Wes Anderson’s films are immediately recognisable by their distinct visual aesthetic that usually makes use of symmetry, pastel shades, retro elements, and impossibly quaint and scenic settings. Due to the immense popularity of his films and just how specific the look of them is, many people have come to see all sorts of real-life places as Wes Anderson-esque. One example that we have stumbled across recently is Lake Misurina that is a must-see for those considering a vacation rental in Veneto. Looking rather reminiscent of setting of the titular hotel from his movie, The Grand Budapest Hotel, the view across this alpine lake takes in the symmetrical and dollhouse-like Istituto Pio XII. Though this building is actually a healthcare centre specialising in the care of children and not actually a hotel, it is one more element that makes this already scenic and lovely lake a must-see.
Known as the, “Pearl of the Dolomites”, Lake Misurina is the largest natural lake in the Cadore district and is located in Misurina, in the hamlet of Auronzo di Cadore. A truly picturesque part of the world, it is a spot steeped in local legend and boasts a long list of activities and outdoor pursuits, making it an ideal place for a scenic and fun day out while on vacation in Veneto. Just one of many utterly lovely corners of this region full of vineyards, pretty towns, historic villas, rolling hills, alpine peaks, and more, there is much to see, discover, and explore for lovers of the Great Outdoors once they find a villa in Veneto.
With the Alps as a backdrop, endlessly blue skies overhead, proud fir trees clustered on the banks, pretty chalets all around, and the lake mirroring the scene and doubling it, Lake Misurina on a clear day is truly a remarkable sight to behold. However, even without these picture-perfect conditions, it is always an utterly breathtaking part of the world that looks like something from a fairytale. It is no wonder, then, that is has long attracted myriad admirers and visitors to take in its grand beauty for themselves. Among these visitors, there have been famous figures such as Queen Margherita, the poet Giosuè Carducci, and the mountaineer Paul Grohmann, who have all been particular fans and who have been drawn to the lake for different reasons and attractions. In fact, one of the most special attractions to Lake Misurina is the peculiar climate conditions that make it an ideal place to relieve asthma and other respiratory conditions, which is exactly why the Pio XII centre was built there. This same unique climate also means that, in winter, it is a snowy winter wonderland with abundant snowfall from November through to April, all without the need for artificial snow, making it a winter sport hotspot. Then, in summer, meanwhile, the days are generally mild and dry, making this picturesque spot even more perfect for heading out on hikes, treks, and other adventures on holiday in Veneto.
Of course, hiking is a major attraction in the area, however, there are great options of routes for everyone and not just the keenest or fittest among us. This is brilliant as it means everyone can get out, get involved, get some fresh air, and take in the stunning views of this alpine region. While there are dense woods and mountains such as Popena, Cristallino, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Sorapis, Cadini, Croda dei Toni, and Marmarole all around that offer different trails for different levels of hikers, all well marked, and with warm mountain refuges along the way, the Misurina di Cadore is a particularly excellent hiking destination as it has something for everyone from absolute beginners to experts. In fact, it is one of just a few winter tourist destinations with such a wide offering and is ideal for anyone interested in hiking who has found a vacation rental in Veneto.
Those with heart conditions, however, may find inclines hard even if relatively fit but there are options for them too, with nice, relaxing footpaths around the lake. This 1km long footpath along the shore allows visitors to take in the beauty of the surroundings and the lake, in particular, from a different but no less lovely perspective, and is ideal for leisurely strolls. Lake Misurina, furthermore, is a brilliant place to go sailing and bird-watching with wild ducks, swallows, and more in the area. In the depths of winter, the lake freezes over and becomes a popular and impossibly scenic and romantic spot for ice-skating and even hosted the speed skating event of the 1956 Olympics, the last place and time it was hosted on natural ice. Those who spot the abundant trout in the lake while it’s not frozen may decide that they want to go angling in such lovely surroundings can head to the nearby Lake Antorno for fishing outings.
Finally, one cannot mention Lake Misurina without pausing to note the two legends connected to this famously beautiful body of water. One story tells of a spiteful girl, Misurina, who lives in the palm of her giant father, King Sorapiss’, hand. A widower, the king attributes her poor behaviour to her lack of a mother and gives her whatever she wants. When she begs for it, he decides to retrieve a magic mirror with the ability to read minds from the Monte Cristallo fairy but the fairy does not want to give it to the spoiled child. However, eventually the fairy gives in and proposes a deal: she will give the mirror to his daughter if he agrees to become a mountain that will shade the flowers in her lovely garden from being withered by the excess sun. Assuming this will dissuade the King, the fairy is surprised when he agrees. Misurina is standing on him as he is transformed and when she looks down from the mountain he is becoming, she loses her balance and falls. Seeing her fall in his last moments, the king’s tears begin to flow like rivers and create a lake, which would become Lake Misurina. Misurina and the mirror are dragged downstream and the fragments and girl went into the lake. The multicoloured reflections given off by the lake are what remains of the two to this day.
In the other tale, Mesurina is the daughter of wealthy Venetian merchants who send her to the mountains as there is a prophecy that she would give away all of their possessions. Then, there is a tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet proportions and she is recognised by her lover as she was dying.
A fairytale beauty, steeped in magical tales and legends, this incredible lake is a scenic must-see for those who find a holiday rental in Veneto and are seeking out the most stunning spots in the region and in Italy.
