Palü Lake

Palü Lake (Lagh da Palü locally, Lago di Palü in Italian) is a mountain lake in the Val Poschiavo, in the Swiss canton of Graubünden, a short train ride above the town of Poschiavo. It sits at 1,923 m, right below Piz Palü, and covers about 5.2 hectares. Meltwater from the Palü Glacier feeds it, which is why the surface glows a milky turquoise.

What will you see at Lago di Palü?

The water colour is the main draw. The glacier grinds rock into fine flour that stays suspended in the lake and tints it green-blue. Behind it rises the glaciated Piz Palü massif, and the shoreline opens onto views down the valley. A dam built in 1926 raised the water level, so the lake today also works as a reservoir. A small hydropower building stands nearby, and one of the paths up from Cavaglia starts there.

In autumn the larches around the lake turn yellow and set off the turquoise water. It is a fine time for photography, as long as the weather still allows a hike.

How do you get to Palü Lake?

No road reaches the lake, so the train does the heavy lifting. The Bernina line of the Rhaetian Railway stops at Alp Grüm and Cavaglia, and both stations have trails to the shore.

• From Alp Grüm (2,091 m): a steep path leads down in about 30 minutes. The climb back takes longer, so leave yourself time. Sturdy shoes are needed.
• From Cavaglia: the walk up to the lake takes roughly 55 minutes.
• Linear route: Alp Grüm – Lagh da Palü – Glacier Garden in Cavaglia is about 5 km and 1.5 hours. It pairs well with the Cavaglia glacier garden, which is open seasonally (roughly May to October).
• Longer option: Cavaglia – lake – Alp Grüm – Ospizio Bernina covers about 9.5 km with around 775 m of ascent, graded T2 (mountain hiking).

When should you go?

Trails are easiest from June to September. The restaurants at Alp Grüm generally run from about April to October. Early autumn brings fewer people and golden larches, but check trail conditions before you set out, because the weather at this altitude changes quickly.

What should you bring?

Hiking shoes with good grip, a warm layer, rain protection and water. There are no shops on the short stretch from Alp Grüm, so carry your supplies. Train tickets for Poschiavo – Cavaglia – Alp Grüm are sold at stations and in the RhB app.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive to Palü Lake? No. Alp Grüm has no road connection and only footpaths lead to the shore. The easiest way is to take the train to Alp Grüm or Cavaglia.

How long is the walk to the lake? From Alp Grüm the descent takes about half an hour, and from Cavaglia the ascent takes about 55 minutes. The full loop with the Glacier Garden takes 1.5 hours or more, depending on your pace.

Why is the water milky? Glacier meltwater carries fine rock particles from the Palü Glacier. They scatter light and give the lake its green-turquoise tint.

Is it a natural lake? It occupies a glacial basin, but since 1926 a dam has raised its level, so it also acts as a reservoir.