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Lake Iseo
Located less than 100 km east of Milan, in the heart of the Italian lake region, Lake Iseo is a little blue jewel surrounded by green mountains. It surprises its visitors with its beautiful landscape, splendid views, picturesque villages and great food and wine choices. At the centre of this beautiful Lombardy lake lies Monte Isola, the largest lake island in Italy and one of the largest in Europe. Crystal-clear waters, beaches, lakeside promenades, magnificent peaks and the vineyards of Franciacorta make Lake Iseo the ideal destination for a short trip or a holiday surrounded by nature.
Activities on Lake Iseo
Attractions on Lake Iseo
Highlights
Located to the east of the town of Sale Marasino, Punta Almana is the natural border between Lake Iseo, Val d’Inzino and Val Trompia.
Spectacular route that allows you to admire from above Lake Iseo, the Camonica Valley, the summit of Monte Guglielmo, and experience unique ...
Pleasant route to discover the lake alternating sections of cycle paths with roadways.
Pleasant mountain bike route starting from the village of Lovere.
Sulzano is a small village nestled between lake and mountain. From the historic center, it is possible to follow the route indicated as "Red Route" ...
This route is a trail of exceptional scenic value, with breathtaking views of the lake among farmhouses, meadows, pinewoods, and rural villages.
Short and easy walk suitable for everyone, especially for those traveling by train, to reach the Bersi Serlini and Barone Pizzini wineries.
Be enchanted by the two shores of Lake Iseo
Lake Iseo, also known as Sebino, is of glacial origin and is divided into three parts: the eastern shore, which belongs to the province of Brescia and is very popular, the western shore, which is part of the province of Bergamo and where the green mountains drop steeply into the waters of the lake, and the hills of Franciacorta, the world-famous wine region. The northernmost part of the lake belongs to Valcamonica and to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve "Valle Camonica - Alto Sebino".
In the middle of the lake is Monte Isola, the largest lake island in Italy and one of the largest in Europe, with its two small "satellites", the island of Loreto to the north and the island of San Paolo to the south (both are privately owned). Monte Isola can be reached by ferry, but can only be explored on foot or by bicycle. As its name suggests, Monte Isola is a mountain 600 meters above sea level that fascinates visitors with its quiet villages, nature trails and beautiful views. The view from the Sanctuary of Madonna della Ceriola on the summit is particularly splendid.
Photo: Visitlakeiseo - Lago d'Iseo, Visit Lake Iseo
A paradise for outdoor enthusiasts
Lesser known and smaller than the neighbouring lakes of Garda and Como, and therefore less touristy, Lake Iseo is the ideal destination for those who want to switch off and enjoy outdoor activities in a relaxed atmosphere and mild temperatures. The blue lake, the peaks that overlook it and the hills of the Franciacorta area offer a variety of activities that will satisfy any lover of outdoor adventures. There are countless places to discover and the panoramic views are worth every effort.
Explore on foot
One of the main activities to do on Lake Iseo is hiking: If strolling along the shores of the lake to enjoy the peace of the area and visit the villages dotting the shoreline is not enough, numerous hiking trails of varying difficulty allow you to explore the surrounding area and admire the natural beauty of the Lake Iseo area.
Fascinating and attractive to hikers are above all the many splendid peaks surrounding the lake. Probably the most famous is the route to Corna Trentapassi (which can also be reached on a via ferrata), but the hikes to Monte Colombina, Punta Almana, Monte Alto, Monte Bronzone and Monte Guglielmo - to name but a few - are just as beautiful.
Monte Isola is also a popular destination for hiking: You can walk around the island, visit the charming villages, or climb to the top, where the sanctuary of Madonna della Ceriola is located.
Other spectacular viewpoints over Lake Iseo include the small church of San Defendente and the sanctuary of Santa Maria del Giogo. Tip: Visit it at sunset!
The hills of Franciacorta are the ideal place for easy walks for everyone, including families with children, among ancient vineyards, picturesque villages and splendid castles, and for savouring the region's delicious wines. The Monte Orfano, which stands alone in the middle of the plains, is a beautiful place for hiking and offers a splendid view of the surrounding landscape.
For those who want to hike for several days, the Charlemagne Trail (100 km, from the Upper Town of Bergamo to Madonna di Campiglio) and the Ancient Valerian Road (190 km, from Brescia to the Tonale Pass) are ideal! For a day trip, it is possible to travel only the section around Lake Iseo.
For those who like to enjoy the views: Thanks to the Big Bench Community Project (BBCP) by American designer Chris Bangle, you can catch your breath from four giant benches and enjoy the wonderful view of Lake Iseo from different perspectives.
Cycling
Lake Iseo is an ideal destination for cyclists. Those who are more energetic can do the entire circular route around the lake (clockwise is recommended) and cycle some 66 km along the lake with spectacular views of the shimmering water and surrounding green peaks. An stop not to be missed on the western shore is the Orrido del Bogn, a splendid natural amphitheatre of tunnels and vertical rocks overhanging the lake. The road is paved and suitable for both road and racing bikes. Cyclists particularly appreciate the 280 km of the Ciclovia dell’Oglio, awarded as the most beautiful cycling route in Italy in 2019. Starting from the Tonale Pass, the cycle route crosses the varied landscapes of the Camonica Valley, Lake Iseo and the Po Valley along the course of the Oglio river to San Matteo delle Chiaviche in the province of Mantua. For shorter, quieter bike rides there are numerous cycle and walking paths suitable for everyone, including the Monte Isola route.
