Dolomiti: Lago di Misurina

With the crowds around Rifugio Lavaredo growing in leaps and bounds, it was time for us to leave. Retracing our steps, we felt like salmon swimming upstream as we hiked back to Rifugio Auronzo.

We were on the 11:30a bus back down to the parking lot. We debated leaving the car where it was and walking to one of the restaurants overlooking Lake Misurina. After a brief discussion, however, we decided to drive the short distance, find a place for lunch, and then walk the trail that circumnavigates the lake afterwards.

Lake Misurina — referred to as the Pearl of the Dolomites — is the largest natural lake of the Cadore … a historical region of the Province of Belluno. Sitting at 5,755 feet (1,754m) above sea level, not only is it quite scenic, but also affords comfortable temps. If there is a residential neighborhood, we did not see it. Instead, we found several hotels and restaurants along one side of the lakeshore, and a lovely forest on the other side.

We expected that Lake Misurina would be very crowded, but it was rather quiet when we arrived. Finding a table with a lake view at Quinz Locanda al Lago turned out to be quite easy. We enjoyed cold beverages and a light meal … entertained by ducks and other waterfowl swimming about, and a couple of pedal boats moving lazily on the water.

After lunch, we headed off to walk around the lake … a 1.7-mile easy loop that returned us to the car. Along the way, we considered taking the Col de Varda Chairlift to see the lake from a higher vantage point. But the wind was picking up and swinging about on a chairlift didn’t seem like a good idea.

Besides, the crowds were increasing … tour buses dropping off people as they vied for parking spots. Time to leave and head back to our tranquil village.Read more