When we planned our visit to Lago di Tenno, I wasn’t sure if it would work for our family. In fact — we almost left before even seeing the lake!
We stopped at the Tourist Information kiosk to ask if it was possible to get down to the lake with our buggy. The lady behind the counter shook her head and told us there was no way — “only stairs.” Disappointed, we almost turned back. But first, we decided to stop for an espresso.
I’m so glad we did.
At the hotel Restaurant, we asked the lady behind the counter the same question: “Is it true you can’t get to the lake with a buggy?” She looked at us like we’d just asked if the sky was blue.
“Of course you can,” she said, smiling. “Just take the path behind our hotel — easy.”
We followed her advice, walking through the hotel car park, and sure enough — there it was: a perfectly manageable path winding gently down to the lake.
First stop: the Suspended Bridge
The path itself was mostly easy — a couple of tree roots here and there — but we managed it just fine even with our double trailer buggy.
We decided to check out the suspended bridge first, which turned out to be a highlight. Built in 2023, at 120 m long and just wide (1.2 m) enough for our buggy to roll comfortably across, it was fun and exciting for the kids (and maybe a little for me too!).
After crossing the bridge, we settled down on the opposite shore to enjoy the scenery and let the kids play.
The most beautiful lake in Italy?
The shore is covered with tiny stones, but the lake itself is soft on the feet — no need for water shoes, though many locals wore them for extra comfort.
Lago di Tenno is said to be the cleanest freshwater lake in Italy, and it shows. Its turquoise‑blue color is mesmerizing — which is why locals also call it Lago Azzurro. As clouds passed overhead, the sun kept transforming the water into shades of green and blue. It was magical — truly heavenly.
👧🏼 What Kids Can Do at Lago di Tenno
We found plenty to keep our little ones happy:
✅ Swim and splash in the calm water
✅ Throw rocks into the lake
✅ Feed the fish at the shore (they go absolutely nuts for breadcrumbs!)
✅ Build little pozzi (stone “bays”)
✅ Explore the suspended bridge and the stream feeding the lake
✅ Go on a gentle hike or just explore the lakeshore
✅ Play in the sand, watch the fish, and of course…
✅ Eat a gelato
🍼 Useful Info for Parents
Here are a few things we wish we’d known beforehand:
- Parking: There’s plenty, but bring coins for the meter.
- Toilets: The car park has a pay toilet (50 cents), but there’s also a free toilet by the lake.
- Snacks: There’s a small kiosk for drinks and snacks, but packing a picnic is a good idea.
- Shade: Trees ring the lake, but shade moves throughout the day. A small umbrella or shade tent is handy.
- Water toys: The water is calm — perfect for inflatables, toy boats, or buckets.
- Lifeguards: Yes — on boats. A nice reassurance.
- Depth: The lake does get deep within a few steps, so keep a close eye on little swimmers.
- Best spot for kids: The little island near the car park side of the lake — shallower water and more consistent shade here.
- Feeding fish: Don’t miss this! The kids loved watching the fish swarm at the shore for crumbs.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let the Stairs Stop You
I’m so glad we didn’t listen to that first bit of (bad) advice. Lago di Tenno turned out to be one of our favorite discoveries on this trip — a peaceful, stunning, manageable escape that let us relax while the kids played happily.
If you’re traveling around Lake Garda and looking for a quiet, family‑friendly spot, don’t miss Lago di Tenno. Take it from me — yes, you can bring the buggy. Yes, it’s worth it. And yes, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve found a little slice of heaven.
Expat Mom Journal 