The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Lake Verney
4.5
(2014)
16,322
hikers
99
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Lake Verney are set within a mountainous landscape, characterized by alpine lakes, varied terrain, and high-altitude paths. The region features a mix of open meadows, rocky sections, and occasional forested areas, offering diverse scenery for hikers. Elevation changes are common, providing panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Best family friendly hiking trails around Lake Verney
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Lac du Verney – Lac Verney Supérieur loop from La…
Last updated: July 12, 2026
4.6
(22)
128
hikers
10.1km
04:33
580m
580m
Alpine lake-hopping adventure past sacred glacial waters with Mont Blanc panoramas and wildlife spotting.
4.5
(11)
57
hikers
9.52km
04:19
510m
510m
Hike the difficult 5.9-mile Lacs de la Pointe Rousse Trail to high-alpine lakes, gaining 1662 feet with panoramic mountain views.
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4.8
(24)
175
hikers
9.57km
04:10
490m
490m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
5.0
(2)
7
hikers
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
5
hikers
4.66km
02:04
260m
260m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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Tips from the Community
Lake Verney is the largest natural alpine lake in the Aosta Valley. Of glacial origin, it lies at an altitude of 2,088 m, between Bec des Rousses, the promontory of the Little St. Bernard Pass, and Mount Chaz Dura. The lake's shores are colonized by hygrophilous vegetation, including prized botanical varieties such as cotton grasses, sedges, and rushes, as well as sphagnum moss, a typical peat bog species. On the sides, nature's work has left moraine deposits rich in springs, a perfect habitat for primroses and saxifrages. In ancient times, over 2,000 years ago, the Salassi people considered these waters sacred: they were used to bless fields, marriages, and children, and to propitiate a fruitful summer or a benevolent winter. When Salassi leaders returned victorious from battle, they offered the swords of their fallen adversaries to Graius, the god of war and rocks, as a sign of thanks. Today, Lake Verney is a favourite destination for many tourists as well as a fishing reserve.
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A great Aosta Valley classic; the climb itself isn't particularly difficult, but be careful not to underestimate the wind that often blows strongly from France, making the 12 km from La Thuile to the pass much more challenging than the steepness suggests. The landscape is beautiful and evocative: from the iconic eight hairpin bends that allow you to leave Pré-Saint-Didier behind, you enter the cool valley that leads to La Thuile. After passing the ski resort, you quickly gain altitude with long straights, then enter the forest and conclude the climb in a vast alpine meadow.
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Don't hesitate to go to the Italian side: the coffee is much better.
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Lake Verney Superiore, the younger brother of Lake Verney, is the largest natural fishing reserve in the Aosta Valley, at 2,283 meters above sea level. The path that leads to this place offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding alpine clearings.
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Lake Tormotta is located in the moraine area between Col d'Arguerey and Mount Miravidi and enjoys an excellent view of the Mont Blanc chain. Near Lake Tormotta you can also admire other smaller alpine lakes.
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The Piccolo San Bernardo Pass is an incredible concentration of history and high mountain nature. A place of passage for pilgrims, traders and armies since ancient times, it today preserves evidence of various eras. A true place of memory.
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Lake Verney is the largest natural alpine lake in the Aosta Valley. Of glacial origin, it is located at 2,088 m above sea level, between the Bec des Rousses, the promontory of the Piccolo San Bernardo, and Mount Chaz Dura. The shores of the lake are colonized by hygrophilous vegetation that includes prized botanical varieties such as eriophilous grasses, sedges and rushes as well as sphagnum, a typical species of peat bogs. On the sides, the work of nature has left morainic deposits rich in springs, a perfect habitat for primroses and saxifrages. In a distant time, over 2,000 years ago, the Salassi people considered these waters sacred: they were used to bless the fields, unions and children, to propitiate a fruitful summer or a benevolent winter. When the Salassi leaders returned victorious from a battle, they offered the swords of their fallen adversaries to Graio, the god of war and rocks, as a sign of thanks. Today, Lake Verney is a favorite destination for many tourists as well as a fishing reserve. You can walk around its entire perimeter with a comfortable walk of about 45 minutes and by climbing further you can reach the Upper Lake Verney in about half an hour.
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Monument to former internees The monument in honor of the former internees was built in 1955, ten years after the liberation from Nazi-fascism, jointly between former Italian and French military internees. Every year, on the last Sunday of July, the anniversary is celebrated, so as not to forget those soldiers who were deported to prison camps after 8 September 1943. those who managed to return managed to found the National Association of former internees which still exists today thanks to the will of their children, grandchildren and supporters.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are there around Lake Vyrnwy?
