Lunghinsee

Lunghinsee (Romansh: Lägh dal Lunghin, Italian: Lago Lunghin) is an alpine lake at 2,484 m above sea level, high above the village of Maloja in the Bregaglia municipality of Graubünden, Switzerland. It sits just beneath Piz Lunghin and is regarded as the source of the River Inn.

Why is Lunghinsee special?

The lake is small, but its place on the map is remarkable. The Inn starts here, crosses the Engadin, joins the Danube and ends in the Black Sea. A short climb above, the Lunghin Pass (about 2,645 m) marks a triple watershed. Water leaves this spot in three directions: to the Black Sea (Inn and Danube), to the North Sea (the Julia and the Rhine) and to the Adriatic (the Po basin). Swiss tourism sources call it the only triple watershed in Europe.

How do you get to Lunghinsee?

The classic hike starts in Maloja, passes the hamlet of Pila and reaches the lake before continuing to the pass. The full route from Maloja to Casaccia, via the lake, Lunghin Pass and Septimerpass, covers roughly 13 km with 800 to 850 m of ascent and takes about five and a half hours. The section up to the lake is well marked and suits most walkers with basic fitness. Longer alternatives start from Bivio over the Septimerpass, or follow a four-lake circuit that needs around six hours.

What will you see?

From the shore you look up at the rocky pyramid of Piz Lunghin (about 2,780 m) and down toward the Engadin valley with Lake Sils and Lake Silvaplana. Around you lie high alpine meadows and boulder fields. The lake makes a rewarding destination in itself, with no climbing needed. The route from the lake to the summit of Piz Lunghin is clearly harder, with exposed sections, and is best left to experienced hikers.

When should you go?

The trail is at its best from June to October, once the snow has gone. Mountain weather can turn quickly even in summer, and fog makes navigation difficult. Start early, carry a warm layer, water and a map or offline navigation.

Frequently asked questions

Is Lunghinsee really the source of the Inn?

Yes. The lake is considered the source of the Inn, whose water reaches the Black Sea via the Danube.

How long is the walk from Maloja to the lake?

The whole Maloja to Casaccia route takes about five and a half hours. The lake is the first, shorter part, and the pass lies higher still.

Is the hike difficult?

The path to the lake is technically easy but long and steep. The climb to Piz Lunghin is the demanding part.

How high is the lake compared with the pass?

The lake lies at about 2,484 m and the triple-watershed pass at about 2,645 m, further up the same trail.