Top 20 Lakes around Susa

Several lakes in the Susa Valley are ideal for family outings. Frogs' Paradise Lake is known for its simple, naturalistic route suitable for children and features a nearby refreshment bar. The Avigliana Lakes (Lago Grande and Lago Piccolo), part of the Avigliana Lakes Natural Park, also offer numerous trails around their perimeter, perfect for peaceful strolls. Pian dell'Alpe, with its small lake and farmhouses, is another great spot for walks and picnics.

Yes, the Susa Valley offers diverse hiking experiences around its lakes. You can find trails around the Avigliana Lakes, providing scenic views and opportunities for peaceful walks. For a more secluded experience, the Red Lake (Lago Rosso) is accessible via an easy path from the Val Gravio refuge, though its immediate surroundings can be swampy. For a broader range of trails, explore the Hiking around Susa guide, which includes routes like the 'Sentiero Italia: From Susa to Rifugio Il Truc'.

The lakes around Susa showcase a variety of natural beauty. You'll find glacial lakes like the Avigliana Lakes, set within a natural park rich in biodiversity, including wetlands and moraine hills. Lake Laux is celebrated for its emerald green water reflecting the surrounding mountains. Lago Piccolo di Avigliana offers a wilder appearance with woods, meadows, and reeds, providing a sanctuary for birds and fish. Lago Verde in Valle Stretta is known for its almost surreal green hue, attributed to unique algae.

Yes, the region combines natural beauty with significant historical sites. Overlooking the Avigliana Lakes Natural Park is the ancient Sacra di San Michele Abbey, a historic landmark that has served as a reference point for pilgrims for centuries. Near Lago Grande (Moncenisio), you can explore the ecomuseum 'le terre al confine' in the town of Moncenisio, which preserves the history of mountaineers. The area is also crossed by the 'Via Francigena', an ancient pilgrimage route.

The Avigliana Lakes, particularly Lago Grande, are popular for various activities. You can enjoy water sports, relax on the beach, or take peaceful strolls on the numerous trails around their perimeter. The area is also excellent for nature observation, especially birdwatching, given its rich aquatic avifauna. The Sanctuary of the Madonna dei Laghi is a notable point of interest on the shores of Lago Grande.

Absolutely. The Susa Valley offers excellent cycling opportunities that often pass by or lead to its lakes. For example, the area around the Avigliana Lakes is part of several cycling routes. You can find detailed routes in the Cycling around Susa guide, which includes tours like the 'Novalesa Monument – Lago Grande loop from Susa' and the 'Lago Grande di Avigliana – Lakes of Avigliana loop from Susa'.

Parking availability varies by lake. For popular spots like Lake Laux, there is a large car park nearby. At Lake Malciaussia, parking for motor vehicles is subject to a fee during the summer months (July and August). For other, more secluded lakes, access might require hiking, and parking options could be limited to trailheads.

The Susa Valley lakes are beautiful year-round, but the best time depends on your preferred activities. Summer is ideal for water sports and relaxing by the Avigliana Lakes. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with vibrant foliage or blooming wildflowers. Some high-altitude lakes might be less accessible in winter due to snow, but lower-lying areas remain accessible for peaceful walks.

If you're looking for a more secluded experience, consider lakes that require a bit more effort to reach. The Red Lake (Lago Rosso), located beneath the Colle del Vento, offers a tranquil setting on a large green plateau, accessible via a path from the Val Gravio refuge. Lago Verde in Valle Stretta also provides unspoiled nature and a wilder experience due to its more remote location.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty and the variety of experiences. Many appreciate the emerald green waters of Lake Laux and the peaceful atmosphere for breaks after hikes or bike rides. The family-friendly nature of spots like Frogs' Paradise Lake and the opportunities for walks and picnics at Pian dell'Alpe are also highly valued. The blend of accessible recreation and historical context, like the Sacra di San Michele Abbey near the Avigliana Lakes, adds to the overall appeal.

Yes, while many lakes are of glacial origin, the Susa Valley also features artificial basins. Lake Malciaussia is an artificial dam lake, constructed in the 1930s to collect water for electricity generation. It is a well-known and frequented spot, especially in summer.