Top 8 Lakes around Allein
Best lakes around Allein, a municipality in Italy's Aosta Valley, are set within an alpine region known for its natural beauty. The area features numerous lakes, many of which are glacial in origin. This landscape offers a variety of natural features and recreational opportunities for visitors. Allein is situated in a region renowned for its alpine landscapes and numerous lakes, providing diverse features and activities.
Best lakes around Allein
- The most popular lakes is Lago delle Rane, a lake that offers a scenic highlight. Its descent requires surefootedness due to steep steps.
- Another must-see spot is Lago Cornet, a lake located at 2,234 meters. Visitors can reach it via paths 6 and 6A from Glacier, with the option to climb to the top of Mount Cornet.
- Visitors also love Lac de Grand Saint Bernard, a mountain lake and historical site situated on the edge of a lake. This location maintains a tradition of hospitality and offers a peaceful place for travelers.
- Allein is known for its mountain lakes and bodies of water. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, often nestled in alpine settings.
- The lakes around Allein are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 110 upvotes and over 50 photos shared across various highlights.
Last updated: July 27, 2026
Great St Bernard Hospice
Highlight • Mountain Pass
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Lac de Grand Saint Bernard
Highlight • Lake
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Great St. Bernard Pass
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Until the Middle Ages
Despite its great height, the pass has been walked since the early Iron Age, as is shown by finds along the access road in the north. At the time of the Roman Empire it was one of the most important alpine crossings from Italy to Gaul and the Rhine provinces. The name of the mountain appears for the first time in Gaius Julius Caesar's report on the war in Gaul. Later other Roman and Greek authors such as Titus Livius and Strabo wrote about the pass road. Until it was expanded as a road under Emperor Claudius, there was only one mule track across the mountains. One advantage of the route was that there were no difficult-to-pass gorges at the entrances, such as the Gotthard Pass, for example.
At the top of the pass there was a temple in Roman times, in which the native (Celtic) god Poeninus was worshiped, who was equated by the Romans with Iuppiter Optimus Maximus in the sense of the Interpretatio Romana. In the Middle Ages, the pass was still called Mont-Joux (from Latin mons Iovis).
The mountain crossing served secular and spiritual dignitaries, traders and crusaders, warbands and refugees as a route from the north to northern Italy and vice versa. It was a central section of a network of pilgrimage routes from the Franconian Empire and its successor states to Rome, which was bundled there and then branched out again. These routes were known as Via francigena, German: Way out of the Franconian Empire. A good source for the route is the 994 travelogue of Archbishop Sigeric the Serious of Canterbury.
In the middle of the 11th century a hostel was built on the top of the pass. According to tradition, Bernhard von Aosta and Irmingard († 1057), the wife of the last Burgundian king Rudolf III, founded this institution on the border between the diocese of Sion and the diocese of Aosta. From this the Bernhardshospiz developed, from which the pass got its current name. It has been documented as a house of Augustinian canons since 1125. On the mountain, members of the hospice bred the St. Bernard dog breed, which proved itself as rescue dogs in the search for avalanche victims. She became known worldwide through Barry, who is said to have saved the lives of over 40 people.
Since the 11th century, the Alpine pass was under the control of the Counts of Savoy. As a connection between the Savoy region in the Lake Geneva region and south of the Alps, the route over the Great Saint Bernard with the hostel was important for the counts, dukes of Savoy since the 15th century. When the Valais conquered the Chablais and the Martigny area during the Burgundian Wars, the Savoy lost control of the northern foot of the pass road. Access from the north was via the Rhone bridge at Saint-Maurice, which led across the river at an easily controllable narrow point in the Rhone Valley, which was fortified with the Saint-Maurice Castle after the Burgundian Wars.
Modern times
On May 14th, 1800 Napoléon Bonaparte crossed the Alps here on his way to Italy. He also entrusted the canons of the Bernhard Pass with the hospice on the Simplon Pass.
In the 1850s, Switzerland and the Kingdom of Sardinia planned a winter-proof variant for the connection between the Val d'Entremont and the Aosta Valley. The Menouve Tunnel a few kilometers east of the summit of the Great St. Bernard Pass would have shortened the route significantly. Shortly after the construction work began, the project was abandoned again.
In 1905 a drivable road over the pass was completed.
From 1940 to the 1990s, the pass formed the south-western boundary point of the Swiss Redoubt; the entrances in Entremont were secured against potential attackers by terrain obstacles and barriers; Artillery supported the blocked positions.
In the past, the path over the high mountain pass was only passable in summer. Since 1964, the road connection between the Valais and the Aosta Valley has led through the 5.85 km long, toll-based Grosser St. Bernhard tunnel and the historic pass road forms a detour to the hospice and through the beautiful mountain landscape. The Oléoduc du Rhône oil pipeline, which was closed in 2015, runs through the road tunnel from the port of Genoa to the Collombey refinery in Valais.
Text / Source: Wikipedia
de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grosser_St._Bernhard
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Conca di By, Dam and Little Church
Highlight • Lake
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Lago delle Rane
Highlight • Lake
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Tips from the Community
The By basin extends over a wide plateau in the lower part of which lies the small By lake, surrounded by an amphitheater of peaks reaching almost 3,000 meters. Once inhabited year-round for the cultivation of rye and wheat, the basin today preserves traces of the ancient village, numerous pastures linked to summer transhumance, and the historic Casa Farinet, which hosted President Luigi Einaudi during his escape to Switzerland in the fascist period.
