Lago Gelato in all it’s summer glory.
Distance: 11.2 km
Elevation Gain: 449 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Recommended Gear: Sturdy hiking boots, poles for the steeper sections, swimwear (if you're brave!), and plenty of water.
The route for this particular hike that visits six lakes.
Overview
This stunning alpine walk in the Brenta Dolomites is an accessible yet rewarding route that links six picturesque mountain lakes. It offers breathtaking views, varied terrain, and the option of a refreshing dip in the high-altitude waters—if you can brave the cold! The hike is moderate in difficulty, with a few steeper sections and narrow single-track paths, but is generally suitable for most walkers with a reasonable level of fitness.
A panoramic view of the opposite side of the valley from the 5 Lakes gondola.
In summer, the routes on this side of the valley tend to be more popular due to their approachable nature. By contrast, the opposite side of the valley, home to Pietra Grande, is more suited to experienced climbers and via ferrata enthusiasts, with ropes and axes often required. Interestingly, this same side also hosts the renowned night slalom ski race in Madonna di Campiglio each winter—and you'll end this hike by descending some of those very ski slopes into town.
Getting Started
While some ambitious walkers may choose to begin the hike directly from Madonna di Campiglio, we opted for the 5 Laghi gondola to the top station to save time and energy. From here, the trail traverses parallel to the main ridge, offering stunning panoramic views across the Dolomites.
The route leading towards Lago Ritort.
A short 10-minute stroll brings you to your first highlight, Lago Ritort—a scenic, reflective lake nestled within a natural bowl surrounded by alpine peaks.
Lago Ritort.
The Route
From Lago Ritort, the trail climbs steeply via a series of switchbacks to a ridgeline leading towards Lago Lambin. Along this stretch, we spotted adventurous slackliners balancing between two rocky peaks—a dramatic and unexpected sight that made for fantastic photos.
Taking shortcuts to the extreme!
Lago Lambin.
The route from Lago Ritort leading to Lago Lambin.
Reaching Lago Lambin, you'll enjoy more peaceful alpine lake scenery before the trail flattens out. This section hugs the valley wall and gently rises toward the third lake, Lago Serodoli—slightly higher in elevation and significantly larger than the previous two. Several hikers were spotted daring a dip in the icy water, though even in high summer it remains bitterly cold.
The calm waters of Lago Serodoli.
Next up is the highlight for many: Lago Gelato. True to its name, this beautiful high-altitude lake was still partially frozen when we visited in late July, with thick slabs of sheet ice covering much of its surface. It's a truly magical sight, and a perfect spot for a longer break to soak in the views.
Lago Gelato sitting just above Lago Serodoli.
After Lago Gelato, you retrace your steps briefly to a key crossroads. From here, continue into the valley and descend toward the smallest of the six, Lago Nero. This section involves a longer and steeper descent into the heart of the valley, gradually leading you back beneath the tree line.
Reflections in the waters of Lago Nero.
Final Stretch
The final stretch of the hike takes you past waterfalls, wildflower meadows, and expansive valley vistas until you reach the sixth and final lake: Lago di Nambino. Surrounded by towering peaks, this serene spot is more developed than the previous lakes and features a charming mountain refuge with a restaurant—perfect for a drink and a well-earned rest.
Lago di Bambino with Madonna di Compiglio in the distance.
Wildflowers on the route down towards Lago di Nambino.
The hostel on the shore of Lago di Nambino.
To finish, descend the ski slopes back into Madonna di Campiglio, where the gondola station marks the starting point. Before heading off, we strongly recommend visiting Casa del Cioccolato, the town’s excellent ice cream and chocolate shop.
Summary
This hike is a wonderful introduction to the beauty of the Dolomites, ideal for intermediate hikers seeking alpine adventure without the need for technical climbing. The gondola makes it flexible in terms of start and end points, and there are plenty of options to either extend or shorten the route depending on your energy and time.
Lago Ritort as viewed from the switchback up the valley.
The scenery is spectacular, the lakes each have their own unique charm, and the relative lack of exposed sections makes it a more relaxed alternative to some of the region’s more demanding trails.
Stone towers on the route down into the valley.
Top Tips:
Fitness: A moderate level of fitness is recommended.
Poles: Very helpful on steeper switchbacks and descents.
Swimwear: For a daring dip in Lago Serodoli or Lago Gelato.
Camera: The views are some of the best in the Brenta group—don’t forget to capture them!
I you would like to see more of the pictures from the hike check out the Madonna di Campiglio gallery in the explore tab on this website. You can also watch the full video of the hike in the video linked below! I hope this is useful and you can explore and have your own adventures in Northern Italy!