top of page

LAKES

Hiking routes to the most beautiful lakes in the Alps. Particularly appreciated by photographers, families, and during hot African days.

Autumnal fairy tale reflections at Lake Saoseo, in the Swiss Val Viola. Surrounded by larch and fir forests, and a curtain of peaks, Lake Saoseo is among the most beautiful in the Alps.

Few other natural monuments equal the Alpine lakes in poeticity. Seen from their banks, they mirror the surrounding peaks, especially on windless days. Seen from above, they reveal their turquoise depths.

From remote alpine lakes, to colossal dams from the 1920s and 1930s — this section contains a selection of hiking routes to some of the most spectacular lakes in the Alps.

Sponsor.png

THE BEST HIKES IN THIS CATEGORY

Rifugio Valasco, Rifugio Questa, and the military mule tracks of Valscura

In the Upper Gesso Valley, incredible military roads, crystal clear lakes of Valscura and Claus, and two historic refuges.
Hike-duration-icon.png

7:00 h

Hike-extension-icon.png

20km

Hike-elevation-icon.png

1020

Hike-rating-icon.png

9

Saoseo Lake and Viola Lake in Val di Campo

Two lake pearls in a valley dotted with mountain pastures. At its best between October and November.
Hike-duration-icon.png

4.30 h

Hike-extension-icon.png

13km

Hike-elevation-icon.png

550

Hike-rating-icon.png

9

Lake Lunghin and Piz Lunghin

A lake, a peak, and a pass, all sharing a breathtaking view of the Bernina group and Lake Sils.
Hike-duration-icon.png

6:30 h

Hike-extension-icon.png

16km

Hike-elevation-icon.png

1030

Hike-rating-icon.png

8

Bertacchi Refuge at Lake Emet

At Lake Emet, an almost perfectly circular lake, overlooking the Spluga Valley.
Hike-duration-icon.png

5:00 h

Hike-extension-icon.png

11km

Hike-elevation-icon.png

990

Hike-rating-icon.png

8

The Lago Bianco ring at Pian dei Cavalli

On the balcony of the Spluga Valley: from Starleggia to Pian dei Cavalli, Lago Bianco and Monte Bardan.
Hike-duration-icon.png

4:00 h

Hike-extension-icon.png

10km

Hike-elevation-icon.png

830

Hike-rating-icon.png

8

Ring of the Benigni refuge and the Trona and Zancone lakes

A long itinerary in the Alta Val Gerola, passing a refuge, 4 lakes, and some ibex.
Hike-duration-icon.png

6:00 h

Hike-extension-icon.png

15km

Hike-elevation-icon.png

970

Hike-rating-icon.png

8

At the Barbustel Refuge, in the heart of the Monte Avic Natural Park

Crystal clear lakes and larch forests with a North American feel, in less than 3 hours of walking. The fastest excursion to the Barbustel refuge.
Hike-duration-icon.png

4.30 h

Hike-extension-icon.png

9.6km

Hike-elevation-icon.png

700

Hike-rating-icon.png

8

Lakes, glaciers and waterfalls in the Rutor Valley

Excursion to the Deffeyes Refuge via the Rutor Waterfalls, in front of the Rutor Glacier.
Hike-duration-icon.png

7:30 h

Hike-extension-icon.png

20km

Hike-elevation-icon.png

1070

Hike-rating-icon.png

8

The loop hike of the 10 lakes of Mount Avic (2 days)

10 lakes, 3 refuges, and a 3000m. A long 27km ring in the Monte Avic Natural Park, almost all in a severe alpine environment between 2000 and 3000 metres.
Hike-duration-icon.png

12:00 h

Hike-extension-icon.png

27km

Hike-elevation-icon.png

1710

Hike-rating-icon.png

8

Balcony from Silvaplana to the Maloja Pass

Easy balcony dominated by breathtaking views of the Sils and Silvaplana lakes, with the Bernina and the Bregaglia peaks in the background.
Hike-duration-icon.png

4:00 h

Hike-extension-icon.png

13km

Hike-elevation-icon.png

470

Hike-rating-icon.png

8

Tour from Lake Truzzo to Alpe Lendine

A long circular tour that touches all the most magical points of the remote Drogo Valley, a lateral side of the Spluga Valley.
Hike-duration-icon.png

7:00 h

Hike-extension-icon.png

17km

Hike-elevation-icon.png

1190

Hike-rating-icon.png

7

Lake Cama in Val di Cama

Alpine lake set in an amphitheater of peaks.
Hike-duration-icon.png

6:00 h

Hike-extension-icon.png

13km

Hike-elevation-icon.png

940

Hike-rating-icon.png

7

Bignami refuge and Marson al Fellaria glaciological path

In the upper Valmalenco, in front of the Fellaria Glacier.
Hike-duration-icon.png

5.30h

Hike-extension-icon.png

15km

Hike-elevation-icon.png

670

Hike-rating-icon.png

7

The Antrona Valley ring: Antrona Lake and Campliccioli Lake

Short excursion around the lakes of Antrona and Campliccioli, in the lower Antrona Valley.
Hike-duration-icon.png

3:00 h

Hike-extension-icon.png

10km

Hike-elevation-icon.png

400

Hike-rating-icon.png

7

Lake Vago, the blue pearl of Livigno

Short excursion to Lago Vago, a Caribbean lake so blue it seems fake.
Hike-duration-icon.png

3:00 h

Hike-extension-icon.png

6km

Hike-elevation-icon.png

520

Hike-rating-icon.png

7

MAP

bottom of page