Lago dei Cavagnöö

Lago dei Cavagnöö is a high-alpine reservoir in the municipality of Cevio, Ticino, in the upper Val Bavona, in the area of the former Bignasco municipality. Sitting at roughly 2,310 m above sea level, it covers 0.46 km2. It belongs to the chain of hydropower lakes at the head of the Vallemaggia, and it doubles as a rewarding hiking goal.

What kind of lake is it?

The water is held back by the Cavagnoli arch dam, 111 m high and completed in 1968. The reservoir reaches a depth of about 100 m. Nearby you will find other storage lakes used for power generation: Lago di Robièi (about 1,940 m, up to 50 m deep), Lago Bianco and Lago del Zött.

How do you get there?

Head for San Carlo, at the end of the narrow Val Bavona, where the road stops and the postbus line terminates. From there a cable car carries walkers up to Robièi, saving about 900 m of climbing. The rest of the way is on mountain paths, so bring proper hiking boots and energy for several hours on foot.

What will you see?

• The Cavagnoli dam wall, which you can walk along; hikers often name it the highlight of the outing.
• A deep blue reservoir ringed by granite peaks.
• Lago Bianco just below the dam, and Lago di Robièi on the approach.
• The Sentiero Cristallina trail, whose second stage passes Lago Bianco and Lago Sfundau on the way to the Capanna Cristallina hut.

A popular loop starting at the lake and passing Lago di Robièi and Lago Bianco is about 10.6 km and takes around 3 hours 20 minutes. A shorter circuit linking Cavagnöö with Robièi and Lago del Zött covers about 6.7 km. Both are rated moderate.

When should you go?

At this altitude the season is short: generally late summer into early autumn, when paths are clear of snow and the cable car runs. Check trail and weather conditions with the local tourist office before setting out, since sections can be closed or interrupted. Pack warm layers even on a sunny day.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Lago dei Cavagnöö? In Ticino, municipality of Cevio, in the upper Val Bavona at about 2,310 m.

Can you walk across the dam? Yes, the Cavagnoli dam can be crossed on foot, and visitors rate it among the best parts of the route.

What is the quickest way to reach the lake area? Take the cable car from San Carlo to Robièi, which spares you about 900 m of ascent. From there you continue on foot.

Is it a good day-hike destination? Yes. The loops around Robièi take a few hours and are of moderate difficulty.