4.6
(435)
2,958
hikers
60
hikes
Bus station hiking trails around Lai da Marmorera offer access to diverse alpine terrain within Switzerland's Parc Ela nature park. The region is centered around Lai da Marmorera, an artificial lake at 1680 meters above sea level, known for its clear turquoise waters. Hikers can expect routes that traverse sparse larch forests and high plateaus, providing constant views of the Oberhalbstein mountain panorama. This area features a mix of lake landscapes and elevated paths, with the Julier Pass route also…
Last updated: October 15, 2026
4.0
(5)
15
hikers
12.5km
04:18
570m
570m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.8
(9)
38
hikers
18.1km
05:54
690m
690m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.7
(13)
78
hikers
7.31km
02:39
420m
420m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
5.0
(8)
67
hikers
11.0km
04:27
720m
720m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
5.0
(1)
27
hikers
6.45km
02:23
410m
410m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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Wonderful lake landscape with various benches and barbecue areas
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Beautiful lake, brings a touch of Canada to the region
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Barbecue areas are also offered here and great picnic spots with tables and benches to linger.
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A village goes underwater - Marmorera The flooding (1954): 29 residential buildings, 52 stables, and a church sank beneath the waves. A new Marmorera was built slightly above on the slope for the resettled inhabitants. On September 14, 1955, the Marmorera Castiletto dam was inaugurated. Among those present were, in addition to the Mayor of Zurich, Emil Landolt, local politicians such as Gion Not Spegnas, District President of Oberhalbstein, as well as involved entrepreneurs and officials. While the illustrious guests attended the ceremony in the high-alpine valley basin, the plant further down in Tinizong, one of the three power plant stages, was already generating electricity for Zurich. The reservoir looked like a natural mountain lake with a smooth water surface, in which the sunlight glittered. But the supposed mountain idyll holds a secret. On the dark bottom lie the ruins of the village of Marmorera – once a flourishing community that benefited from coach traffic over the Julier Pass before the construction of the Albula Tunnel, but whose citizens had been living off agriculture with great difficulty since the Second World War. Text / Source: Swiss National Museum, Landesmuseum Zürich, Museumstrasse 2, Zurich https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/2022/09/staudamm-marmorera/
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A village goes underwater - Marmorera The flooding (1954): 29 houses, 52 stables and a church sank into the floodwaters. A new Marmorera was built slightly higher up on the slope for the relocated inhabitants. On September 14, 1955, the Marmorera Castiletto dam was inaugurated. Among those present were, in addition to the Zurich Mayor Emil Landolt, local politicians such as Gion Not Spegnas, District President of the Oberhalbstein, as well as involved entrepreneurs and officials. While the illustrious guests attended the ceremony in the high alpine valley basin, the plant further down in Tinizong, one of the three power plant stages, was already producing electricity for Zurich. The reservoir looked like a natural mountain lake with a smooth water surface, in which the sunlight glittered. But the supposed mountain idyll holds a secret. At the bottom lie the ruins of the village of Marmorera – once a flourishing community that benefited from coach traffic over the Julier Pass before the construction of the Albula Tunnel, but whose citizens had been living off agriculture, more or less successfully, since the Second World War. Text / Source: Swiss National Museum, Landesmuseum Zürich, Museumstrasse 2, Zurich https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/2022/09/staudamm-marmorera/
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Lai da Marmorera / Marmorerasee since 1954 Sunken village and lost homeland – The story of Marmorera The story of Marmorera is a story of change and loss. In the 1950s, as Zurich increasingly needed electricity, a reservoir was built on the Ova da Marmorera river. This led to the flooding of the village of Marmorera, which then sank into the reservoir. The inhabitants were resettled, and the old village disappeared into the waters of the new Marmorera lake. The Marmorera Castiletto dam was completed in 1954, and the old municipality of Marmorera was replaced by the new Marmorera. Today, only a few houses remain on the shores of the lake, and the story of Marmorera remains a fascinating testament to a turbulent past. Text / Source: wikipedia.org https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lai_da_Marmorera
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Lai da Marmorera / Marmorera Lake since 1954 Sunken village and lost homeland – The story of Marmorera The story of Marmorera is a story of change and loss. In the 1950s, as Zurich's demand for electricity grew, a reservoir was built on the Ova da Marmorera river. This led to the flooding of the village of Marmorera, which then sank into the reservoir. The residents were relocated, and the old village disappeared into the waters of the new Marmorera Lake. The Marmorera Castiletto dam was completed in 1954, and the old municipality of Marmorera was replaced by the new Marmorera. Today, only a few houses remain on the shores of the lake, and the story of Marmorera remains a fascinating testament to a turbulent past. Text / Source: wikipedia.org https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lai_da_Marmorera
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Hotel Solaria, Bivio since 1935 Hotel Solaria Bivio has been run by the Torriani family for four generations since 1935. The family has always strived to make guests' stays as pleasant as possible. Surrounded by a charming natural landscape and an impressive mountain panorama, this charming hotel is located in the small village of Bivio. Hotel Solaria, Vea Valetta 4, 7457 Bivio www.hotelsolariabivio.ch Info@hotelsolariabivio.ch https://www.hotelsolariabivio.ch/
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There are over 60 hiking routes accessible directly from bus stations around Lai da Marmorera. These trails cater to various fitness levels, with options ranging from easy strolls to more challenging mountain treks.
Yes, there are several easy routes perfect for beginners or families. While specific easy routes are not detailed here, the region offers paths through sparse larch forests and along the lake shore that are generally less demanding. Look for routes marked as 'easy' on komoot to find suitable options.
The terrain around Lai da Marmorera is diverse. You can expect paths through sparse larch forests, high plateaus offering panoramic views, and trails along the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the lake. Some routes may involve ascents to alpine pastures, while others offer gentler gradients.
Yes, many of the trails around Lai da Marmorera are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point, often conveniently located near a bus stop. An example is the Alp Pra Miez (1912 m) – View of Lai da Marmorera loop from Sur, which offers stunning views of the lake.
Hikers can enjoy the stunning Lai da Marmorera itself, with its clear turquoise waters. Many trails offer views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and the dam. You might also encounter the beautiful Lais da Flix, including Lai Neir, a small mountain lake known for its biodiversity. The reconstructed village of Marmorera above the dam also offers a cultural point of interest.
Generally, dogs are welcome on hiking trails in the Lai da Marmorera region. However, it's always advisable to keep them on a leash, especially in areas with livestock or protected wildlife. Be sure to check specific trail regulations or local signage for any restrictions.
The best time for hiking around Lai da Marmorera is typically from late spring to early autumn (May to October). During these months, the weather is generally mild, and the trails are clear of snow. Autumn offers particularly beautiful colors in the larch forests. Some higher routes might still have snow early in the season.
Absolutely. For experienced hikers, routes like the Alp Natons – View of Lai da Marmorera loop from Sur offer more demanding ascents and longer distances, providing a significant challenge with rewarding panoramic views of the region.
The hiking trails around Lai da Marmorera are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 340 reviews. Reviewers often praise the stunning lake views, the peaceful alpine environment, and the well-maintained paths that make for an enjoyable outdoor experience.
Yes, some routes lead to other picturesque bodies of water. For instance, the Lai Neir (Black Lake) – Lais da Flix (Flix Lakes) loop from Sur takes you past the beautiful Lais da Flix, including Lai Neir, which is known for its unique ecological significance on Alp Flix.
Many trails in the region provide views of the scenic Julier Pass route, as the lake itself is flanked by it. Hiking on the slopes above Lai da Marmorera will often give you glimpses of this historic mountain pass and its impressive engineering.


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