A lake so beautiful, Italians would rather keep it to themselves. Far away from the mass tourism of Lake Garda and Lake Como, you’ll find Lake Iseo: a hidden gem in Northern Italy. It’s still quiet here, authentic, and surprisingly diverse. But honestly… I doubt it’ll stay that way for long.
And that’s exactly why it’s such a great place to visit now. Lake Iseo really has it all: charming little towns, dramatic cliffs that genuinely look like something you’d find in Thailand, lively lakeside villages, and of course, amazing Italian food. On top of that, it’s super central, from here you can easily drive to cities like Bergamo, Brescia, Milan, and Verona.
During our autumn break, we explored Lake Iseo with our kids, and we came home with a list of favorite spots we’d recommend to anyone. From cozy mountain villages to a car-free island right in the middle of the lake: these are the places you don’t want to miss around Lake Iseo, Italy.
Mini guide:
Lake Iseo
Best Time To Visit
May through September for warm weather, swimming, and boat trips, or October for fall colors and fewer crowds
Where To Stay
– Camping Del Sole Village: Lakeside campsite with a swimming pool.
– Hotel Rivalago: A modern hotel right on the lake.
– La Foresta Monteisola: A unique stay on car-free Monte Isola
Before You Go
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Things to Do in and Around Lake Iseo: The 6 Most Beautiful Places
Lake Iseo might be less famous than Lake Garda or Lake Como, but that’s exactly what makes it such a great place to explore. That’s why we spent a week traveling around the lake and tracking down the best spots along the way. In this article, we’re sharing 6 places you really shouldn’t miss, from a car-free island to a hidden panoramic mountain road.
Explore the Beautiful Town of Lovere
Lovere, in the north of Lake Iseo, often gets mentioned as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, and honestly… we get why. This cozy lakeside town has a charming harbor and a lively main square: Piazza 13 Martiri, with a big fountain and colorful houses all around.
From the square, you can wander through narrow streets that slowly climb uphill. You’ll find pretty little corners, cute viewpoints between the buildings, and small squares, especially around Torre Civica, a 28-meter-high tower.
The lakeside promenade is also worth it. We walked here on a sunny morning and enjoyed the view of the water with the mountains in the background. End your walk with a coffee or gelato at one of the terraces on the main square.
How to get to Lovere?
Lovere is located on the northern side of Lake Iseo, about a 10-minute drive from Sovere. You can park along the promenade or near the historic center, for example at Piazzale Aldo Moro.
Visit Monte Isola, the Largest Island in a Lake in Europe
Our favorite destination of this trip? Without a doubt the day we visited Monte Isola, the largest lake island in Europe. This island in the middle of Lake Iseo is completely car-free, and you feel that calm vibe the second you arrive.
You can take the ferry from several towns around the lake, we left from Sulzano. Just a heads-up: ferries go to different villages on the island, so make sure you check where you’re getting off. We went to Peschiera Maraglio, and that turned out to be the perfect choice.
This village has everything you want in a classic Italian lakeside town: narrow streets, colorful houses, fishing boats, and cozy terraces right by the water. We even saw fishermen pulling in their nets, mostly full of sardines, which are a local specialty. We grabbed a plate of pasta with a view of the lake, while the kids played on the pier. So photogenic, it almost feels unreal.
You can also hike up to the top of Monte Isola, that’s still on our list for next time. Our youngest was only two, so it wasn’t ideal this time, but we’re definitely coming back for it.
How to get to Monte Isola?
The easiest option is taking the ferry from Sulzano or Sale Marasino. The ride takes about 10 minutes and costs just a few euros per person. There are also ferries from Iseo and Tavernola Bergamasca, but they run less often.
Tips for families:
Peschiera Maraglio is great with kids, and lots of nice spots for lunch.
Take a Day Trip to Bergamo
Less than an hour from Lake Iseo, you’ll find Bergamo, a city many people skip… but it’s honestly such a good day trip. Bergamo is split into two parts: the modern lower city (Città Bassa) and the historic upper city (Città Alta).
You can take the funicular to reach Città Alta, which already feels like an attraction by itself. Up there, you’ll wander through medieval streets, visit beautiful churches, and enjoy views over the city and the mountains. We loved the Natural History Museum with the kids, and climbing the Torre Civica (bell tower) gave us an amazing view.
How to get to Bergamo?
From Sovere, it’s about a 1-hour drive to Bergamo. Park near the funicular or use a parking garage in Città Bassa.
Tip for families:
The funicular ride is already a little adventure for kids, and you’ll find plenty of playgrounds and gelato shops in the city.
