The most famous lakes in Italy are in what is sometimes called the Italian Lake District, in the north of the country not far from the Alps. The northern Italian lakes are beautiful and atmospheric, where mountains descend to meet the lakeshore, and stately grand hotels dominate pretty lakeside towns.
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Dam on lake at Passo Fedaia where the scenes from "The Italian Job" were shot.
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To many, the famous northern lakes are the 'Italian Lakes', but in fact these are not the only attractive enclosed expanses of water in the Italian peninsula. Lakes don't come much more dramatic than Lakes Garda and Como, but further south in rather tamer surroundings the independent traveller may find some placid gems.
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Lake Garda, Italy's biggest lake, is long and slim with a southern shore of low, rolling hills, and a contrasting northern end which is surrounded by towering mountains.
Lake Como is more tranquil and wooded than Lake Garda, although here too, you can head easily for more rugged terrain. The lake is a reminder of bygone holiday elegance, with a steamer cruising between resort towns and stately gardens open to the public.
Black Forest
The Black Forest is a wooded mountain range in Baden (southwestern Germany), bordered by the Rhine valley. The name Schwarzwald, i.e. Black Forest, goes back to the Romans who referred to the thickly forested mountains there as Silva Nigra , i.e. "Black Forest," because the dense growth of conifers in the forest blocked out most of the light inside the forest.
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The famous River Danube originates in the Black Forest as the confluence of the Brigach and Breg rivers. Black Forest ham also originated from this region, and so, by name and reputation at least, did the Black Forest Cake. It also is known as the "Black Forest Cherry Cake" or "Black Forest Gateau" and is made with chocolate cake, cream, sour cherries and Kirsch.
