Tuenno: Trails, Nature and Local History

Tuenno lies at the entrance to Val di Tovel in Adamello-Brenta Nature Park. From here, hiking trails lead towards Lago di Tovel; the area’s history includes a prehistoric settlement as well as churches and chapels dating from later centuries. Nearby, the lake also tells the story of a former reddening that once gave it the name “Red Lake.” When planning your stay, you can consider nature, trails and local history as distinct points of interest.

Trails and Scenery around Tuenno

The road to Lago di Tovel begins on the southwest side of Tuenno. It climbs for 11 kilometres through Val di Tovel. Hiking trails from Tuenno also lead towards the lake; the road route and the destinations described for hikes are different points of reference.

The Giro del Lago di Tovel circular trail is mostly flat. A short section crosses rocky steps, with a metal cable to make the passage easier; trail conditions may vary. Another route descends from Malga Tuena to the shore of Lago di Tovel via SAT Trail 309. The stated walking time for this route is one hour. The approach to Malga Tuena is from Tuenno, and access to the route depends on seasonal conditions. The Giro del Lago focuses on the terrain and a short passage, while the SAT trail is distinguished by its one-hour walking time and descent.

The Sentiero delle Glare first passes through a spruce and pine forest, then crosses the scree field known as delle Glare, formed by a major landslide, and ends beside a stream flowing quietly down the valley. Trail conditions here may also vary. For cyclists, the easy “Country” option of the Dolomiti di Brenta Bike route leads from Tuenno towards Cles; trail conditions may also vary.

Natural History at Lago di Tovel

Nearby, on the shores of Lago di Tovel, Casa del Parco Lago Rosso is a visitor centre devoted to the history of the lake’s reddening, which continued until 1964. Its exhibitions cover the algae responsible for the colour, the disappearance of the phenomenon and the wildlife of Val di Tovel. Lago di Tovel was once also called the “Red Lake”: between July and September, an alga turned its water an intense red. This phenomenon has disappeared.

Churches and Chapels in Tuenno

Tuenno originated as a prehistoric settlement. The church of Sant'Orsola has been restored and expanded several times. The most significant expansion took place in 1914, when a new building was added to the old core. On 9 May 1925, Bishop Celestino Endrici consecrated the new church during a pastoral visit. Sant'Orsola is thought to have been mentioned for the first time in an inventory from 1422 that has not survived.

The chapel of S. Emerenziana in Tuenno dates back to the 15th century. Its notable features include wooden altars and a decorative triptych. Along with the history of Sant'Orsola, it offers another historical point of interest, distinct from the hiking trails and natural history of the lake.

Plan Your Visit and Journey

Agritur Leita in Tuenno offers a tour of the farm’s orchards focused on agriculture and food. The Melinda apple is at the heart of the tour. Visit arrangements may change, so check in advance.

For 2026, the visitor regulations provide that when all parking spaces in Val di Tovel are occupied, vehicles will be redirected to the Ex Cofco car park in the centre of Tuenno and a shuttle service will be activated. Check the regulations before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Pampeago, Taio, Paneveggio, Selva Di Levico, Fiavè, Comano Terme, Varena, Prissian

For the broader travel overview: Trentino.