Lake Vyrnwy offers a fantastic selection of family-friendly hiking trails. You'll find over 100 routes in total, with a good number of them being easy or moderate, perfect for families with children of all ages. These trails often feature well-maintained paths and gentle gradients, making them accessible for a pleasant day out.
What natural features can we expect to see on family hikes around Lake Vyrnwy?
Family hikes around Lake Vyrnwy are rich with natural beauty. You can expect to explore beautiful forest trails, enjoy the sounds of birdsong, and discover spectacular waterfalls, such as the notable Rhiwargor Waterfall at the northern end of the lake. The area is also surrounded by picturesque moorland and meadows, offering diverse scenery.
Are there any interesting landmarks or attractions suitable for families near the trails?
Absolutely! Families can enjoy several unique attractions. The impressive Gothic stone-built dam and the iconic Straining Tower are significant architectural sights. Below the dam, you can explore a visionary Sculpture Park. Don't miss the country's tallest tree, a Douglas Fir, on the eastern side of the lake, or the unique Hand Sculpture carved from a felled fir. The 24,000-acre RSPB Reserve also provides excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting.
What do other hikers enjoy most about family-friendly trails around Lake Vyrnwy?
The komoot community highly rates the trails around Lake Vyrnwy, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, from tranquil forest paths to stunning lake views and impressive waterfalls. The well-maintained trails and the abundance of wildlife in the RSPB Reserve are frequently highlighted as favorite aspects for a family outing.
Are there any easy, short walks suitable for toddlers or very young children?
Yes, Lake Vyrnwy is ideal for families with toddlers. There are 11 miles of flat terrain directly around the lake, perfect for leisurely strolls with pushchairs. Many trails are surfaced and generally accessible. Look for routes like the "Lac du Verney – Lac Verney Supérieur loop from La Thuile" which offers a moderate, shorter option with an elevation gain of around 192 meters, making it manageable for younger legs.
Can we bring our dog on the family-friendly hiking trails?
Many trails around Lake Vyrnwy are dog-friendly, making it a great destination for the whole family, including your furry friends. However, as much of the area is part of an RSPB Reserve and working farmland, it's crucial to keep dogs under close control, preferably on a lead, to protect wildlife and livestock. Always check specific trail signage for any restrictions.
Are there any circular family walks around Lake Vyrnwy?
Yes, circular routes are a popular choice for families around Lake Vyrnwy. For example, the "Lac du Verney – Lac Verney Supérieur loop from Col du Petit-Saint-Bernard" offers a challenging but rewarding circular hike. While some loops can be longer, there are also shorter, easier circular options available, especially around the lake shore, perfect for a family day out.
Where can we find parking for family hikes around Lake Vyrnwy?
There are several designated parking areas around Lake Vyrnwy, particularly near the dam, the RSPB visitor centre, and at various points along the lake road. These spots provide convenient access to many of the family-friendly trails. It's advisable to arrive early during peak seasons to secure a spot.
Is public transport available to Lake Vyrnwy for hikers?
Lake Vyrnwy is located in a more remote area, and public transport options can be limited. While there might be some local bus services to nearby towns, direct public transport to the lake itself is not extensive. Most visitors typically arrive by car, which offers the most flexibility for accessing various trailheads around the lake.
What kind of terrain can we expect on family-friendly hikes?
The terrain on family-friendly hikes around Lake Vyrnwy is quite varied. You'll find many trails with surfaced paths, especially closer to the lake, making them suitable for pushchairs and younger children. Further afield, paths can be through woodlands, across moorland, or along slightly steeper inclines leading to viewpoints. Generally, the family-friendly options are well-maintained and manageable.
Are there cafes or places to eat near the family-friendly hiking trails?
Yes, there are facilities around Lake Vyrnwy where families can grab a bite to eat or enjoy a refreshment. The RSPB visitor centre often has a cafe, and there are other establishments, including cafes and pubs, in the small villages and hamlets surrounding the lake. These provide convenient stops before or after your hike.
What is the best time of year for family hikes around Lake Vyrnwy?
Spring and summer are particularly wonderful for family hikes around Lake Vyrnwy. In spring, the woodlands are alive with birdsong, and wildflowers begin to bloom. Summer offers warmer weather and longer daylight hours, perfect for exploring. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, though paths can be wetter. While some trails are accessible in winter, conditions can be more challenging, and it's essential to check local weather forecasts.
Most popular routes around Lake Verney
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