Top 20 Lakes around Pontresina
Best lakes around Pontresina are nestled in the Swiss Alps, offering diverse natural attractions. This region is characterized by its high-altitude reservoirs, forest-surrounded bathing lakes, and clear moor lakes. These natural features provide settings for various outdoor activities and offer views of the surrounding mountain scenery.
Best lakes around Pontresina
- The most popular lakes is Lago Bianco, a lake that is a high-alpine reservoir known for its milky, whitish hue from glacial meltwater. It is a major watershed, with…
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Lake Staz (Lej da Staz)
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Lago Bianco
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The Lago Bianco is a reservoir at the Bernina Pass and is located in the area of the municipalities of Pontresina and Poschiavo. …
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Lej da Staz
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Lake St. Moritz
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Alpe Gera Dam
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Popular around Pontresina
Bernina Tour – Trail running the highest mountain in the Eastern Alps
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Tips from the Community
imposing dam, a passage point for the Bignami refuge and the Fellaria ice
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An interesting destination all year round. 🥰
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Lago Bianco, Bernina Pass at 2234 meters The Lago Bianco is a reservoir at the Bernina Pass and is located in the area of the municipalities of Pontresina and Poschiavo. The lake is located directly at the pass at 2234 meters above sea level. The Lago Bianco is bordered by two dams on its north and south sides and is around three kilometers long and about 800m wide. When filled to its maximum, the depth of the Lago Bianco is over 50 meters. The reservoir on the Bernina Pass is fed by various mountain streams and glacier water, while the Cavagliasch in particular leaves the lake. The whitish, somewhat milky-looking Lago Bianco gets its name (in German "White Lake") from the inflow of sand and glacier water. The Bernina Hospice (Ospizio Bernina) is located on the western shore of Lago Bianco, and the Rhaetian Railway's train line - the Bernina Express - also runs directly along the shore. The Bernina Pass road is also located on the western side, but not directly on the lake shore. In cold winters, the lake can freeze over and in some years the beautiful black ice forms. When the reservoir is then opened by the authorities, nothing stands in the way of ice skating on Lago Bianco. Text / Source: Schweizersee.ch https://www.schweizersee.ch/lago_bianco_pontresina/
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the tour of the dam is very beautiful
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There are many places to rest around the lake; benches, barbecue areas, and loungers are available to enjoy the beautiful panorama.
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The river originates northeast of the Lunghin Pass in the Swiss Upper Engadine at an altitude of 2,564 meters above Lake Lunghin. The pass above the source is a major European watershed point (North Sea, Black Sea, Adriatic Sea). Inn in the Lower Engadine between Susch and Lavin (2008) Until its confluence with the larger Flaz, the Inn (En) is also called the Sela and initially flows through Lake Sils, Lake Silvaplana, Lake Champfèr, and Lake St. Moritz. The small Lake Gravatscha near the mouth of the Flaz is an important breeding ground for birds. In the Lower Engadine, the Inn flows through several gorges with a significantly steeper gradient.
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After the cordoned-off part of the path (the view is beautiful) you pass under this suggestive rocky claw....then a steep zigzagging uphill section begins.....then take a breath and stop to enjoy the view (better in the afternoon with the sun reflecting on the lake)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes around Pontresina are best for swimming?
For swimming, Lake Staz (Lej da Staz) is a popular choice, with its dark water warming up to over 20 °C in summer. Lej Marsch, a clear moor lake with a sandy beach, also offers shallow waters that can reach 21 °C, making it ideal for families. Lej Nair, despite its dark, peat-colored water, also warms up to pleasant swimming temperatures in summer.
What unique natural features can I expect to see at the lakes near Pontresina?
The lakes offer diverse natural features. Lago Bianco is known for its milky, whitish hue from glacial meltwater and is a major watershed. Lej Nair features dark, peat-colored water within a protected moorland, offering tranquil reflections. Lake Silvaplana is famous for its crystal-clear, turquoise waters and consistent Maloja winds.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Pontresina?
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Lake Staz (Lej da Staz) has amenities like jetties, changing rooms, picnic areas, fire pits, and a children's playground. Lej Marsch is also very family-friendly with a sandy beach, shallow waters, and picnic facilities. Lake St. Moritz offers a pleasant 4-kilometer path perfect for leisurely strolls.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the lakes?
The lakes around Pontresina are excellent for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, and gravel biking. For specific routes, explore the Road Cycling Routes around Pontresina, Cycling around Pontresina, and Gravel biking around Pontresina guides. Water sports like kitesurfing, windsurfing, and sailing are popular on Lake Silvaplana.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Pontresina?
The best time depends on your preferred activities. Summer (June to September) is ideal for swimming, hiking, and water sports. In winter, when the lakes freeze, they become venues for ice skating, cross-country skiing, and unique events like the White Turf horse races on Lake St. Moritz.
Are there any notable hiking trails directly along the lakes?
Yes, the Lago Bianco Lakeside Trail offers great views of Piz Cambrena and is flanked by the Bernina Express railway. A 4-kilometer path encircles Lake St. Moritz, perfect for leisurely walks. Many other hiking and biking trails also pass by lakes like Lej Nair and Lej da Staz.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Pontresina?
Visitors frequently praise the stunning mountain panoramas and the diverse activities available. Many appreciate the well-maintained facilities at bathing lakes like Lake Staz (Lej da Staz) and the unique experience of ice skating on Lago Bianco's 'black ice' in winter. The tranquil settings for relaxation and photography are also highly valued.
Can I find places for picnics and barbecues near the lakes?
Absolutely. Lake Staz (Lej da Staz) and Lej Marsch both offer designated picnic areas and fire pits with firewood. Lej Nair also has fire pits available, and Lej Aratsch, though less suitable for swimming, is known for its excellent barbecue spots within the surrounding larch woodland.
What makes Lake Silvaplana special for water sports?
Lake Silvaplana is a major hub for water sports due to its consistent Maloja winds, which create ideal conditions for kitesurfing, windsurfing, and sailing. Its clear, turquoise waters and stunning mountain backdrop also enhance the experience.
Are there any lakes that are particularly good for quiet contemplation or nature observation?
Lej Nair, situated within a protected moorland area, is perfect for peaceful reflection and enjoying nature. Its dark water and tranquil surroundings offer a serene escape, and it's part of trails that provide insights into local flora and fauna.
What winter activities are available on the frozen lakes?
In winter, the frozen lakes transform into activity hubs. Lago Bianco can freeze to allow for ice skating on its 'black ice.' Lej da Staz also offers ice skating. Lake St. Moritz hosts international ice events, including the famous White Turf horse races, polo matches, and cross-country skiing. Lake Silvaplana is popular for snowkiting and ice skating when frozen.
How do the lakes around Pontresina compare to each other in terms of type?
The region boasts a variety of lake types. Lago Bianco is a high-alpine reservoir. Lake Staz (Lej da Staz) is a forest-surrounded bathing lake. Lej Nair and Lej Marsch are clear moor lakes. This diversity offers different experiences, from glacial landscapes to warm swimming spots.
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