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Stunning landscape, very gusty winds
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The highest road pass in the Aosta Valley and a place that has always fascinated the writer for its thousand-year history, the austere Mauritian hospice and the profound beauty of the landscape.
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Hotel Italia is highly recommended
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The austere buildings of the Hospice of Great St. Bernard are situated in a rocky pass through which an icy wind almost always blows, on the edge of a lake that is frozen for an average of 265 days a year and where winter lasts almost eight months. For nine centuries, the Canons Regular of the Order of St. Augustine, who settled here at the instigation of St. Bernard of Menthon, have maintained a tradition of helpfulness and hospitality. Travellers who wish to relax for a while in this peaceful place are welcome all year round.
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A wonderful sight after a long climb - in early summer, when the lake is just waking up from hibernation, you can sometimes see very beautiful pictures of melting ice, snow marbled with Sahara dust and blue water.
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Drive past and enjoy, definitely too cold for swimming
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A historic and iconic monastery perched on the border between Switzerland and Italy, it has existed as a hospice for over 1,000 years. Saint Bernard dogs, a symbol of Switzerland, were bred here for many years to rescue mountaineers in distress. The monastery is also located on the shores of the tranquil Great St. Bernard Lake, where many trails begin.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most scenic lakes to visit around Allein?
For breathtaking views, consider visiting Lago delle Rane, known for its scenic beauty. Another option is Lago Cornet, located at 2,234 meters, offering expansive vistas. Additionally, Lake Arpy, at 2,066 meters, provides picturesque scenery with views of the Mont Blanc massif.
Are there any lakes around Allein that are known for their unique natural features?
Yes, several lakes stand out. Blue Lake (Lago Blu) is famous for its intense color and reflections of the Matterhorn. Lake Arpy is home to trout and the rare Alpine newt, with waters displaying shades from brown to light blue to green. Lake Miage offers a constantly changing natural spectacle with waters varying from turquoise to deep blue.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Allein?
The region offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. For specific hiking routes, you can explore options like the "Via Francigena: Gignod to Étroubles" or the "Tête du Praz Loop Trail" which are part of the hiking guide around Allein. Mountaineering routes, such as the "Fenêtre Lakes – Hospice du Grand-Saint-Bernard loop," are also available in the mountain hikes guide.
Are there family-friendly lakes or activities around Allein?
Yes, several spots are suitable for families. The area around Great St Bernard Hospice and Lac de Grand Saint Bernard is considered family-friendly. Many lakes offer opportunities for summer picnics and easy walks, and the general recreational activities like kayaking and canoeing can be enjoyed by families.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Allein?
The lakes are generally best visited during the warmer months when the weather is mild, allowing for hiking, water activities, and enjoying the alpine flora. While the wider Italian Lakes region has a mild sub-Mediterranean climate, some high-altitude lakes, like the one near Great St Bernard Hospice, can be frozen for a significant part of the year, so summer and early autumn are ideal for most activities.
Are there any historical or cultural sites near the lakes?
Yes, the Great St Bernard Hospice is a significant historical site located on the edge of a lake. For nine centuries, the Canons Regular of the Order of St. Augustine have maintained a tradition of hospitality here, offering a peaceful place for travelers.
Which lakes are easily accessible by car or with a short walk?
Blue Lake (Lago Blu) is easily accessible by car or a short walk from Breuil-Cervinia. Lake Verney, the largest lake in the La Thuile area, is also easily accessible via the road from La Thuile towards the Petit Saint Bernard.
Can I go wild swimming in the lakes around Allein?
The Aosta Valley lakes offer opportunities for recreational activities, including swimming. However, as these are alpine glacial lakes, the water can be quite cold, even in summer. Always exercise caution and check local conditions before entering the water.
What makes the lakes in the Aosta Valley unique?
The lakes in the Aosta Valley are predominantly glacial lakes, formed after the retreat of glaciers at the end of the last ice age. This geological origin contributes to their extraordinary natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and the dramatic alpine landscapes that surround them, often reflecting towering peaks like the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc.
Are there any large artificial lakes in the area?
Yes, Place Moulin Lake is a notable artificial lake formed by the waters of the Buthier stream. It is one of the largest in the Aosta Valley and is known for its natural beauty and as a starting point for various hikes. It features the impressive Place Moulin dam.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the lakes around Allein?
Visitors appreciate the stunning natural beauty, the tranquility amidst nature, and the diverse recreational opportunities. The komoot community has shown significant appreciation, with over 170 upvotes and more than 80 photos shared across various lake highlights, indicating a strong positive response to the area's scenic appeal.
Are there challenging hikes that include lake views?
Yes, for those seeking more challenging routes, the "Tête du Praz Loop Trail" and "Mont Saron Trail 24" are difficult hiking options. Mountaineering routes like the "Fenêtre Lakes – Hospice du Grand-Saint-Bernard loop" also offer demanding terrain with spectacular lake scenery.
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