Alpine lakes
Alpine lakes
At high altitudes, between Valle Camonica, Valle Sabbia and the Adamello valleys, there are lakes that aren’t seeking attention. They simply win you over.
Clear lakes, natural or artificial, nestled between rocks and silences. Places where trekking becomes meditation, where the air is light and the mountain looks you in the eye. For those who love to walk, breathe, be. No rush, no noise.
NATURE AND ENVIRONMENT
The province of Brescia is home to about 173 alpine lakes, many of which are in the High Val Camonica.
Some are of glacial origin, others are artificial reservoirs built for the production of energy or for water use.
They constitute environments of considerable ecological importance: typical alpine species of flora and fauna (amphibians, rare insects, high-altitude fish) live around these lakes, and the waters are often so pure as to be a direct source for rivers and streams in the valley.
SOME OF THE MAIN LAKES
Here are some significant examples, in terms of location, altitude and interest:
- Lago della Vacca: located in the Adamello massif, it is one of the most popular natural alpine lakes.
- Pantano d’Avio: artificial lake in High Val Camonica, also used for hydroelectric purposes. High altitude, hiking trails that reach it are scenic and challenging.
- Lake Venerocolo: one of the highest and most evocative natural lakes. The route from Malga Premassone is steep with a substantial height difference, with rocky environments, residual snow in summer and a view of the Adamello glaciers.
- Lake Bongi: an artificial, smaller lake, created by a dam for the production of energy. It can be a less demanding destination but still fascinating for the alpine context.
THINGS YOU CAN DO
Alpine lakes offer different types of tourist experiences:
- Hiking: routes from refuge to refuge, daily walks to the basins where there are alpine lakes; many trails require good training, proper equipment and preferably a guide or map.
- Nature and biodiversity: nature photography, observation of alpine flora, orchids, high-altitude species; birdwatching near the Alpine peat bogs.
- Summer and winter activities: in summer swimming (if the temperature allows it), picnics, relaxing in the high mountains; in winter, some lakes or reservoirs can be a destination for ski mountaineering, snowshoeing or snow trekking.
- Educational-scientific tourism: many lakes are the subject of ecological, biological and geological studies (glacial origin, sedimentation, climate change), and can be used as “open-air laboratories”.
HOW TO GET THERE AND PRACTICAL TIPS
- The most common areas from which to start are those of the high Camonica valleys, such as from Ponte di Legno, Temù, or from the villages located in Val Paghera. Some alpine lakes require you to continue on foot or by off-road vehicle, once you leave the carriage road.
- It is important to plan well: in the high mountains, weather conditions can change rapidly, the altitude requires appropriate clothing (warm clothes, waterproof jacket, boots) and a good degree of physical preparation.
- In many cases there are no services near the lakes (refreshments, accommodation facilities), so it is a good idea to bring water, food, and follow correct practices of respect for the environment (do not leave waste, do not pollute the waters).