Lai Tigiel

Lai Tigiel is a high mountain lake in the municipality of Surses, canton of Graubünden, Switzerland. It sits at roughly 2,462 m above sea level inside the Parc Ela nature park, above the Savognin valley. German-speaking maps call it Tigielsee; the name itself is Surmiran, a variety of Romansh.

Where is Lai Tigiel?

The lake lies in the eastern part of Surses, ringed by the peaks of Piz Mitgel, Tinzenhorn and Pizza Grossa. Its coordinates are about 46.60° N, 9.66° E. Surses was created on 1 January 2016 when nine former municipalities merged, Savognin and Bivio among them. Those two villages are the ones that promote the lake as a hiking goal.

How do you get there?

There is no road to the water, only footpaths. The usual starting points are:

• Plang la Curvanera: about 2.5 hours to the lake, or roughly 4.5 hours one way from Savognin itself;
• Pensa: about 2 hours 15 minutes, or around 3 hours 45 minutes from Tinizong;
• a third route approaches from the Ela hut area, near Bergün, Alvaneu Bad and Filisur.

Routes are graded B, meaning demanding. A bus runs from Savognin to the Plang la Curvanera and Pensa car parks, but only on certain weekdays, so check the timetable before you go.

Which route should you choose?

Fit walkers can take the 14.2 km circuit from Pensa, which passes the lake and continues over Pass digls Orgels and Pass d'Ela. It takes about 6 hours and is rated difficult. A 12.6 km loop from Savognin, with about 680 m of climbing, needs around 5.5 hours. Both can cross technical, rough ground, so good fitness and sure footing are essential.

What else is nearby?

Giovanni Segantini painted "Le cattive madri" ("The Bad Mothers") in 1894 near the lake, above the Alp Tussagn pasture. In Val d'Err, cattle graze from early June to mid-September, sometimes cows with calves, so keep your distance from the herds.

When should you go?

At this altitude, summer is the sensible season, when the paths are clear of snow. Start early, because the approach takes hours and mountain weather turns fast. Carry a map, water and a spare layer.

Frequently asked questions

Can you drive to Lai Tigiel?

No. Cars can reach the Plang la Curvanera or Pensa car parks only; the rest is on foot.

How long does the walk take?

About 2.5 hours from Plang la Curvanera and 2 hours 15 minutes from Pensa. From Savognin it is around 4.5 hours each way.

Is the hike easy?

No. The routes are graded B and call for good fitness and mountain experience.

Where can you find current route information?

The Val Surses Savognin Bivio tourism office maintains route descriptions, and maps are also on the Graubünden and Komoot websites.