Lej da las Culuonnas

Lej da las Culuonnas is a small mountain lake on the Julier Pass, close to Silvaplana in the Engadine, canton of Graubünden, Switzerland. It sits a few metres south of the highest point of the road, at roughly the pass altitude of 2,284 m, at coordinates 46.470 N, 9.728 E. The name is Romansh, and you will also see it spelled Lej da las Coluonnas.

What kind of place is it?

The lake is tiny and lies right beside the road, so it works as a stop on the drive rather than a destination of its own. The setting is open high-alpine terrain above the tree line, with grassy slopes, rock and wide views along the pass. The Swiss Touring Club (TCS) names it, together with the Red Tower (Roter Turm), as one of the features that define the landscape at the top of the pass. The name points to the columns that stand beside the road nearby.

What is there to see around it?

The Julier Pass links Bivio in the Oberhalbstein valley with Silvaplana in the Engadine. Excavations at the summit uncovered a Roman sanctuary, and two columns belonging to it still line the road. A charter from 1396 already mentions a column as a boundary marker between the lands of the Bishop of Chur and the Counts of Werdenberg-Sargans. It fell and broke in the 16th century, and two of its drums were set up again in the 17th.

The route was in use in Roman times. Coin finds and stretches of Roman road north of the summit and above Sils and Silvaplana show that traffic crossed here, though only with two-wheeled carts.

Ski tourers know the neighbouring Piz da las Coluonnas as a winter objective. If you want another lake in the area, a hike from Silvaplana leads to Lej da la Tscheppa, a hidden lake on a route of about 12 km.

How do you get there?

Drive the Julier Pass road between Silvaplana and Bivio. From Silvaplana it is a short climb up the valley. Pull over near the summit and walk a few steps to the shore. By public transport you can reach Silvaplana, and regional services continue over the pass; check timetables before you travel.

When should you visit?

Summer and early autumn are best, when the road is dry and views are clearest. At over 2,200 m the weather changes quickly, so bring a warm layer even in July. In winter the area is under snow, and you should check road conditions on the TCS site.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Lej da las Culuonnas?

On the Julier Pass, a few metres south of the road summit, between Silvaplana in the Engadine and Bivio in the Oberhalbstein.

Do I need to hike a long trail?

No. The lake is next to the road, so you only stop at the pass and walk a few steps.

What else is worth seeing at the pass?

The Roman columns beside the road, the remains of the Roman sanctuary, and the Red Tower, which together with the lake shapes the pass landscape.

How is the lake's name spelled?

You will find both Culuonnas and Coluonnas. Both refer to the same lake in Romansh-speaking Engadine.