Our history

Navigating with us for over 100 years

Navigating Lake Iseo is a tradition which dates back to 1841, when the first steamship, the Arciduca Leopoldo, was launched by Società Loverese del Battello a Vapore sul Lago Sebino.

Since then, the navigation service developed alongside the territory through different ages and transformations: the steamship Sebino went into service in 1854, steam power was replaced by Diesel engines in 1929, and Impresa Sebina di Navigazione was founded in 1932.

During the dramatic chapter of World War II, the motorship Iseo was strafed on 5th November 1944, leaving 37 dead and 70 wounded.

After the war, the navigation service started again, and in 1975, the Region authorized Gestione Governativa Laghi to run the service, ensuring continuity and growth. The Operating Offices are located in Costa Volpino since 1986 up to the present day.

NLI today

Navigazione Lago d’Iseo Srl came into life in 2003, and nowadays, it runs the public transport service on the lake and offers unique tourism experiences.

The shipyard on Lake Iseo

Through the inauguration of the new shipyard in 2010 and the acquisition of modern ships, the current fleet consists of 16 units of different dimensions, with a minimum capacity of 70 passengers and a maximum capacity of 430 passengers.

A modern and “green” fleet

The fleet includes some “new entries”. The motorship Predore, operating since 2024, is the first diesel-electric powered ship to sail the waters of Lake Iseo; the catamarans Sarnico and Sale Marasino II, the latest ships acquired in 2025, are fully electric and high-tech, in order to continue the green project of Lake Iseo and the company.

EXPLORE THE FLEET

The people behind every trip

Navigazione Lago d’Iseo employs about fifty people among ground staff and on-board staff; during summer, the number of employees grows to around sixty.

Across Lake Iseo by ferry

Navigating Lake Sebino allows to discover a unique landscape: amongst the hills of Franciacorta and the mountains of Valle Camonica, with Monte Isola, the largest lake island in Europe, in the middle.

Discover Monte Isola

Our ferries connect the most interesting places and may provide panoramic tours which are ideal for who wishes to experience the lake in total relaxation.

We commit to provide punctuality, comfort and safety while promoting an area rich in history, nature and traditions.

The villages