Lago di Dobbiaco (Toblacher See)

Lago di Dobbiaco, or Toblacher See, lies at around 1,250 metres in the Val Pusteria of eastern South Tyrol, close to the gateway to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the Dolomite valleys beyond. Framed by spruce forests and the surrounding peaks, it is a serene, clear emerald-green lake that ranks among the most beautiful in the region, set within a protected nature area rich in birdlife. As a genuine high-mountain lake, its water is cold and the swimming season short and bracing, so only hardy bathers tend to take the plunge, and mostly in the warmest weeks of July and August; for most visitors the lake is enjoyed for its scenery, its gentle lakeside activities and its walks rather than for sustained swimming. A flat, well-made path loops around the water in about an hour, making an easy and lovely walk for families and all ages, and rowing boats can be hired to drift across the green water, while a lakeside restaurant provides a welcome stop. The lake is a popular starting point for excursions into the Tre Cime area and the Val Pusteria's extensive cycle network, and in winter it freezes and is ringed by cross-country ski trails. Its tranquil, undeveloped character and dramatic mountain setting make it a place to slow down and absorb the landscape. For travellers who want a beautiful, peaceful Dolomite lake for a gentle paddle, a row, a lakeside walk and spectacular scenery — with a cold swim for the brave — Lago di Dobbiaco is a rewarding stop in the eastern mountains.