Lake Iseo: An Unsung Gem of Italy

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Even when living in the modern world where fairy tales are shelved in memories and princesses are mere children’s dreams, we are still unconscious on the hunt for castles and knight-in-shining-armors (the latter proves to be harder to be found).

Some fantasy to cure the worry lines of reality isn’t bad after all – only remember to take a few doses. So on that note, here’s a piece of what you need for your holiday vacation – a lake, an island, and a castle.

LOCATION

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Lake Iseo is located in Lombardy, the northern part of Italy. Bergamo is located at its west in Brescia in the southeast, which are both less than 100 kilometers away. Famous spot in the northern part of Italy surrounds Lake Iseo.

The wine country of Franciacorta rolls to its south, while Valle Camonica borders it on the north. The lake is also near the picturesque Lake Endine and a little farther up from the lake is the magnificent Lovere.

CLIMATE

The warmest month in Lake Iseo is in July with maximum average temperature of 27 degrees Celsius. You will get treated with an average of nine hours of sunshine per day during this month. The warm months can start as early as June until August.

From May, the temperature is relatively pleasant with a maximum average of 20 degrees Celsius; however, you will already experience frequent rainfalls during this month. The temperature drops as early as November and even further in January with minimum average of -1.9 degrees Celsius. Rainfalls are also frequent during these months.

TRANSPORTATION

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Bergamo and Berscia are the two nearest towns to Lake Iseo with an airport serving flights from UK. From these towns, you can take a bus or the train. From Brescia, the buses and trains stop at towns near the lake up until Valle Camonico.

This is also the same from Brescia. Trains have an interval of at least an hour.

To get around to the lake, there’s the ferry of course, which is also regular. However, there are few services during winter.

ATTRACTION

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Lake Iseo is considerably one of the lesser known of the Lombard lakes, but it does not mean it isn’t just as beautiful. The lake has two islands. Monte Isola, also known as Montisola, is the largest and major island while the other one is a private-owned islet named Loreto Island Castle. With few ripples from the wind and few dotting ferries, the lake is usually calm with mountains looming over the lake providing contours and shape.

Fishes are abundant here with the warm locals known for fishing net weaving abilities.

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Monte Isola is the major island located at Lake Iseo. It provides the life in this place. Locals in Monte Isola are warm and welcoming. Apart from the hospitable locals, Monte Isola also houses an unfinished 12th century church and other historic lanes.

Daytime walks are also enjoyable with a few challenging roads here and there. Cafes and restaurants also dot the place. The time of the day, which you shouldn’t miss is the twilight.

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The shifting of day to night is always a fascinating sight to see, especially with the lake reflecting the dramatic hues of the sky.

While it is a great time for a photo op, sitting down, absorbing the moment, and have the time to just be there is a simple experience that can easily warm the heart.

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Another great time that will bring a smile to anyone is seeing the town at night. There is always something romantic with the lack of lights and the play of the shadows.

This town, especially located near the water is a great opportunity for anyone to take a breather.

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Another part of Lake Iseo we would like to get a glimpse on the inside is the mysterious castle on the islet of Loreto Island.

Dating back to the 12th century, the islet has served a number of hosts building the place. From a monastery, to settlement, to a lighthouse and finally a castle, this island is the enticing piece of cherry on top of the cake.

http://laurenceourac.com/lake-iseo-an-unsung-gem-of-italy/

Images:
(1.) http://www.amazingplacesonearth.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/LORETO-CASTLE.jpg
(2.) http://www.insightguides.com/docs/images/thickbox/5e64efe7-d7d3-4dee-89b4-e6ebc34fc279.map(1).jpg
(3.) http://www.iseolake.info/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/iseo07.jpg
(4.) http://cdn.in-italia.dk/pi/54/b/54859_b.jpg
(5.) http://ak-hdl.buzzfed.com/static/2013-12/enhanced/webdr01/2/15/enhanced-buzz-wide-31221-1386016399-8.jpg
(6.) http://www.wonderfulexpo2015.com/images/Lake-iseo.jpg
(7.) http://www.italianvillas4sale.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Lake_Iseo_by_night.jpg
(8.) http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3104/2852231727_3de35441b2_b.jpg