Top 20 Lakes around Oltressenda Alta

The primary lake directly within Oltressenda Alta is the Lago-Diga di Valzurio, also known as Laghetto d'Ogna or Valzurio Lake. It is an artificial lake formed by a dam in 1923, nestled in the Valzurio valley.

The Lago-Diga di Valzurio is known for its distinctive turquoise reflections, which come from the mineral-rich waters of the Ogna stream, fed by the Presolana glaciers. The surrounding Valzurio valley, sometimes called "Valle Azzurra" (Blue Valley), offers picturesque landscapes with meadows and woods.

Yes, the Gleno Dam and Lake is a significant historical site. The ruins of the Gleno Dam, which collapsed in 1923, serve as a monument and a warning, offering a poignant historical context to the beautiful natural setting.

Beyond the lakes themselves, you can observe unique geological formations like "marmitte giganti" (giant's kettles) along the Ogna torrent, near Lago-Diga di Valzurio. These are small basins carved into the rock by water, connected by small waterfalls. The area is also part of the Orobie Park, offering crystal-clear streams and serene natural environments.

Many trails in the region are suitable for families. For instance, the path to Lago-Diga di Valzurio is approximately 1.5 kilometers long with a moderate elevation gain, making it accessible for a family outing. The Gleno Dam and Lake is also listed as family-friendly.

The region offers numerous hiking opportunities. You can explore trails leading to lakes like Gleno Dam and Lake, which takes about two hours to reach, or the Barbellino Reservoir, the largest artificial lake in the Orobie Mountains. For more options, check out the Hiking around Oltressenda Alta guide.

Generally, dogs are welcome on trails in the Oltressenda Alta area, especially in natural park settings. However, it's always advisable to keep them on a leash and check for specific local regulations or protected areas that might have restrictions.

The best time to visit is typically during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn (May to October), when trails are clear of snow and the weather is pleasant for hiking and enjoying the scenic beauty. Winter access to some higher-altitude lakes might be challenging due to snow and ice.

While direct amenities at every lake might be limited, you can often find refugios (mountain huts) along popular hiking routes. For example, the area around Lago Nero has the Rifugio Capanna Lago Nero. The villages of Oltressenda Alta and Valzurio also offer cafes and pubs.

The region features both artificial and natural lakes. While many prominent lakes like Lago-Diga di Valzurio, Gleno Dam and Lake, Barbellino Reservoir, and Lago Nero are artificial, the area also contains natural bodies of water. For instance, there is a natural Lake Barbellino located further upstream from the artificial reservoir.

Beyond hiking, the Oltressenda Alta region offers opportunities for mountain biking and running. You can find various routes for these activities, such as those detailed in the MTB Trails around Oltressenda Alta guide and the Running Trails around Oltressenda Alta guide.

Parking is generally available in the villages or at designated trailheads leading to the lakes. For example, to reach the Lago-Diga di Valzurio, you would typically park in Oltressenda Alta and follow the trail. For other lakes like those in Valgoglio (e.g., Lake Sucotto, Lago Nero), trails often start from hamlets like Bortolotti di Valgoglio, where parking options exist.