Photo: Antonio Cadei, Visit Lake Iseo
Around Lake Iseo there are also numerous trails and dirt roads suitable for mountain biking. For example, on the Bossico Plateau, north of the lake, there are interesting routes with different levels of difficulty. In addition, the peaks surrounding the lake and those in the Camonica Valley offer exciting ascents and descents. The 'Green Road' route is of great natural and scenic significance. Trained bikers can tackle the rather demanding climb to the top of Monte Isola.
The area of Franciacorta is also a paradise for cycling enthusiasts. Several cycling routes lead to the discovery of this verdant area, its wine tradition and its places of historical and cultural interest. In September, Franciacorta also hosts the Gimondi Bike (now known by the name Mountains & Wheels Bike Internazionale), an international mountain bike race starting in Iseo, on the shores of the lake. But enthusiasts can of course ride the route all year round.
Water sports
To enjoy the beauty of Lake Iseo from a different perspective, just take a leisurely boat tour or plough through the blue water and admire the shores of the lake in a kayak or canoe, pushing as far as the island of Loreto or visiting all three islands. Lake Iseo is also a perfect destination for windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing and stand up paddling. And when the temperatures rise, just take a dip in the water to cool off! Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy catching trout, pike and perch. Smaller lakes nearby, such as Lake Endine and Lake Moro, also offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor water activities.
Canyoning enthusiasts can explore the two-part Rino gorge with the appropriate equipment and a specialised mountain guide.
Photo: Visitlakeiseo - Lago d'Iseo, Visit Lake Iseo
What other outdoor sports can be practised on Lake Iseo?
The mountains surrounding the lake offer many opportunities for climbing, for example at the cliffs of Corno di San Giovanni and Predore. Those who want to admire the view from higher up can experience the thrill of flying with a paraglider or deltaplane. In winter, when snow covers the ground and glistens in the sunlight, it's time to put on snowshoes or hiking boots. Among the most popular destinations for skiing, sledging and snowshoeing is the nearby Val Palot. The hilly area of Franciacorta, on the other hand, offers perfect terrain for pleasant horseback riding for young and old. Lake Iseo really does offer endless opportunities for outdoor fun all year round!
You have a thirst for culture?
Lake Iseo is not only an attraction for those who love sports and nature, but also for those interested in culture and history.
In the ancient villages surrounding the lake, some with a maritime flavour and others with a more rural atmosphere, you can take a trip back in time. The area has numerous museums, castles, churches and sanctuaries. Here are some places not to be missed:
- The eight archaeological and rock engraving parks of the Camonica Valley: Located not far from Lake Iseo, they are the first UNESCO World Heritage site in Italy. Here you can admire hundreds of thousands of figures carved into the rock over a period of about eight thousand years.
- Sulzano: picturesque fishing village that became world famous in 2016 thanks to "The Floating Piers", the land art installation by artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude.
- Lovere: this romantic town on the western shore of Lake Iseo boasts the title of "Italy's most beautiful village". Its splendid lakefront promenade runs alongside the harbour and the beautiful Piazza 13 Martiri.
- Galleria dell’Accademia Tadini di Lovere: housed in a splendid neoclassical palazzo, the Accademia Tadini is one of the oldest art galleries in Lombardy. It houses works by famous artists such as Jacopo Bellini, Francesco Hayez, Antonio Canova and Giambattista Tiepolo.
- Church of Santa Maria della Neve in Pisogne: inside you can admire the extraordinary cycle of frescoes on the Passion of Christ by Romanino.
- Iseo: a town of old medieval layout, it is home to numerous historic palazzos, the beautiful Pieve di Sant’Andrea and the Oldofredi Castle, one of the oldest and best-preserved castles in the province of Brescia.
- Monastery of San Pietro in Lamosa: a fascinating complex dating back to the 12th century and situated on a rocky ledge overlooking the Torbiere del Sebino.
- The numerous castles of Franciacorta
Just half an hour from Lake Iseo are Bergamo and Brescia. Both cities boast with a rich historical and artistic heritage, they are the Capitals of Culture 2023.
... and for gourmets
Photo: Silvia Castellano, Outdooractive Editors
A must for all wine lovers visiting Lake Iseo is Franciacorta. Take a tour of the area's vineyards and cellars, learn about the winemaking process, from harvesting the grapes to bottling, and of course taste some of the best Franciacorta DOCG wines along with a selection of local products. Franciacorta is also home to some breweries and distilleries.
Other wines produced around Lake Iseo are Rosso Bronzone, Valcalepio Rosso DOC and Valcalepio Moscato Passito DOC.
Local gastronomic highlights include: Sebino extra virgin olive oil DOP (thanks to the lake's pleasantly mild climate), fish from the lake, in particular the Sardine from Monte Isola (Slow Food Presidium), Monte Isola salami, various types of cheese, such as Nostrano del Monte Guglielmo, and the spongada, a sweet focaccia.
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