{"id":5385,"date":"2025-06-17T23:15:29","date_gmt":"2025-06-17T22:15:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wanderingdutchies.com\/uncategorized\/6-of-the-most-beautiful-places-around-lake-iseo-in-northern-italy\/"},"modified":"2026-01-19T10:33:01","modified_gmt":"2026-01-19T09:33:01","slug":"6-of-the-most-beautiful-places-around-lake-iseo-in-northern-italy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wanderingdutchies.com\/en\/destinations\/europe\/italy\/6-of-the-most-beautiful-places-around-lake-iseo-in-northern-italy\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Best Things to Do at Lake Iseo in Northern Italy (Including Monte Isola)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A lake so beautiful, Italians would rather keep it to themselves.<\/strong> Far away from the mass tourism of Lake Garda and Lake Como, you\u2019ll find Lake Iseo: a hidden gem in Northern Italy. It\u2019s still quiet here, authentic, and surprisingly diverse. But honestly\u2026 I doubt it\u2019ll stay that way for long. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And that\u2019s exactly why it\u2019s such a great place to visit now. Lake Iseo really has it all: charming little towns, dramatic cliffs that genuinely look like something you\u2019d find in Thailand, lively lakeside villages, and of course, amazing Italian food. On top of that, it\u2019s super central, from here you can easily drive to cities like Bergamo<\/strong>, Brescia<\/strong>, Milan<\/strong>, and Verona<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

During our autumn break, we explored Lake Iseo with our kids, and we came home with a list of favorite spots we\u2019d 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\u2019t want to miss around Lake Iseo, Italy<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Mini guide:
Lake Iseo<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Best Time To Visit<\/strong>
May through September for warm weather, swimming, and boat trips, or October for fall colors and fewer crowds<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where To Stay<\/strong>
– Camping Del Sole Village<\/a>: Lakeside campsite with a swimming pool.
– Hotel Rivalago<\/a>: A modern hotel right on the lake.
– La Foresta Monteisola<\/a>: A unique stay on car-free Monte Isola<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before You Go<\/strong>
Want our personal Lake Iseo MyMaps map with all highlights? Follow us on Instagram<\/a> and DM ‘ISEOMAP<\/strong>‘.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Things to Do in and Around Lake Iseo: The 6 Most Beautiful Places<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Lake Iseo might be less famous than Lake Garda or Lake Como, but that\u2019s exactly what makes it such a great place to explore. That\u2019s why we spent a week traveling around the lake and tracking down the best spots along the way. In this article, we\u2019re sharing 6 places you really shouldn\u2019t miss<\/strong>, from a car-free island to a hidden panoramic mountain road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explore the Beautiful Town of Lovere<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lovere<\/strong>, in the north of Lake Iseo, often gets mentioned as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, and honestly\u2026 we get why. This cozy lakeside town has a charming harbor and a lively main square: Piazza 13 Martiri<\/strong>, with a big fountain and colorful houses all around. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the square, you can wander through narrow streets that slowly climb uphill. You\u2019ll find pretty little corners, cute viewpoints between the buildings, and small squares, especially around Torre Civica, a 28-meter-high tower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n

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How to get to Lovere?<\/b><\/p>\n

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<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Visit Monte Isola, the Largest Island in a Lake in Europe<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can take the ferry from several towns around the lake, we left from Sulzano<\/strong>. Just a heads-up: ferries go to different villages on the island, so make sure you check where you\u2019re getting off. We went to Peschiera Maraglio<\/strong>, and that turned out to be the perfect choice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also hike up to the top of Monte Isola, that\u2019s still on our list for next time. Our youngest was only two, so it wasn\u2019t ideal this time, but we\u2019re definitely coming back for it. <\/p>\n\n\n

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How to get to Monte Isola?<\/b><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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Tips for families:<\/b><\/p>\n

Peschiera Maraglio is great with kids, and lots of nice spots for lunch.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Take a Day Trip to Bergamo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Less than an hour from Lake Iseo, you\u2019ll find Bergamo, a city many people skip\u2026 but it\u2019s honestly such a good day trip. Bergamo is split into two parts: the modern lower city (Citt\u00e0 Bassa<\/strong>) and the historic upper city (Citt\u00e0 Alta). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can take the funicular to reach Citt\u00e0 Alta, which already feels like an attraction by itself. Up there, you\u2019ll wander through medieval streets, visit beautiful churches, and enjoy views over the city and the mountains. We loved the Natural History Museum<\/strong> with the kids, and climbing the Torre Civica<\/strong> (bell tower) gave us an amazing view. <\/p>\n\n\n

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How to get to Bergamo?<\/b><\/p>\n

From Sovere, it\u2019s about a 1-hour drive to Bergamo. Park near the funicular or use a parking garage in Citt\u00e0 Bassa.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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Tip for families:<\/b><\/p>\n

The funicular ride is already a little adventure for kids, and you\u2019ll find plenty of playgrounds and gelato shops in the city.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u279c Need more Bergamo tips? Read our article about Bergamo with kids<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Drive Around Lake Iseo and Discover Charming Villages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong>, Marone<\/strong>, Iseo<\/strong>, and Sarnico<\/strong>, each with their own vibe, small squares, terraces, and gorgeous views. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our biggest tip? Drive the Strada Panoramica between Castro and Riva di Solto.<\/strong> This road winds high above the lake and offers incredible views: rugged cliffs, green mountains, and deep blue water below you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sadly, we couldn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n

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How to do this route?<\/b><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u279c 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<\/a>, organized by town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Drive the Panoramic Route via Castione della Presolana<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Feel like going for a scenic drive for a day? Then the route from Rovetta<\/strong> via Castione della Presolana<\/strong> to Dezzo di Scalve<\/strong> is an absolute must. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong>, a small ski town that\u2019s also fun to visit outside winter. One of the highlights here is the Pinocchio House<\/strong>, a colorful wooden house completely themed around the famous wooden puppet. Perfect for a quick photo stop, especially if you\u2019re traveling with kids! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Further along the route, in Dezzo di Scalve<\/strong>, the river cuts deep through a gorge. It\u2019s a rugged piece of nature where you\u2019ll want to stop for a moment and take it all in.<\/p>\n\n\n

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How to drive this route?<\/b><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Stay Overnight in Cozy Sovere<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Our home base during this trip was the small mountain village of Sovere, a place where you truly feel like you\u2019re 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a> and Parco Senatore Silvestri<\/a>, two small playgrounds in Sovere, and we picked up fresh bread at Bianchi Simone<\/a>, the local bakery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sovere may not be big, but it\u2019s a lovely place to slow down and enjoy nature. And it\u2019s also the perfect starting point to explore the area around Lake Iseo. <\/p>\n\n\n

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How to get to Sovere?<\/b><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u279c 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Driving and Renting a Car at Lake Iseo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We traveled with our own car, but if you\u2019re flying into Bergamo or Milan, it\u2019s smart to rent a car. That way you can explore all the beautiful places around Lake Iseo at your own pace. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for driving in the area<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n