➜ Need more Bergamo tips? Read our article about Bergamo with kids.
Drive Around Lake Iseo and Discover Charming Villages
One of the best things to do at Lake Iseo is simply driving around the lake. Take your time, cruise along the shoreline, and stop in villages like Pisogne, Marone, Iseo, and Sarnico, each with their own vibe, small squares, terraces, and gorgeous views.
Our biggest tip? Drive the Strada Panoramica between Castro and Riva di Solto. This road winds high above the lake and offers incredible views: rugged cliffs, green mountains, and deep blue water below you.
Sadly, we couldn’t stop for photos because we had two sleeping kids in the back seat (relatable, right?), but trust us: this is one of those places in Italy that will make your jaw drop.
How to do this route?
You can drive around the lake clockwise or counterclockwise. Just keep in mind that some parts of the road are narrow and winding, especially around Riva di Solto. Take it slow and enjoy the views.
➜ Want to drive this loop without changing accommodations every day? Check out our overview of the best hotels and places to stay around Lake Iseo, organized by town.
Drive the Panoramic Route via Castione della Presolana
Feel like going for a scenic drive for a day? Then the route from Rovetta via Castione della Presolana to Dezzo di Scalve is an absolute must.
The road winds through the mountains and treats you to stunning views, green valleys, and charming little villages along the way. Make a stop in Castione della Presolana, a small ski town that’s also fun to visit outside winter. One of the highlights here is the Pinocchio House, a colorful wooden house completely themed around the famous wooden puppet. Perfect for a quick photo stop, especially if you’re traveling with kids!
Further along the route, in Dezzo di Scalve, the river cuts deep through a gorge. It’s a rugged piece of nature where you’ll want to stop for a moment and take it all in.
How to drive this route?
Start in Rovetta, drive via Castione della Presolana to Dezzo di Scalve, and then head back south via Mazzuno. Plan for a morning or afternoon, and make sure to stop at a few scenic spots along the way.
Stay Overnight in Cozy Sovere
Our home base during this trip was the small mountain village of Sovere, a place where you truly feel like you’re surrounded by locals. Communication? Mostly hands and feet, but the people were so friendly that it honestly made the whole experience even better. Sovere is tiny, but its location is amazing, right in the mountains, with a wild river running straight through the village.
We visited in autumn, which made it extra special. The colors were incredible, you could smell wet leaves everywhere, and the sound of rushing water was always in the background. The kids burned off their energy at Parco del Filatoio and Parco Senatore Silvestri, two small playgrounds in Sovere, and we picked up fresh bread at Bianchi Simone, the local bakery.
Sovere may not be big, but it’s a lovely place to slow down and enjoy nature. And it’s also the perfect starting point to explore the area around Lake Iseo.
How to get to Sovere?
Sovere is located in the province of Bergamo, about a 1 hour and 20 minute drive from Milan. Parking is free everywhere in the village.
➜ Want to stay in Sovere (or right by the lake)? In our separate overview, we share the best hotels and accommodations around Lake Iseo, including our favorites in and around Sovere.
Driving and Renting a Car at Lake Iseo
We traveled with our own car, but if you’re flying into Bergamo or Milan, it’s smart to rent a car. That way you can explore all the beautiful places around Lake Iseo at your own pace.
Tips for driving in the area
- Roads and Narrow Routes
The roads around Lake Iseo are generally in good condition, but keep in mind that some mountain roads can be narrow and winding, especially scenic routes like the one between Castro and Riva di Solto. - Parking
In smaller villages, you can often park for free. In larger towns like Iseo or Bergamo, paid parking is usually the norm. - ZTL-zones
Cities like Bergamo and Brescia have ZTL zones (limited traffic zones). Avoid entering these areas without a permit, fines can be high. - Toll Roads
Italy has lots of toll roads (autostrade). You pay at the toll booths when exiting, using the ticket machines. Most accept credit cards or cash. It’s convenient, but keep in mind there can be waiting times during peak season. For extra ease, you can order an electronic toll tag like Telepass or Telepass Europe. This lets you use the yellow Telepass lanes and drive through without stopping.
Our Tips for Renting a Car Around Lake Iseo in Northern Italy
We personally traveled with our own car, but if you’re flying into Bergamo or Milan, renting a car is the best way to explore this region at a relaxed pace. For most of our trips, we book through DiscoverCars, because we often find the best deals there, and the platform is super easy to use.
You can compare dozens of rental companies at once, filter by car type, automatic transmission, or a child seat, and prices are clear and transparent. Another big plus: DiscoverCars scores well for customer service and often offers flexible cancellation policies.
