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About this place
Lago di Poschiavo (German: Puschlavsee) is a lake in the Val Poschiavo, in the Swiss canton of Graubünden, right beside the village of Le Prese. It belongs to the municipality of Poschiavo, in the Italian-speaking south of the canton.
What kind of lake is it?
The water surface sits at roughly 962 m above sea level. The lake measures about 2.5 km from end to end, around a kilometre across, and covers just under 2 km². Maximum depth is quoted as 80 to 84 m depending on the source. The Poschiavino river feeds the lake near Le Prese and also drains it. It is a natural lake, and one account links its origin to a huge prehistoric rockslide that blocked the valley.
Where is it and how do you get there?
Le Prese (about 965 m) lies at the northern tip of the lake and Miralago at the southern one, so the two villages are bridged by roughly 2.5 km of shoreline. The Rhaetian Railway's Bernina line serves the valley, and the centre of Poschiavo is a short hop from Le Prese. By car, the road comes down the valley from the Bernina Pass side.
What can you do here?
The headline activity is the walk around the water, known as the Giro del Lago. The lower path starts in Le Prese and follows the shore, and you return along the opposite side. The route is flat and short, which makes it comfortable for families. Along the way you see forested valley slopes and the houses of both villages mirrored in the lake.
When should you visit?
Late spring to autumn is the easiest season, with dry paths. In winter the valley can be snowy, so check trail conditions before setting out. Allow one to two hours for the full loop, depending on your pace and how often you stop.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lago di Poschiavo a natural lake? It is natural, although some databases list it as a reservoir. According to one account, it formed when a rockslide dammed the valley.
How deep is it? Maximum depth is about 80 to 84 m, depending on the source.
Where should I start the lakeside walk? Le Prese on the northern shore is the most convenient start. Take the lower path to Miralago and come back along the other side.
What is the lake called in German? Puschlavsee. Both names refer to the same lake.
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