Circular walk starting from Molveno with beautiful views of Lake Molveno

To reach the car park, coming from San Lorenzo, after the main bend in the town of Molveno, turn left and then immediately right. After the second bend, continue up the hill and you will find a car park on the left at the start of the hike.
Coming from Andalo, take the first exit at the roundabout before entering Molveno, then continue along the road until you reach the car park on the right at the start of the hike.

(S/E) To start the hike, take the small path that climbs northwards, to the right of the concrete path. Then join the concrete path, continue climbing and you will reach the junction.

(1) Turn left onto the small path that winds through the forest and head towards the Casina Bruniol restaurant.

(2) Ignore the access track to the restaurant, turn left just before it and continue along the uphill path until you reach an artificial reservoir.

(3) Go round it on the left and, when you reach a small clearing, follow the forest track, ignoring the turn-off to the car park on the right. You’ll soon reach the next junction.

(4) Take the concrete path that climbs to the left and reach the start of a path on the left about 150 m further on.

(5) Cross the short stretch of grass and join the “Sentiero Sciury” educational trail about squirrels. Once on the trail, continue uphill until you reach the chairlift station.

(6) Go round the bottom of the chairlift, then take the path that climbs up behind it, to the right. The route winds its way between the mountain pastures, the downhill mountain bike track and the chairlift. At the paragliding launch site, you can stop to enjoy the lovely view of the lake. Head to the Montanara Refuge.

(7) The climb is over; all that remains is the descent through the valley. Continue along the path until you reach a junction. Turn left and begin the descent.

(8) At the junction, turn left, and shortly afterwards you’ll reach the cave. Proceed with caution, as the path is a bit dangerous. Continue to the next junction.

(9) Continue to the left; the path offers some lovely views of the mountains on the other side of the valley, and you’ll reach a fork.

(10) Head down the path on the right and enjoy lovely views of the lake. Continue along a track until you reach a concrete path.

(11) Turn right and you’ll soon reach the car park (S/E).

Alternatives:
(4) You can continue along the concrete path to the Montanara Refuge to reach it more quickly, but this is less interesting.

(9) At this junction, you can, if you wish, take the path on the right for about 500 m, as it is quite scenic (not taken due to a storm).

You can find shelter and/or have a meal at the various restaurants and refuges mentioned in the description, as well as at the chairlift departure point at (6), where there is a restaurant.

No special equipment is required, apart from good walking boots, particularly in wet weather.

However, it is not advisable to undertake the hike in stormy weather or heavy rain, particularly between (7) and (10), where the terrain is prone to rockfalls.

If the weather is fine, I recommend heading to Molveno, either on foot from the car park or by driving down and parking further down the road, and going for a swim in the lake, or at least visiting the beach as the scenery there is magnificent. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars where you can enjoy a meal.