Lake Idro, Lombardy, Italy

Also known as:  Lago d'Idro, Eridio

Set against the backdrop of medieval villages, sailboats glide across the surface of 2,768-acre Lake Idro. No engines over 10HP are allowed on the beautiful northern Italian lake in the Lombardy region. The absence of large motor boats makes it a favorite with sailors and windsurfers as well as swimmers and anglers who come to the lake for its fantastic trout fishing. The deep blue water, forested…
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    • All About Lake Idro, Italy

    Lake Locations: Italy - Lombardy Region, Italy -

    Set against the backdrop of medieval villages, sailboats glide across the surface of 2,768-acre Lake Idro. No engines over 10HP are allowed on the beautiful northern Italian lake in the Lombardy region. The absence of large motor boats makes it a favorite with sailors and windsurfers as well as swimmers and anglers who come to the lake for its fantastic trout fishing. The deep blue water, forested mountains and rich history of the surrounding villages combine to make Lake Idro a popular tourist destination for Italians and the rest of the world. It is far enough out of the way, however, to maintain its quiet and the charm of its small villages.

    Lake Idro or Lago d’Idro as it is known in Italian (Eridio from Latin) is a glacial lake in the Provinces of Brescia and Trento. It is almost seven miles long and just over a mile wide with a maximum depth of 400 feet. The River Chiese makes up both the primary inflow and outflow of the lake. In 1932 the lake was made into a reservoir for irrigation and the generation of hydroelectric power. Increasing demands on the lake along with the development along its 15 mile long shore have contributed to its eutrophication (excess nutrients in the water).

    Lago d’Idro is surrounded by countryside and mountains, with some trails for hiking and climbing nearby. Most of the lake’s shore, however, is developed with four villages ringing the lake. Bagolino, Bondone, and the Village of Idro all have charming architecture from the Middle Ages. Holiday villas and vacation rentals are tucked in among the historic buildings and along the lake’s shore. The Village of Anfo has a parish church built during the 15th and 16th century, and the Rocca d’Anfo Castle is a favorite with visitors. The fortified castle displays architectural styles ranging from 15th century Venetian to 18th century French.

    The area around Lake Idro has any amenity a visitor might need, and the lake is an hour and a half from Verona and just two and a half hours from Venice by car. The Brenta Dolomites, the site of the World Ski Championships, are about 37 miles from Lago d’Idro, making winter sports very accessible. Lago d’Idro is between Lago d’Iseo and Lago Garda. At 91,429 acres Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy, and it is only 19 miles from Lake Idro. Lake Iseo holds Monte Isola, the largest island in any lake in Europe. Vehicles aren’t allowed on the island, so it is the perfect place to explore on foot or by bicycle and a great day trip from Lago d’Idro.

    With its beautiful deep blue water unmarred by large motor boats and its charming villages waiting to be explored, Lake Idro calls visitors from around the world. Its proximity to cities such as Verona and Venice make it accessible and a great day trip or “home base” for a northern Italian getaway. Tucked away in the Lombardy region of Italy nestled against the base of the Alps, however, it is still a quiet destination perfect for refreshing any weary traveler.

    Things to Do at Lake Idro

    These are some activities in the Lake Idro, Italy area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Sailing
    • Swimming
    • Hiking
    • Biking

    What Kind of Fish Are in Lake Idro?

    Lake Idro has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Trout
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    Find Places to Stay at Lake Idro

    If you’re considering a Lake Idro lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

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    More Sites to Book a Lake Idro Vacation

    Our interactive Lake Idro lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Lake Idro Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Dammed

    Surface Area: 2,768 acres

    Shoreline Length: 15 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 1,207 feet

    Minimum Elevation (Min Pond): 0 feet

    Maximum Elevation (Max Pond): 1,214 feet

    Maximum Depth: 400 feet

    Water Volume: 27,159 acre-feet

    Completion Year: 1932

    Drainage Area: 238 sq. miles

    Lake Idro Map

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