We recommend booking early in high season, prices go up fast. Check availability on DiscoverCars below and book your rental car in just a few clicks.
➜ Prefer a more well-known name (totally understandable, especially when it comes to car rentals)? Then you can also check out Sunny Cars (great if you want a worry-free rental) or Booking.com Car Rentals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting a Car at Lake Iseo
The Best Hotels and Other Places to Stay Around Lake Iseo
Whether you choose a cozy apartment among the locals or a hotel right on the lake, you’ll find plenty of great places to stay around Lake Iseo. These are our favorites:
Camping Del Sole Village
⭑⭑⭑⭑ 8,7 on Booking.com
Price range: € (budget)
Large campsite right on Lake Iseo, with a swimming pool and plenty of space for kids to play. A great option for families, and a fun base to explore the area during the day and simply roll into your tent or mobile home in the evening.
➜ Check availability
Hotel Rivalago
⭑⭑⭑⭑ 9,2 on Booking.com
Price range: €€€ (higher segment)
Modern lakeside hotel in Sulzano, within walking distance of the ferry to Monte Isola. Perfect if you want a central base and love waking up with a lake view.
➜ Check availability
La Foresta Monteisola
⭑⭑⭑ 8,8 on Booking.com
Price range: €€ (mid-range)
Cozy family-run hotel on Monte Isola, right by the water. You’ll stay on the car-free island, close to the ferry and charming little streets. Ideal if you’re looking for a quiet stay in a great location to explore Monte Isola.
➜ Check availability
More Hotels and Accommodations Around Lake Iseo
Not sure yet where you want to stay at Lake Iseo? We’ve collected our favorite hotels, B&Bs, campsites, and apartments, organized by town (like Sulzano, Lovere, and Iseo).
➜ Check our overview of hotels and accommodations around Lake Iseo.
➜ Prefer to compare options yourself? Browse the best places to stay on Booking.com.
Is Lake Iseo Fun With Kids?
Absolutely! We thought Lake Iseo was an amazing destination to explore with our kids. Wherever you go, there always seems to be a playground, a gelato shop, or a cozy little square where you can take a break. The vibe is relaxed, people are super kind to children, and the food is always a win: pizza, pasta, gelato… what more could you want?
Our Favorite Kid-Friendly Tips at Lake Iseo
- Playgrounds: In almost every village, you’ll find a small playground. In Sovere, our kids enjoyed Parco del Filatoio, and in Sulzano we also found a fun little playground close to the water.
- Monte Isola: Because the island is completely car-free, kids can run around freely. That alone makes it a super relaxed day trip.
- The Ferry to Monte Isola: The boat ride itself is already part of the fun, because let’s be honest: kids never get tired of being on a boat. In high season, you can also rent your own little boat on Lake Iseo, which is a really fun activity with kids. We visited during autumn break, so unfortunately that wasn’t possible for us, but in spring and summer it’s definitely worth it.
- Bergamo: The funicular up to Città Alta is a mini adventure by itself. Once you’re up there, it’s great for wandering around, and there are plenty of playgrounds too. We also really enjoyed the Natural History Museum. And did you know stracciatella gelato was invented here? Of course we had to try it!
- The Promenades in Lovere and Iseo: Perfect for a walk with a stroller, scooter, or balance bike. Along the way, you can easily stop for gelato or lunch by the water.
- The Pinocchio House in Castione della Presolana: A short stop, but fun to check out. Especially younger kids will love seeing this colorful little house.
- Gardaland: Okay, it’s at Lake Garda, but from Lake Iseo you can get there pretty easily. We did a day trip and it was a huge hit. Perfect if you want a bit more action during your vacation!
Best Time to Visit Lake Iseo
We visited in autumn, and the fall colors were absolutely stunning. Just keep in mind that some restaurants and shops may already be closed in this season. If you want to get the most out of your trip, May through September are the best months to visit.
Why Lago d’Iseo Should Be on Your Northern Italy Road Trip List
Peace and quiet, nature, authentic villages, Italian charm, and surprisingly many things to do: Lake Iseo has everything it takes to become the next favorite destination in Northern Italy. Our tips? Right now you can still enjoy it in peace and quiet, before the rest of Europe finds out.
Useful Tips for Your Trip to Lake Iseo
More Italy Inspiration?
Check out our article about Bergamo with kids or our tips for visiting Gardaland!
Renting a car at Lake Iseo
Compare prices on DiscoverCars, Sunny Cars and Booking.com.
Tours and activities in and around Lake Iseo
Want to plan something fun in advance? On GetYourGuide, you’ll find plenty of great activities in and around Lake Iseo, from boat trips to museum tickets.
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