Tucked away just a short drive from the ultra-popular
Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee), the quiet, secluded waters of Lago di Dobbiaco (Toblacher See) offer a serene and accessible escape into the heart of the
Dolomites. This easy, 2.8 km (1.7 miles) loop trail encircles the lake, providing a peaceful walk for all ages and abilities. Visitors can expect stunning Alps views, from the rich turquoise and emerald hues of the lake's water to the dramatic, towering alpine peaks that guard its southern shore. Unlike its famous neighbor, this path promises a tranquil experience, allowing you to fully soak in the natural beauty without the crowds.
Lago di Dobbiaco (Toblacher See) Trail Guide
This hike begins at the main trailhead, located on the west side of the parking lot where a moderate grade path leads down to the lake's edge. Once you reach the lake shore, you'll be on the loop trail that circles Lago di Dobbiaco. The trail immediately provides hikers with breathtaking views of the lake's turquoise waters and nearby alpine mountains of the
Dolomites.
Starting the Loop: The Universally-Accessible East Shore
To start the hike on the eastern shore, you'll find a universally-accessible, flat path that heads south along the edge of th lake. Before you start to hike south, visitors will find a couple of viewpoints located just north of the moderate path that leads to the loop trail. Here, you can take photos, facing south, of the towering alpine peaks that stand tall above Lago di Dobbiaco.
Once you're done taking in the views near the trailhead, the hike leads south as the trail follows a flat, crushed gravel path along the water's edge. As you hike south, you'll find more views of the turquoise-hued lake and breathtaking alpine mountains. Eventually, the trail reaches the southern shoreline of Lago di Dobbiaco where the path begins to lead through a forest.
Exploring the Southern Boardwalk and Marsh
On the south shore of Lago di Dobbiaco, the trail begins to run through an evergreen forest surrounded by sprawling marshlands. Eventually the crushed stone path turns into an easy to follow, accessible boardwalk that leads directly through the forest. Along the way, you'll cross a couple of streams that flow into the lake. These streams, including Fiume Rienza and Sarlbach / Rio di Serla, include crystal-clear turquoise-hued water as well and make for beautiful and peaceful stops along the trail.
The Western Shore and Observation Deck
Once you reach the western side of the trail, it starts to lead north through the forest to reach an observation deck. This section of the trail is less accessible than the eastern and southern sections, so beware if you're exploring in a wheelchair or have mobility issues. Near 1.8 km from the trailhead sits the wooden observation deck that sits above Lago di Dobbiaco. Here, you can walk up the staircase to reach the viewpoint where you'll find beautiful views of the lake and its surrounding alpine peaks. To the northeast sits the Hotel Baur am See which has unique alpine architecture and simply adds to the lake's scenery. After leaving the observation deck, the trail continues northbound as it runs alongside the water's edge with more views of the lake, its turquoise waters, and alpine views of the
Italian Dolomites.
Refuel and Relax: Amenities on the North Shore
As you make your way closer to the north shore, the trail enters a small village with a couple of restaurants. On our hike, we stopped at the restaurant, Chaletdel lago, where we grabbed a bite to eat, a spritz to refresh, and an espresso to refuel. After having a nice lunch, we followed the trail along the north shore, passing more beautiful views of the turquoise Lago di Dobbiaco, before returning to the parking lot to wrap up this fun, secluded, and easy 2.8 km (1.7 mile) hike.
Parking & Directions: How to Get to Lago di Dobbiaco (Toblacher See)
Visitors to Lago di Dobbiaco (Lake Dobbiaco / Toblacher See) will find a large, paid parking lot at the coordinates provided (
46.70491, 12.220249). There's a small, hourly fee to park with pay stations located at the parking lot. If you plan to grab a bite to eat at the nearby restaurants, you might want to pay a little bit extra to ensure your ticket covers your entire visit. To get to Lago di Dobbiaco, simply drive down SS51 (Strada Statale 51 di Alemagna)
Universal Access
Visitors should note that the loop trail around Lago di Dobbiaco (Toblacher See) is considered semi universally-accessible. From the parking lot and trailhead, there's a moderate grade that leads down to the lake's shoreline. The eastern side of the lake provides a flat, crushed stone path that features no tripping hazards and should be considered universally-accessible. Eventually the flat crushed gravel path switches to an accessible boardwalk on the south side where the trail leads through a marshland forest. The western side of the trail follows a similar path, but is not as easily accessible as the east side.
Pets
Dogs are allowed only if leashed and must be cleaned up after.
Explore More Stunning Lakes in the Dolomites
No trip to
the Italian Alps is complete without touring the region's most
spectacular turquoise-hued lakes! While each location offers a unique
view of the limestone peaks, they are often just a short drive apart.
Enhance your
Dolomites adventure itinerary by exploring our complete
guides to the best nearby alpine lakes: the world-famous
Lago di Braies, the roadside gem of
Lago di Landro, the majestic
Lago di Misurina, and the serene
Lago d'Antorno.
