Lake Nembia

Between San Lorenzo in Banale and the Lake Molveno, in western Trentino, Lake Nembia occupies a small basin at about 800m above sea level at the foot of the Brenta DolomitesSan Lorenzo in Banale is the historic village of the municipality of San Lorenzo Dorsino, while Molveno is located a little further north, on the shores of the lake of the same name. Nembia lies between the two, within the Adamello Brenta Natural Park, but close enough to the road to be accessible even for a visit of a few hours.

The lake occupies a space about 400 meters long and 120 meters wide, nestled between woods, meadows, and a rocky wall rising near one of the banks. The shores lack a village and lack the amenities of Molveno's equipped beaches: the visit revolves around the nature trail, shaded breaks, and the clarity of the water, where it's often possible to observe fish. At Lake Nembia you can take a short walk, spend an afternoon with the children or start a longer journey; time and equipment vary greatly from program to program.

The tour of Lake Nembia

The simplest route follows the nature reserve around the lake and in the woods immediately nearby. Nembia educational circuit measure about 3 km and requires an hour and a half of easy walking, including stops in front of the panels; those who limit themselves to the banks can spend much less time, but miss out on the part that tells the story of the vegetation, the animals, and the transformation of the territory.

The trail is flat and alternates proximity to the water with short passages through the trees. Along the way, there are fourteen panels dedicated to the naturalistic and historical-cultural aspects of the oasis, as well as benches and viewpoints from which to observe the lake.

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After the trail, it's worth stopping on the grass or near the water, without reducing the lake to a hastily completed lap. A picnic blanket, something to drink, and a light jacket can make the stop more comfortable, keeping in mind that the equipped areas and services near the lake are open seasonally.

The history of the lake

The Nembia basin has a natural origin, because after the last glaciation, a landslide dammed the valley and prevented the water from flowing out, creating a small basin also fed underground by Lake Molveno, located 68 meters higher and just over a kilometer away. This relationship between the two lakes is not obvious when viewed from the shore, but it explains an important part of the landscape's history.

Beginning in 1952, work on the Sarca River hydroelectric system altered the water balance: the spring connected to Molveno was tapped, and the original lake dried up completely. For years, the depression was overgrown with grass and bushes, next to a dam built in anticipation of a rising level of Lake Molveno, which never materialized.

When the electricity company ENEL began environmental restoration in 1995, the dam was demolished, the basin floor was excavated and compacted, and a new artificial tributary was built to ensure water supply. The banks were subsequently renaturalized, and an agreement between ENEL and the WWF, the international organization committed to nature conservation, led to the creation of the oasis. The lake visible today still occupies the basin formed after the last glaciation, but the water and the banks are also the result of an environmental reconstruction., a story that the panels make understandable as you walk.

Lake Nembia with children

The flat trail, the compact size of the lake, and the option of alternating between walking and hiking make Nembia a perfect spot for a family day out. The less than 3 km route is marked as stroller-friendly; however, it's a good idea to choose a stroller suitable for natural surfaces and check the conditions after rain, as a simple trail isn't the same as a smooth, paved surface.

The panels help children see what they might otherwise miss: fish visible in the water, various trees, birds, and traces of human presence. Walkways and observation points bring them closer to the lake without requiring a long walk, while green areas allow them to stop when the little ones need a break. You don't need to complete the entire circuit to make the visit worthwhile.: with very small children you can choose only the part near the water and leave the stretch in the woods for another occasion.

Can you swim?

The clear water invites you to get closer, and during the summer you can sometimes see people entering the lake, but this is not enough to consider Nembia an Alpine beach. Bathing is not officially equipped or supervised and is not recommended for safety reasons.; any services present on a single day should not be interpreted as a guarantee valid for the entire season.

Those looking for a day spent swimming, with spaces and amenities more similar to those of a lido, will find a different setting on the shores of Lake Molveno. In Nembia, it's wiser to focus on a walk, a picnic, and watching the water, and avoid promising children a swim before checking the conditions and the local guidelines.

Fishing in Lake Nembia

Nembia is a well-known reserve for rainbow trout and brown trout, with water that remains ice-free even during the winter. Fishing is not free, however: reservations and a special permit are required. Entry is limited to a maximum of fifteen anglers per day, and the following rules apply: no-kill, so the fish must be released following precise rules.

