Molveno – Trentino – Italy | Complete Guide | Mountain Holidays

Discover how to get there, what to do, and why you can't miss Molveno, in the Trentino-Alto Adige region of northern Italy.

In 2019, I was awarded a scholarship to study Spanish in Valladolid,Spain. Since I would already be in Europe, I took the opportunity to plan a Eurotrip.

One of my goals was to try snowboarding somewhere in the Italian mountains. I picked a destination (Paganella Ski) and started searching for accommodations on Booking.com. That’s when I stumbled upon Molveno by chance.

Since it’s not a very famous destination — at least for us Brazilians — I decided to write this post to introduce you to this paradise on Earth and, who knows, inspire you to visit it. Hope you enjoy it! 😉

Why visit Molveno?

Molveno is, without a doubt, the most beautiful place I've ever been. With just over 1,100 inhabitants, it’s located in the picturesque region of Trentino-Alto Adige, in northern Italy.

Besides sitting at the foot of the Brenta Dolomites — a UNESCO World Heritage mountain range — it’s home to one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy: Lake Molveno.

The village is perfect for those who love outdoor activities, tranquility, and good food! 

Despite its small size, Molveno has excellent infrastructure and offers outstanding leisure and tourism options, along with breathtaking views. Check it out!

How to get to Molveno – Trentino

The nearest airports to Molveno are in: Verona (130 km) Milan (260 km) Venice (253 km)

By Car:

From any of these airports, you can rent a car to explore the Trentino-Alto Adige region. 

If you go this route, don’t forget to get your International Driving Permit (IDP). Also, if you're traveling in winter, ask for a winter kit (snow tires and chains). 

*More info on the IDP

Read also:
Car Rental in Europe: Everything You Need to Know

Train and bus

If traveling by train, head to Mezzocorona or Trento, then take a bus to Molveno. Schedules and frequencies vary by season.

I traveled extensively by bus and train and had no issues.

Note: At smaller stations, staff may not speak English — it only happened to me once, and they were very kind and patient.

Reference prices:

Bolzano–Mezzocorona train: €3–€7

Verona–Trento train: €7–€16

Trento–Molveno bus: €3–€5

Mezzocorona–Molveno bus: €2–€4

*More details about transportation

When to visit Molveno, Trentino?

You can visit Molveno year-round.

While summer is the most popular season for tourism, spring and autumn also bring unique colors and scenery. 

In winter, snow-covered peaks add a special charm, and snow sports take over. That’s when I went — it was like a dream!

Each season has its own special charm. The difference is that some offer more leisure options than others. 

What to do in Molveno in summer

Lake Molveno (lake activities

With over 3 km² of crystal-clear water, Lake Molveno offers diverse experiences and views for all types of travelers. 

Walking around the lake

You can walk or bike the loop around Lake Molveno, which sits between the Brenta Dolomites and neighboring Paganella Mountain. The full loop is around 12 km with bridges, informative signs, a historic forest, and unforgettable views.

The walk takes around 3 to 4 hours on average.

Swimming or boating 

This is for water lovers — and it's not just any water! The turquoise-blue lake is super inviting. 

In summer, the water temperature ranges from 14°C to 20°C. You can swim, rent a pedal boat, try stand-up paddleboarding, canoe, or even rent an electric boat.

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Note: Equipment rentals are closed in winter.

Beach

If you prefer staying dry, there’s a huge grassy area by the lake known as the beach. Perfect for relaxing, sunbathing, and enjoying a drink while admiring the scenery. 

Quem não merece umas férias assim?

Families with children are welcome too — there's a playground, sandbox, and kids’ area that even grown-ups will envy. 😄 

There’s also a water park, mini golf, volleyball courts, fishing spots, and more.

Molveno Pradel (mountain activities)

Don’t miss the cable car to the Pradel Plateau, which brings you even closer to the Brenta Dolomites, inside the Adamello-Brenta Natural Park at an altitude of 1,350 meters.

Up there, you’ll find open meadows perfect for picnics, sunbathing, and soaking in the mountain and lake views.

Check out: Forest Park: Tree-top adventure routes for all ages. Educational Farm: Local food tastings, traditional dishes, and educational activities. (Note: Closed during winter.)

From Pradel, you can take another cable car to Refugio La Montanara, a starting point for most hiking trails and via ferrata routes.

These trails are connected by well-equipped mountain refuges where you can enjoy local food and wine, spend the night, or just rest.

If you're into mountain biking, this is one of the best places in Italy. 

Climbers will find over 200 classic and sport routes, a bouldering sector, and nearly 50 km of via ferratas.

You can even go paragliding. Can you imagine flying over the Dolomites?!

What to do in Molveno in winter

Ski area Dolomiti Paganella

In winter, the spotlight turns to neighboring Paganella mountain.

With 50 km of ski slopes, the resort can be accessed via Andalo or Fai Della Paganella, which are 5 and 15 minutes from Molveno, respectively. 

You can also get there by public transport or hotel transfer.

Note: Many summer activities still operate in winter, with some adjustments.

Where to stay in Molveno – Trentino

There are several options: hotels, campsites, and camper parking. 

Partner accommodations offer the Dolomiti Paganella Card, which gives you discounts on various attractions and free public transportation in the city.

Parking is free from 6 pm to 8 am. During the day, it costs €1.80/hour or €10/day. 

I stayed at Charme Hotel Nevada, located in front of the lake, 300 meters from a bus stop, and with excellent value for money. I highly recommend including dinner in your reservation — the food is amazing!

Nearby tourism options

• Trento
• Bolzano
• Lago di Garda
• Verona

Also check out one of the most photographed spots in the Dolomites::
San Giovanni Church – Funes | Dolomites, Italy

Reference websites / more information:

https://www.molveno.it/en

https://www.visittrentino.info/en