center in Italy dedicated to the treatment of childhood bronchial asthma. Not only did the Pius XII Institute rehabiliate children, it cemented the lake’s place in the cultural imagination. Postcards featuring its iconic facade against the glimmering water with Sorapiss soaring above became the image of Misurina. Sadly, the institute closed in 2022.
Today, you can reap the lake’s therapeutic peace simply by adding it to your Dolomites itinerary. Lago di Misurina offers plenty of recreational opportunities making it a place to soak your feet and your soul at the same time.
The Lago di Misurina Circuit
The Lago di Misurina loop is one of the easiest walks in the Dolomites. Perfect for those wanting to experience the rush of alpine beauty without the blisters and lung-crushing climbs. Families, couples, children, the elderly and those with wheel-chairs and strollers can all enjoy the circuit. You can even bring your dog as long as its leashed.
A pleasant 1.7 mile (2.7 km) trail circles Lago di Misurina sweeping you through a watercolor world of pine, stone, and sky. Along the mostly flat route you will wander through shaded woodlands and encounter charming picnic spots and benches where the panoramic scenes will feel like love letters from the mountains. It takes about 45 minutes to complete.
The lake is stunning from every angle, but for us, when you reach the southern end, it turns cinematic. Looking north, your eyes lock on the southern face of Tre Cime di Lavaredo. From here, the Three Peaks don’t appear as mountains, but as pyramids — cut from wind, time, and perhaps something more ancient than either. It’s the kind of view that imprints itself into your mind.
Like nearby Lago di Dobbiaco, Lago di Misurina is one of those destinations we love ending our day with. Few things rival the quiet joy of a lakeside sunset in the Dolomites. But the walk around Misurina is just as magical in the morning, when mist kisses the water and the craggy contours of the mountains materialize, ray by ray. It’s an ideal setting for joggers chasing thier sunrise high — or photographers chasing light.
How to Walk Around Lago di Misurina
You can begin your walk around Lago di Misurina from any of the parking areas nearby the lake. Some are free and some are pay lots. There is not an offical start to the loop so hopping on anywhere that is convenient is just fine. It can be walked in either direction, clockwise or counterclockwise.
A starting point we like is the public parking lot near DESPAR, the village supermarket in Misurina. From there, follow the trail along Riva delle Guide Alpine, then continue onto Viale Sant’Antonio, which gradually leads you toward the Col de Varda area. The route then loops back into Misurina via the provincial road, passing Col Sant’Angelo before returning to your starting point.
Good to Know: On the northern end of Lago di Misurina, you can alternate between a paved road and forested path to reach Lago Antorno in about 20 minutes. It is another pretty lake, albeit much smaller, set beneath Drei Zinnen.
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Paddle, Pedal & Cast
If embarking on another hike doesn’t make your feet sing with glee, then consider enoying the waters of Lago di Misurina. You will be in good company with countless water fowl and trout.
Boating is allowed on Lago di Misurina. But not the modern kind. Here, you get to savor the creak of wood and the drip of oars. Along the shore, wooden rowboats are available for rent allowing you to glide across the lake like a romantic hero or a contemplative loner.
If rowing isn’t your speed, you’ll also find pedal boats for rent. Retro beauties that look like they cruised straight out of the 1950s. All that’s missing is a pair of cat-eye sunglasses and a cherry Coke on ice. Then again, no one’s stopping you from bringing them along.
Lago di Misurina isn’t just for Instagrammers and paddle boat romantics. It’s also a haven for those who’d rather cast a line than snap a selfie. Fed by a cold mountain spring bubbling up from Pian dei Spiriti beneath the Cadini Group, these waters are rich in minerals, oxygen, and mystery. Wild brown trout and alpine char patrol its depths, which average 15 ft. (4.6 m) deep. Come May, the fishing season opens, and you’ve got until October to chase silence with a rod and reel.
A Lift to the Heavens
You don’t have to soak in Lago di Misurina from just the shoreline like we did. Next to the lake there’s a little two-seater chairlift called Seggiovia Col de Varda. It’s an adventure we haven’t embarked on yet, but it’s high on our list (no pun intended). The chairlift whisks you to nearly 7,000 ft. (2,133 m) in under ten minutes. At the top, you undoubtedly step into one of heck of a panorama.
Beyond an eagle’s eye view of Lago di Misurina, you’ll enjoy even more dramatic views of Mt. Cristallo, Sorapiss and Cadini. Far off on the horizon you can also spot the teeth of the Sexten and Tofane ranges.
From up here, you can bet the Dolomites feel wild again. And if you want them wilder yet, you can set out on any number of hikes from the top, including a trek into the Cadini di Misurina where you can overnight at Rifugio Fratelli Fonda Savio. But if you’re like us, you’ll skip taming your wanderlust and tame your hunger instead, heading straight for Rifugio Col de Varda, perched conveniently next to the lift.
Good to Know: If you are driving in Italy and plan to use the Seggiovia Col de Varda while visiting Lago di Misurina, plan to park at the station. It is free to park here when using the lift.