At the time of inspection, the daily permit costs 35 euros, but permitted techniques, hooks, availability and points of sale may change; before organising the day, it is therefore necessary to consult the page of theAlto Sarca Fishermen's Association dedicated to the Nembia reserveThe clarity also allows non-fishermen to observe the fish from the shore, without interfering with the stations and activities of those who have booked.

The Nembia cliff

Near the lake there is a grey limestone wall equipped for sport climbing, where the ten routes reach about 20 metres and have difficulties ranging from 6b to 7c. It is not a wall designed for trying to climb alone or for beginners without experience., but a crag aimed at those who have adequate technique, equipment and skills.

The wall faces east, so the recommended times are spring, autumn, and summer afternoons. Access, route status, and conditions should be checked before setting off on the climbing page. Italia.it dedicated to the cliffs of Lake NembiaThe children's area mentioned in the guides is located in the Parco degli Scoiattoli in San Lorenzo in Banale and does not coincide with this cliff.

On foot towards Lake Molveno

From Lake Nembia you can continue into the woods and reach the southern part of Lake Molveno, but this is not a short addition to the educational circuit.loop from Nembia to Lake Molveno proposed by Komoot measure 11,3 km, takes approximately 3 hours and 6 minutes and has 180m of altitude difference; the data sheet classifies it as moderate and indicates easily passable paths, with an overall effort that still requires good training.

Before setting out, it's important to open the updated trail, check the weather forecast, and consider the time spent on the shores of Molveno, which can significantly lengthen the day. Hiking shoes, water, and a waterproof jacket are useful even if the altitude isn't high. The oasis circuit and this loop share the same starting point, but They do not share duration, distance or required preparation.

How to Get There

By public transport there is a stop called Lake Nembia Along the routes connecting Molveno with San Lorenzo Dorsino and Ponte Arche, the transportation hub near Comano Terme. Routes change throughout the year: on the Trentino Trasporti interurban timetable portal, it's best to find your stop and check your outbound journey, any connections, and return journeys, without relying solely on a previous season's timetable.

By car, take the SS421, the road connecting Molveno to San Lorenzo Dorsino, and follow the signs for the lake in the town of Nembia. Parking areas are located a short distance from the lake, but rates and availability have changed over time and should be checked on the signs. It's especially important to park in designated spaces because the lake, the restaurant, the Garnì Lago Nembia (a small bed and breakfast hotel), and the trailheads share a fairly small area.

When to go

From late spring to early autumn, the terrain is generally more suitable for walking; the forest offers shade and the banks invite you to linger. In summer, the central hours can be busy, especially when Molveno and the Paganella plateau also attract many visitors; arriving in the morning allows more time for the tour and allows for softer light on the water.

Autumn changes the color of the forest and makes Nembia interesting even without planning a full day. In winter, snow, ice, and cold can alter the terrain and access. During this time of year, it's important to assess actual conditions, rather than relying on the summer route description.

What to see in the surroundings

Lake Molveno is located immediately to the north and offers a more expansive landscape, beaches, water activities, and the town nestled on its northern shore. Both lakes can be visited in the same day if you limit yourself to the shores and the short circuit; the 11,3 km loop or a longer stop in Molveno, however, requires a program built around these activities.

Going south you reach San Lorenzo in Banale, a village made up of ancient hamlets with stone houses and access to the Ambiez Valley, a side valley that enters the southern sector of the Brenta Dolomites. Further away, Comano Terme allows you to combine the mountains with a spa day, while Andalo It is located on the plateau above Molveno and offers facilities, walks and services suitable for a family holiday.

Where to sleep

The position of Nembia, between the large lake of Molveno and the villages of the San Lorenzo Dorsino area, allows you to choose bases with very different services and rhythms: Molveno It is the most complete solution for those who want to experience the large lake, have restaurants and services within easy reach of the town, and dedicate half a day to Nembia or the beginning of a walking itinerary.

Sleep at San Lorenzo Dorsino It allows you to stay on the southern side of the lake, in a more secluded area. It's a perfect choice for those seeking a quiet holiday between the village, Comano, and the access points to the Brenta Dolomites, with Nembia close enough to return even at off-peak hours.

Andalo It offers the widest choice of family-friendly accommodations and activities on the Paganella plateau, but requires descending beyond Molveno to reach Nembia. Comano Terme, on the other hand, is a suitable base for those who want to combine hiking, villages, and wellness, reaching the lake from the Ponte Arche and San Lorenzo Dorsino sides.