Lake Iseo, also known as Sebino from the old Roman name, is the sixth largest Italian lake; but has a first in having the largest lake island in Europe: Montisola. The Lake was formed by the erosion and subsequent withdrawal of an Alpine glacier.

The landscape and natural phenomena are a happy meeting point between North and South. The North contributes a crown of snow-clad mountains, abundant river water, the rain that makes the uplands verdant and the fresh breeze that cools the heat of summer. The South gives the mild climate, brilliant light of the sky and the Mediterranean flora of which the olive is the symbol. The landscape is also marked by the meeting between land and water, a dramatic meeting when the high rocky walls fall sheer into the Lake; a gentle encounter when mountains and hills slope gradually towards the shore.

Man has lived in these places for millennia, often creating a happy marriage betwixt nature and architecture. The Prehistoric era has left the ruins of lake dweller settlements and other remains. The Romans built military garrisons in strategic sites, but also villas in pleasanter spots. The Medieval period was a troubled era and saw barbarian invasions, wars and frequent fratricidal battles. From the middle of the Fifteenth Century the Venetian Republic guaranteed a long period of peace, until the start of the Nineteenth Century. A few decades later Lake Sebino became part of the new united Italy.

There is impressive evidence of the various historical eras: castles and towers, churches and monasteries, villas and palazzos, ancient stone villages and works of art. The centuries of man’s labour can be seen in the terraced slopes of the mountains and in the pastures, olive groves and vineyards. There are also places where nature is safeguarded and remains queen, where rare and elegant species of birds make their nests.

Which is the best way to get to know the Lake Sebino area? Certainly by approaching it from the Lake. All the towns overlook the Lake and communicate with it. The best face of the houses, palazzos, villas, squares and also some of the churches are seen from the water. Getting off the boat is thus like entering the towns through the main gate.

This guide has been worked out for tourists who use a boat. The suggested itineraries leave from the landing stage and allow quick access on foot to the places and architectural structures of most interest. Importance has also been given to indicating areas with public facilities such as bars, restaurants and shops as well as typical and romantic sites.

Abbiamo anche suggerito sinteticamente alcune lunghe passeggiate ed escursioni (alcune molto impegnative). In questo caso è indispensabile raccogliere informazioni dettagliate (ad esempio presso gli uffici turistici) e dotarsi di apposite cartine, spesso reperibili anche presso le sedi municipali.

We have given brief suggestions for some long walks and excursions (some very taxing). In this case it is essential to obtain detailed information, for example from the Tourist Office, and get the correct maps often available from the Town Hall. We hope that this guide will be useful both for those who intend to stay a day or a weekend on Lake Sebino and those who want to have a holiday on this Lake. By forgetting your car for a few days you can visit somewhere every day, enjoy typical dishes, shop, go to the bathing centres and, in the evening, stay in a welcoming hotel.

Anyone who wants a more active holiday can travel by boat to reach the hiking trails on the slopes and surrounding mountains, staying overnight in the camping sites along the shore, farm holiday hotels on the slopes or even in high altitude mountain refuges.