Laghetto Moesola

Laghetto Moesola is a small alpine lake at the top of the San Bernardino Pass, above the village of San Bernardino in the Swiss canton of Graubünden. It sits at about 2,063 m above sea level and is the source of the Moesa river, which runs down the Mesolcina valley and joins the Ticino. German speakers call it the Moesolasee.

Where is Laghetto Moesola?

The lake lies right on the summit of the San Bernardino Pass (2,066 m), which links the Hinterrhein valley in the north with the Mesolcina valley in the south. The pass marks both the Italian-German language border and the watershed between the Rhine and Po basins. The surrounding area is a patchwork of small ponds and bogs valued for its flora.

How do you get there?

In summer a PostBus runs to the pass from Thusis and Bellinzona. The stop is called San Bernardino, Ospizio, and line 541 towards Nufenen calls roughly every two hours in season. By car you take the mountain road up to the pass, while the village of San Bernardino itself lies on the A13 motorway. The pass road can be closed in winter, so check current conditions before you set off.

On foot, the hike from the village is about 11.6 km and takes around four hours, climbing roughly 600 m. It follows an old paved Roman road and reaches the lake shortly after the pass summit. A photo loop of about 10.7 km with 460 m of ascent takes around three and a half hours and needs moderate fitness.

What will you see?

From the shore the view opens in every direction: the Hinterrhein mountains to the north, the Mesolcina valley and the Moesano peaks to the south. Next to the lake stands the Ospizio San Bernardino, a former hospice that now serves as a meeting and refreshment spot, open from mid-May to mid-October. It makes a handy stop after a short stroll from the car park or bus stop.

Where can you continue from here?

The Sentiero alpino Calanca (trail 712) starts at the lake. It crosses the Alp de Mucia basin to the Passit pass with its two small mountain lakes, then continues to the Pass de la Cruseta and the Pian Grand hut. The trailhead is opposite the hospice, so no extra climb is needed.

When should you visit?

Summer and early autumn work best, when public transport and the hospice are running. Weather at this altitude turns quickly, so pack a windproof layer and water. The lake is small and not meant for swimming; the appeal is the setting and the views.

Frequently asked questions

Is this lake the source of the Moesa? Yes. Water from Laghetto Moesola feeds the Moesa, which flows through the Mesolcina valley.

Can I reach it by public transport? Yes, in summer by PostBus to the San Bernardino, Ospizio stop. Check the timetable before you travel.

How long is the walk to the lake? From the stop or the pass car park it is a short stroll. Walking up from San Bernardino village takes about four hours.

Is there food nearby? Yes, at the Ospizio San Bernardino, from mid-May to mid-October.