Exploring lake iseo
Why Lake Iseo?
The region has all the glamour we’ve come to expect from the Lombardy Lakes but with all the outdoor activities of an alpine resort. In Lake Iseo you can hike, ski, cycle, kayak, canoe, sail, fish, swim and a whole lot more.
This enchanting setting has a spell to capture the mind and provides the most romantic backdrop for any special occasion or breakaway from the every day.
We invite you to book your stay and below we offer some additional information we hope will be useful.
Relaxation
Lake Iseo is situated in Northern Italy, within the Lombardy region. The Lake is as beautiful as its more famous cousins Lake Garda and Lake Como but is less populated by tourism even in Summer, allowing you to take in the lake and its surroundings, without the crowds.
The Perfect Base
Given its proximity though, exploring any of the Italian lakes, Garda, Como, Maggiore, Orta or Endine are all achievable using Iseo as a base.
Lake Iseo is also perfectly placed to explore the romance of Verona (birthplace of Romeo and Juliet), the medieval city of Bergamo or the grandeur and luxury of Milan. Panorama house is also only 93km from the famous Monza race circuit for those looking to attend any motorsport events whilst enjoying the beauty of the Italian lakes. Alternatively, a stunning 110km drive to Tirano train station allows you to take the Bernina Express train to St. Moritz, Switzerland. The train journey is truly spectacular and allows onward exploration of the Swiss Alps.
Whilst rail is a great way to travel the region, we personally recommend hiring a car as it allows you to stop and explore at your own pace and convenience. Car hire in Italy is also very reasonably priced.
The lovely little villages that surround the lake are extremely tranquil and amicable, and visitors will disconnect completely, surrounded by a beautiful landscape.
Culture
When it comes to culture, there is all manner of incredible places to visit. The lake is peppered with churches, castles, sanctuaries and museums that are open to the public. Lake Iseo is also home to 38 different historic buildings and eight archaeological sites. There’s also 16 cultural trails that take you on a scenic journey through charming towns and villages.
Also on the shore of Lake Iseo is the Franciacorta wine region where they make Franciacorta wine, the Italian Champagne.
By Boat
A great way to explore Lake Iseo is by boat. Either by hiring your own for around £135 per day (no license required) or for the ultimate glamourous Italian lake experience, hire a gorgeous wooden Riva boat, for a tour of Lake Iseo. This allows you to explore the islands of Lake Iseo; Monte Isola, Loreto isle and San Paolo isle. The history of the lake and the people who live here is intriguing and peeping into the private island owned by the Beretta family and hearing the tales of their epic entertaining is a fascinating glimpse into how the other half lives.
Alternatively, why not take a chartered ferry crossing to your desired location. The below link is an excellent up to date tool for planning your excursions and knowing the timetable and fares in advance: https://navigazionelagoiseo.it/en/scheduled-services
Monte Isola
A trip to Monte Isola is a must, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. It is also the largest lake island in Europe, seen from the terrace of Panorama House. A short trip by ferry from Sulzano across to the island, where you are greeted by many lakeside bars, cafés and restaurants. The walk up to the monastery, the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Ceriola is worthwhile for the 360° views alone though a bus can take you halfway for those less mobile or with less time. The public buses are the only mode of transport with cars banned from the island. The Island is home to around 1,800 people throughout 11 different villages.
By Rail
Another way to explore the beauty of Lake Iseo is to take a ride on one of the heritage railways which, although they only run on a handful of days each year, make for a unique way to get around the lake, soundtracked by the soft chugging of the steam engine. Visit the page below to see if you're lucky enough to have a train running during your visit: www.ferrovieturistiche.it
If trains, culture, spectacular views and dining tickles your fancy, we fully recommend a trip on Trenodeisapori (translates as Taste Train) which again can be booked below. The trip is booked up early, so we’d advise to book early, to take in the views of the lake whilst stopping at varying points of interest. The time on board is complimented by food and drink to provide that authentic cultural experience:
For Those More Active
Bike tours and walks of the lake are also very popular with 65km of dedicated road for cycle and walking enthusiasts of all abilities, to explore the beauty of Lake Iseo whilst partaking in their favourite hobby. The Vello-Toline or Lovere-Zorino paths are two of the most popular.
Places Of Interest
For a chilled morning or afternoon by the waters edge, with an opportunity to shop the shops and boutiques before a light lunch or drink to take in the views, we recommend Lovere in the North part of Iseo.
Staying in the North, Pisogne (pictured) is a pretty commune on the north side of Lake Iseo. The green mountains and ancient buildings make a postcard-like image above the water’s edge.
Iseo town is one of the livelier towns on the lake and to which the lake takes its name. Enjoy walking around the charming cobblestone streets and squares. Have a look around the many churches filled with incredible artworks and frescos that are hundreds of years old. A walk along the promenade in Iseo is also a wonderful way to spend some time and enjoy the lake views. As there are a lot of Italian holidaymakers here, the cafes and restaurants have a great selection of regional dishes and wines at reasonable prices, providing an authentic experience, to taste a real slice of Italian life and culture.
Changing Of The Seasons
The benefit of nature's beauty is often shown through the seasons. In the spring, summer and early autumn the water is warm enough for long swims and to cool off from the sun. La Spiaggetta ‘the little beach’, is a grassy area and an idyllic spot for a relaxing dip. Whilst of course the summertime offers the warmer months and the shine from the glistening water, the spring and autumn are comfortable and can be more picturesque if the changing of the seasons takes your fancy. October, a quieter season for sure, but one of the most stunning in terms of scenery. Surrounded by dense woodlands and soaring peaks the autumn foliage offers a tremulous arrangement of fiery reds and shimmering golds. The whole region basked in a golden-hued autumnal light and put on an outrageous display of nature. Prepare for an extravaganza of colour and leaf-peeping opportunities. As you can imagine, the setting is incredibly romantic. It is a wonderful place for a romantic break.
The Authentic Taste Experience
Lake Iseo is a nature-lovers paradise and an ideal destination for those who like to embrace the great outdoors whilst surrounded by colourful scenery. It is a destination where you can be as wild or mild as you like with lots of water activities, cultural and heritage hotspots, romantic restaurants and unique experiences. It is also located in the East Lombardy gastronomy region so is a great place for those who want an authentic taste of Italy and to experience local cuisine.