Belluno, Italy / 46°35.544′ N, 12°15.968′ E

Lake Misurina

A famous view and the gateway to the Tre Cime

Lake Misurina
Grand Hotel Misurina on the shore of Lake Misurina

Set at an altitude of 1,754 metres, Lake Misurina is one of the most famous lakes in the Dolomites. Located in the province of Belluno, it sits beneath a ring of forested slopes and mountain peaks, with the unmistakable outline of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo rising nearby.

The lake's calm waters reflect the surrounding mountains, making it a popular stop for photographers, hikers and visitors exploring the eastern Dolomites. A walking path circles the shoreline, offering ever-changing views of the water and the peaks beyond. Despite its popularity, the setting retains a sense of tranquillity, particularly in the early morning before the day-trippers arrive.

Misurina has long been associated with health tourism. The clean mountain air and high altitude led to the establishment of a specialist treatment centre for respiratory illnesses on the lakeshore, and the area remains known for its exceptionally pure air quality.

Today Lake Misurina serves as a gateway to some of the Dolomites' most celebrated landscapes. While many visitors continue towards the Tre Cime, the lake itself is worth pausing for, a reminder that in the Dolomites even the journey between landmarks can be a destination in its own right.