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Winter Activities on the Lake
Whether you’re visiting for the region’s iconic Christmas markets or planning to carve fresh tracks on the slopes, Lago di Misurina is a magical stop in winter too. When we visited in December, the lake hadn’t fully frozen over — leaving just enough open water to catch Tre Cime di Lavaredo reflecting like a ghost in the glass. One of those rare moments where everything aligns: light, timing, and a little bit of luck.
If you’re drawn to winter’s snowy magic, you’ll love walking the Lago di Misurina circuit beneath a fresh coat of white. The trail stays walkable year-round, offering an easy way to admire the snow-dusted peaks. And if you’re craving more than a lakeside stroll, Misurina is a perfect launch pad for snowshoeing into the mountains or clicking into cross-country skis to explore the surrounding terrain.
For those who prefer downhill thrills, the Col de Varda ski area looms above the lake, accessible via the Seggiovia Col de Varda chairlift mentioned earlier. It just offers 4 ski runs, ranging from easy to hard, but what it lacks in quantity, it makes up for with endless views in every direction.
If gliding across ice is more your style, you’re in luck. Lago di Misurina also welcomes skaters. In fact, its elevation and crisp mountain air made it the site of the 1956 Olympic speed skating events. With the 2026 Winter Olympics returning to nearby Cortina, we would not be surprised if Misurina once again finds itself in the spotlight.
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Where to Eat at Lago di Misurina
Like any good lake destination, Lago di Misurina offers a handful of spots to dine and drink with a view. Restaurants and cafés are scattered from the northern tip of the lake along its western edge down to the southern shore.
If you’re keen on dining over the water, check out QUINZ Locanda Al Lago near the northern shore. Its terrace juts out above the lake, offering front-row seats to the scenery. As for the food? We can’t speak from experience, but we did grab some gelato from their outdoor stand and devoured it in no time.
Another nice option is Pizzeria Edelweiss, located about mid-loop on the western shore. They offer indoor and outdoor sitting and a menu that goes well beyond pizza.
Our top pick for dining in Misurina is Malga Misurina, a cozy farm-to-table spot where we’ve actually had the pleasure of sitting down for a bite to eat. Perched on the western slope above the lake, it’s just a short, scenic walk or drive from the shoreline. Here, you’ll find hearty, mountain-inspired dishes. We ordered a tasty plate of marende and it hit the spot after a day of exploring.
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Where to Stay at Lago di Misurina
If you’re looking for a solid base in the Dolomites without paying Cortina-level prices, consider staying in the Misurina area. Its close proximity to iconic spots like Tre Cime, Croda da Lago, Lago di Braies, Cinque Torri, Val Fiscalina, Prato Piazza, Lago di Landro, and more makes it a smart and scenic home base for exploring the region.
Here are some accommodations to consider:
- Grand Hotel Misurina – Opened in the early 1900s, the Grand Hotel Misurina is a historic alpine retreat with wonderful view of the lake and Mount Sorapiss.
- Hotel Miralago – Located on the northern end, Hotel Miralago is a great base for launching on hikes into Val Pusteria and Cortina.
- Quinz Locanda Al Lago – This hotel places you right on the shoreline.
- Chalet Alpenrose – Chalet Alpenrose is our personal favorite. It boasts modern alpine charm and is situated nicely away from the bustle.
- Hotel Dolomiti Des Alpes – Another great option a bit further from the lake shore.
- Hotel Lavaredo – This traditional alpine hotel offers lake-view rooms and easy access to the Seggiovia Col de Varda chairlift, making it a convenient choice for both hikers and skiers.
Camping Option: If you are interested in camping in the Dolomites, a nearby campground to consider is Camping Alla Baita. It is situated between Lago di Misurina and Lago Antorno. The campground begins operation at the end of May.
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Bonus: The Legend of Lago di Misurina
The Dolomites are steeped in ancient folklore. Some lighthearted. Some chilling, but few tales are as heartbreaking as the legend behind Lago di Misurina. The lake’s name is thought to stem from the Ladin word Meśorìna, itself derived from Meso ai Rin, meaning “in the midst of the streams” — a fitting name for a lake cradled by peaks and fed by alpine springs.
But there’s more than geography behind the name. According to Ladin legend, Meśorìna was the spirited and willful daughter of King Sorapiss. She became obsessed with owning a magical mirror said to be guarded by a powerful sorcerer atop Mount Cristallo. The sorcerer agreed to give Meśorìna the mirror, but only if her father paid the price of transforming into a mountain to provide shade for her sun-drenched garden.
Desperate to make his daughter happy, King Sorapiss accepted the bargain. As his body began to twist into stone, his arms rising skyward as jagged peaks, Meśorìna saw the cost of her wish. Horrified, she fainted and fell into an abyss, lost forever. In his grief, the newly formed mountain wept. His tears flowed into the valley below, forming the waters of what we now call Lago di Misurina.
