Lägh da Cavloc

Lägh da Cavloc is a small mountain lake near the Maloja Pass in Switzerland, set in the Val Forno within the Bregaglia municipality of Graubünden. It lies at roughly 1,900 m above sea level and is known in German as Cavlocsee and in Italian as Lago di Cavloccio. For visitors based in Maloja it is one of the simplest and most rewarding outings on foot.

What will you see at Lägh da Cavloc?

The lake measures about 400 m by 300 m. Alpine pasture and the slopes of Val Forno frame the water, and the valley leads on towards the Forno Glacier. A small beach on the southern shore is used for swimming in summer, though the water stays cold. A seasonal mountain restaurant serves regional food at the shore, and goat cheese from Alp da Cavloc is sold there. The municipality provides firewood at barbecue spots nearby. The painter Giovanni Giacometti depicted the landscape in 1922.

How do you get there from Maloja?

The walk from Maloja takes about an hour on a wide, easy track that also works for families with pushchairs. A shorter start is the Orden car park by the dam: about 3.2 km one way, with 127 m of climbing at a steady, gentle gradient. There is also a large paid car park at the entrance to Val Forno.

Where can you continue?

• Loop via Lägh da Bitabergh. From Maloja it is about 50 minutes to Bitabergh and 1 h 35 min to Cavloc. The full circuit is around 8.8 km and 2 h 45 min, graded T2.
• Forno SAC hut. Beyond the lake the path goes deeper into the valley and becomes stonier and more demanding the closer you get to the glacier.
• Maloja Giants' Kettles. The lake can be combined with the glacial potholes: roughly 10 km and 250 m of ascent in total, versus about 7 km and 160 m for the lake alone.

When is the best time to visit?

June to October is the best window, with a dry trail and the restaurant open. In winter the route is groomed as a winter hiking path and cross-country ski trail, and snowshoes work too.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to reach the lake? About an hour one way from Maloja, or about an hour over 3.2 km from the Orden car park.

Can you swim in Lägh da Cavloc? Yes, there is a small beach on the south shore. The water is cold, so most people take a short dip.

Is the walk suitable with children or a pushchair? The track is easy and wide, and it is recommended for families with pushchairs.

Is the lake accessible in winter? Yes. The path is prepared as a winter walking route and cross-country trail.