Valtellina's picture-perfect Alpine lakes are the ideal place to take some artistic shots to post on social media. Their iridescent waters sparkle against a backdrop of forests and mountain peaks in a peaceful setting that’s about as far as you can get from tourist crowds.
The unusual thing about the lakes around Bormio is that they are all found at over 1,800 m above sea level. Getting there takes a little effort, but they're well worth it.
Lake Manzina
In a blissfully quiet corner of the Stelvio National Park, far above the treeline at an altitude of 2,790 m and surrounded by rugged peaks, lies this beautiful mountain lake.
Best time to go: summer, when the ice has completely melted. Dawn is the best time of day for photos.
How to get to Lake Manzina
Lake Campaccio
One of the closest lakes to Bormio, nestled in a wide glacial basin at an altitude of 2,301 m at the foot of the south face of Cima Piazzi above the village of Cepina in Valdisotto. The way the deep blue waters catch the light varies according to the season and weather conditions.
Best time to go: summer and autumn
How to get to Lake Campaccio
The Cancano lakes
The lakes at Cancano (1,902 m) are in fact artificial reservoirs created by two hydroelectric dams. Nonetheless, their turquoise waters surrounded by pine forest and mountain peaks are strikingly picturesque. You can reach them on a scenic uphill bike ride or use them as a starting point for some fantastic hikes.
Best time to go: November, when the trees are ablaze with autumn colours
Route around the Cancano lakes
Val Viola lakes
The three lakes in Val Viola, two a bright azure colour, the third a deeper shade of blue, are the perfect backdrop for some Instagram-worthy shots near the Viola Refuge.
Best time to go: July to November
How to get to the Val Viola lakes
I Bei Laghetti
The name literally means 'pretty little lakes'. The Bei Laghetti are hidden among some rocky bluffs at around 2,700 m above sea level. The colour of the water is a vivid tropical blue despite the Alpine setting, making them some of the prettiest lakes in the Lombardy region (hence the name).
Best time to go: summer, when the blue of the water is at its most intense.
How to get to the Bei Laghetti
Feel inspired? Post your Alpine lake pics on Instagram and don't forget to tag us @bormio_tourism.
