Lake Iseo: Italy’s Secret Winter Wonderland

So often, travelers think of Europe – especially the Mediterranean and Italy’s Lombard Lakes – as a purely summertime destination, perhaps not immediately considering a winter escape to a gem like Italy’s Lake Iseo. Unfortunately, summer in coastal and mountain paradises of countries like Greece, Spain or Italy come with something that many travelers may not want: crowds.

For example, when planning a trip to Italy, Lake Como or Lake Lugano immediately comes to mind as a top-tier destinations. However, over-tourism has made these locations on the eastern shore less appealing to visitors each year. Even winter travelers will find that the destination is so well known that resorts will be booked up, prices will be higher and lines for attractions, food and shopping will be longer, making a compelling case for alternatives like the beautiful Lake Iseo.

Nestled in the same Lombardy region and sandwiched between Lake Como and Lake Garda is a hidden gem – Lake Iseo. If you’re in search of a quieter yet equally enchanting Italian experience, Lake Iseo might just be your perfect match. Lake Iseo is the fourth largest lake in Lombard, a region also celebrated for its production of sparkling wine. It is located in Northern Italy, near the cities of Brescia and Bergamo, so it shares the same Alpine landscapes as the other beautiful lakes and offers many of the same attractions.

An Outdoor Paradise in Northern Italy

Lake Iseo is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and has a wide range of parks and nature reserves offering trails around the lake. From the ancient rock formations at Fossil Lakes Park to the terraced meadows of Tinazzo Gorge Park, home to deer, badgers and bird species, the surroundings of Lake Iseo are perfect for nature lovers keen to walk amidst beautiful scenery.

For those who love winter activities, the mountainous surroundings of Lake Iseo attract snowshoers from around the world. A popular route is to the Magnolini Hut (Rifugio Magnolini) the gateway to ascending alpine Monte Alto. It can be reached along a path that invites a scenic walk, in the beginning going up the Valle di Supine and then climbing along the southwest slopes of the mountain, between cheese huts offering local products, perhaps even a taste of regional wine, and views of Lake Iseo.

Of course, the lakeshore, like many lakeside locations in Lombardy, gets erratic precipitation so you will never find yourself entirely snowbound – instead, you can enjoy the expansive snow-capped mountain views while not being frozen in place.

Boating enthusiasts can take a trip on motorboat and ferryboat tours to explore the lovely major lakes, with frequent services to the captivating Monte Isola as well, both day and night and year-round, even during the winter months (but bundle up!). Lake Iseo memorably hosted the internationally acclaimed “The Floating Piers” art installation by Christo and Jeanne-Claude in 2016, drawing global attention to its scenic waters. A standout location to travel to is Monte Isola, Europe’s largest lake island (located within Lake Iseo), with lush chestnut groves, charming fishing villages, and slopes often graced with hardy olive trees. South of Monte Isola lies Sao Paulo Island, which was once a Franciscan convent.

A Place in History

For history enthusiasts and art lovers, Lake Iseo is home to a superabundance of churches, sanctuaries, castles and museums – in fact, there are eight museums, over 100 churches, 38 historic buildings, eight archaeological sites and 16 cultural trails, all awaiting exploration. Medieval towns with their winding cobblestone streets, and quaint fishing villages, some featuring charming wooden walkways along the water’s edge, line the lake’s shores and offer restaurants with amazing cuisine year-round, including, of course, fresh seafood.

So, while Lake Como may capture the spotlight, Lake Iseo remains a hidden treasure, where the unique charm extends to a scenic hike or bike ride, exploring its timeless cobblestone streets, taking a walk along serene easy access walkways, and witnessing an unforgettable sunset over the lake, perhaps with a glass of wine of exquisite local wine. Before the crowds catch on, consider Lake Iseo for your next getaway in Italy.