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Under Doctor's
Orders:
Molveno Story and photos by Tom Weber
Molveno's a jewel of a locale – actually a pearl, according to the late Antonio Fogazzaro, a 19th century Italian novelist – with the snow-capped peaks above reflecting off the glassy surface of the town's namesake lake, Lago di Molveno, below.
It was here in tiny Molveno that tourism was first introduced into the Trentino, and has attracted many a VIP from international high society, including King Albert I of Belgium who was a frequent guest and enjoyed blending in anonymously with the locals.
Lago di Molveno, formed about three millennia ago, is the second largest natural lake in the Trentino side of Italy's northernmost region, and one of the bluest bodies of water I've ever seen.
During summertime, the lake is used for swimming, sailing, canoeing and windsurfing. And its lush green park, with loads of picnic tables and benches, is the ideal place to relax, bask in the sun, and lay out a checkered tablecloth with all the fixins.
A ski lift, located in the center of town, glides visitors directly to the top of the Mount Pradel Plateau (1,400m), where numerous hiking trails and fixed-rope sentieri (footpaths) begin. Unfortunately, the lift is currently out of commission, but it'll be back in operation for the start of the winter season. So, it looks like I'll be going up the old-fashioned way, on foot, to get a panoramic view of the breathtaking Brenta Dolomites.
Meanwhile, back down at lake level, Molveno proudly waves the bandiera arancione (orange flag) of the Italian Touring Club, symbolic of the town's high quality, environmentally sound tourism. It goes without saying that Molveno's squeaky-clean appearance and tranquil setting are the major draws for this community of just over 1,100 year-round residents.
This being in between the summer and winter tourist seasons, Molveno is now tucked under the covers of a well-deserved hibernation, and that probably explains why my lenses and I pretty much had the lake and the village all to ourselves.
To learn more about the picturesque Trentino area, including Molveno and its lake, visit the Department for Tourism and Promotion's English-language website. Next up on Under Doctor's Orders, a tiny little hamlet tucked quietly away where the llamas roam free and a Marian apparition is linked to its past: Deggia. Related Articles:
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matter the language you speak, Molveno – the camera-ready, picture-postcard
perfect, lakeside village at the foot of the Brenta Dolomites in the
vast Adamello Brenta Nature Park of Italy's Trentino Alto Adige region
– will welcome you, and countless other visitors from around the
globe, with open arms.
