Lake Misurina
Lake Alpine lake in the Dolomites near Cortina
Lake Misurina lies above Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Dolomites; visitors come for alpine walks, winter skating and close views of surrounding limestone peaks and nearby ski facilities.
Lake Misurina is an alpine lake in the Dolomites of Veneto, Italy, located within the municipality of Auronzo di Cadore at an elevation of about 1,754 metres above sea level. It is a small glacial lake that functions as a local mountain tourist spot.
The shoreline includes a small lakeside settlement with hotels and a promenade; the setting provides direct views of surrounding Dolomite peaks and hiking access to nearby trails. In warmer months it is used for short walks and boating; in winter the surface commonly freezes and is used for ice activities.
The lake is of glacial origin; local tourism infrastructure expanded in the late 19th and 20th centuries as the Dolomites became a destination for mountain visitors. Recreational use and small-scale hospitality development have remained the primary human uses.
Lake Misurina sits in the Cadore area of the Dolomites in northeastern Italy, within Veneto. It lies in a mountainous landscape of steep limestone peaks and alpine valleys and is the nearest notable lake to the towns and resorts of the Cortina/Auronzo area.
- Elevation: Sits at high altitude in the Dolomites and is often frozen in winter, providing opportunities for skating and winter walks.
- Visitor facilities: There is a small lakeside settlement with visitor facilities including hotels and a lakeside promenade.
How to Get to Lake Misurina #
Lake Misurina (Veneto) is on the SR/SS48 (Strada delle Dolomiti) a short drive east of Cortina d’Ampezzo. By car take the SS48 from Cortina toward Auronzo di Cadore - the drive to Misurina is roughly 20-30 minutes and there is roadside parking close to the lake.
Public transport: seasonal DolomitiBus services run from Cortina d’Ampezzo to Misurina (check timetables in summer/winter). The bus stop in Misurina is a very short walk (2-5 minutes) from the lakeshore.
Tips for Visiting Lake Misurina #
- Aim for sunrise or late afternoon for the best mirror-like reflections of the surrounding Dolomites and to avoid the bulk of day-trip coach traffic.
- Use the small public car park in the village of Misurina (just off the main SR road) and then walk the lakeshore path-most visitors stay around the hotel plaza while quieter viewpoints are a short stroll away on the western/northern shore.
- If you want the classic view of Sorapiss reflected in the water, follow the short lakeside walks on the southern end rather than staying on the roadside promenade; photographers often miss these lower viewpoints.
Best Time to Visit Lake Misurina #
Late spring through early autumn is best for hiking and boating, while winter offers snowy scenery and winter activities.
Weather & Climate near Lake Misurina #
Lake Misurina's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -8°C to 16°C. Abundant rainfall (1133 mm/year), wettest in July.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -2°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (139 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (155 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (145 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
