Misurina lake circular route

This pleasant walk in the province of Belluno leads almost flat around the Misurina lake, also called the "Pearl of Cadore" because of its clear waters and picturesque scenery. Framed by imposing peaks of the Belluno Dolomites such as the world-famous Three Peaks, the graceful Monte Cristallo and the pointed Sorapis, this glacial lake at 1,756 meters above sea level is a popular destination for excursions.

Route description around Misurina lake

The starting point is one of the car parks on the western or northern shore of Misurina lake, around which an almost flat lakeside promenade has been laid out. Along the rather wide path, various restaurants and benches invite you to enjoy and linger. You can also rent a pedal boat and enjoy the picturesque scenery on the lake.

Things to know about the Misurina lake

The lake, which is up to five meters deep, and its surroundings are also known for their mild, beneficial climate, which alleviates respiratory diseases. For this reason, a treatment center for children suffering from asthma can be found here.

The fabulous formation of the Misurina lake

There is a touching legend about the origin of this picturesque glacial lake: once upon a time, the spoiled daughter of king Sorapis, Misurina, saw a fairy on monte Cristallo who was in possession of a magic mirror. When she learned that this mirror could read the thoughts of other people, she immediately claimed it for herself.

King Sorapis tried in vain to talk his daughter out of this wish. At last he accompanied her to monte Cristallo, but the fairy could not be persuaded to surrender her mirror either by his entreaties or by promises of any kind.

Finally she made a cruel condition to the king: she would hand over the mirror to him if he would transform himself into a towering mountain that would cast high shadows on her flower garden and thus protect it from the glaring sunlight.

Sorapis immediately did as he was told. But as he gradually turned to stone, the deeply dismayed Misurina staggered and fell into the valley. When Sorapis saw her lifeless body, he fell into a deep sorrow. Countless tears ran down his cheeks, fell into the valleuy and formed a lake there: the Misurina lake.

Infos Misurina lake circular route

• Duration:01:00 h
• Length:2.7 km
• Height gain:25 m

• Min. elevation:1742 m
• Max. elevation:1756 m