In the frame of Italian sights along with large "stones" like Lake Maggiore, Garda and Como another emerald shines - Lago di Iseo (Italian: Lago d'Iseo).
Fans of the Italian mountains greatly appreciate high-altitude resorts, alluring with white snow caps and extreme types of recreation. However, even the most active tourist will not resist the beauty and crystal clearness of mountain lakes. The Alps, freely spread in the territory of northern Italy, hide in their foothills real jewels for lovers of natural beauty.
Geography
Iseo's sinuous silhouette cozily lurks on the "chest" of the Lombardy Alps, neatly between the cities of Bergamo and Brescia. A deep hollow cut through the rock intricate cerpik even in times of mighty glaciers. The Ollo River (Oglio), rapidly flowing from the cold peaks, filled the natural pool. Modern tourists can only enjoy the bizarre bends of Lake Iseo, which stretches 25 km from north to south, and 5 km from west to east. The total coastal area was 65 kilometers of wonderful Italian nature.
View Lake Iseo (Lago d'Iseo) in a larger map
Unlike the “big” brothers Garda, Como and Maggiore, Lago di Iseo is less distant from sea level, about 185 m. Moreover, the depth of the mountain lake is quite impressive, with a maximum mark of 250 m. The reservoir undoubtedly makes the most striking impression in spring and summer . However, the caring "embrace" of the ridge maintains a mild climate in the Iseo Valley throughout the year. Small resort towns and villages are picturesquely scattered along the shores of the lake.
The steep slopes of the mountains are decorated with green crowns of trees, which are closer to the shore into emerald fields and orchards.
The islands
Monte Isola
On the water surface of Iseo, the island of Monte Isola is especially popular. Most of all, it resembles a dragon's fang sticking out directly from the cool lake waters. Monte Isola peak is 600 meters above the water, which allowed the island to win the title of the highest lake island in all of Europe!
The island is beautifully framed by lush greenery and a whole palette of flowering plants. Due to its unique landscape, Monte Isola fell in love with hang gliders and other active travelers.
Loreto
If you move north from Monte Isola, you can admire a small island called Loreto (Isola di Loreto).
This piece of land is buried in the greenery of tall cypresses and pines. And among the green foliage the walls of a medieval villa coquettishly hide. If you take the path south from Monte Isola, then travelers will see another mini island - San Paolo (Isola di San Paolo). The island received its name in honor of St. Paul, the patron saint located on the firmament of the monastery. Since ancient times, near São Paulo, local residents hunted fish.
What is worth seeing in the vicinity?
In the north of the lake, from the province of Bergamo is a small cozy town Lovere (Lovere). Walking along the small cozy streets of Lovere can lead tourists to the beautiful promenade, the ancient basilica of Santa Maria in Valvendra or to the art gallery of the Tadini Academy. Not to mention the many lovely restaurants and cafes, ready to please visitors with delicious Italian dishes and young wines.
See all options in Lovere
If you move along the shore of the lake in a clockwise direction, you can find many nice places: the cities of Pisogne, Marone, Marone, Sulzano. These communal cities are a great place to relax from the hustle and bustle of large cities. Cute houses in 2, maximum 3 floors harmoniously coexist with the same small historical and cultural monuments. Details of modern architecture and architecture add zest to the squares, streets and promenades.
Also note the city of Iseo (Iseo), formed in the southern part of the lake of the same name. It is run by the province of Brescia and is a kind of transit point for people traveling to Lago di Iseo by rail. The town of Sarnico is very popular with tourists. The municipality is full of Art Nouveau-style villas and is rightfully proud of its art gallery. A great vacation, both for couples and for people accustomed to a versatile holiday. Hiking in the city and the picturesque surroundings can be diluted with outdoor activities and cultural events.
The city of Tavernola Bergamasca (Tavernola Bergamasca) can offer tourists in addition to beautiful views and luxurious relaxation visit - the church of San Pietro. This attraction is famous for its frescoes. In the suburbs is the luxurious mountain park of Parco Corno di Pedore. Another natural attraction, the Valle del Freddo nature reserve, in other words - the Valley of Cold, is located near the commune of Solto Collina.
Lake Iseo is really like a gemstone, each of its faces opens this small corner of Italy from an unexpected direction.
The shores of the reservoir creep affectionately, inviting travelers to relax on the pebble beaches, then suddenly bury themselves on almost sheer cliffs. Hiking, cycling and even horse riding tours allow you to capture the entire lake valley and absorb unforgettable smells and colors. For those for whom adrenaline in the blood is an invariable attribute of a good rest, diving, windsurfing, climbing clubs and hang gliding are specially organized. A special pleasure for tourists of all ages and tastes is water excursions around Lago di Iseo.
How to get to Lake Iseo?
If the traveler has a vehicle at his disposal, then the most favorable points for departure to the gentle waters of Iseo are the cities of Milan and Venice. The driver should go along the A4 highway, heading from Milan to the northeast. Choosing Venice as your starting point, it’s also worth taking the A4 motorway in a northwest direction. You can compare car rental prices from different companies and book the most profitable option on the car search site in Italy.
Rail connects the major cities of the province of Lombardy with the administrative centers of Bergamo and Brescia. From these points there are regular bus services to the shores of Lago di Iseo. The closest railway station to the lake is located in Iseo. You can get to other cities of the lake valley by bus or by water.
An unforgettable experience for you!
