Best attractions and places to see around Lago del Salto include a diverse range of natural and historical sites. Lago del Salto is the largest artificial lake in Lazio, created in 1940 by the damming of the Salto River. Situated in the Apennine Mountains, it features an irregular, fjord-like shape with numerous inlets and peninsulas. The area offers a blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
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Lago del Salto is a small but successive artificial lake near Rieti whose circumference is about 32 km of asphalted and mostly flat road. A wonderful route to do by bike, even with the family, taking into account both the low car traffic and the good condition of the road surface perfectly passable with MTB, GRAVEL, City Bike, Racing bike etc. and the beautiful naturalistic views of the lake and the mountains. Along the route there are several rest areas where you can rest and eat a sandwich, but there is also a bar with a beautiful view near the dam. Also along the route you will encounter the town of Fiumata, diametrically opposite the dam, and the town of Borgo San Pietro, halfway between Fiumata and the dam, this is the ideal starting point thanks to the large spaces available for parking cars, but above all for the numerous restaurants with a view of the lake, open all year round and offering excellent local dishes, ideal to enjoy especially after a nice ride like this. For those who want to make the undertaking more challenging there is the variant that passes through Varco Sabino and then through the town of Rigatti, the tour is extended by a total of 10 km, testing a truly challenging climb and descent. Definitely worth trying.
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The passage over the dam is spectacular and the "jump" below is very impressive.
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Panoramic bridge over the lake and the village of Fiumata.
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beautiful bridge over the lake of the jump
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The Salto dam was built in the 1940s together with the nearby Turano dam (or Posticciola) to which it is connected by a nine kilometer long tunnel. The damming of the Salto river caused the formation of the homonymous lake which is today the largest artificial lake in Lazio. The beauty of the landscape and the peace that can be enjoyed from this position makes you completely forget the anthropic nature of the place.
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Bridge overlooking one of the wildest and most beautiful inlets of Lake Salto.
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Lago del Salto itself is the largest artificial lake in Lazio, known for its clear waters and picturesque, fjord-like appearance with numerous inlets and peninsulas. You can also appreciate the surrounding dense forests of oak, chestnut, and beech trees, particularly along the mountain slopes, which offer rich biodiversity. The area provides breathtaking mountain scenery and is a favored spot for nature photography.
Yes, the region is rich in history. You can visit the Salto Dam, an impressive engineering feat from the 1940s. The area also features charming historic villages such as Petrella Salto, known for its medieval and Renaissance buildings, and Borgo San Pietro, which offers equipped bathing beaches. The New Sanctuary of Santa Filippa Mareri and the Grotto of Santa Filippa Mareri are also significant spiritual sites.
Lago del Salto is excellent for various outdoor activities. The lake is popular for water sports like boating, fishing, swimming, and wakeboarding, with equipment rentals available in villages like Fiumata and Borgo San Pietro. For land-based activities, there are numerous trails for hiking and a 32 km asphalted road around the lake ideal for cycling. You can find more details on specific routes in our guides for Hiking around Lago del Salto and Road Cycling Routes around Lago del Salto.
Absolutely. Many attractions around Lago del Salto are suitable for families. The lake itself, Lake Salto, offers clear waters for swimming and equipped beaches. The Fiumata Bridge on Lake Salto provides panoramic views that children and adults can enjoy. Water sports like boating and swimming are popular, and the flat road around the lake is great for family bike rides. Exploring the charming villages also offers a pleasant family outing.
For stunning panoramic views, the Fiumata Bridge on Lake Salto is an excellent spot, offering expansive vistas over the artificial lake. Additionally, the ancient Rocca Cenci (Rocca di Petrella) overlooking Petrella Salto provides breathtaking views of the Valle del Salto and Cicolano. Several bridges, like the Bridge over a fjord of Lake del Salto, also offer unique perspectives of the lake's wilder inlets.
The area is dotted with charming and historically rich villages. Borgo San Pietro is an ideal starting point, offering equipped bathing beaches and restaurants. Petrella Salto is known for its history, art, and Roman-era archaeological testimonies. Other picturesque hillside villages include Fiumata, Fiamignano, Rigatti, Rocca Vittiana, and Varco Sabino, all offering narrow streets and beautiful panoramic views.
Yes, there are numerous trails around Lago del Salto suitable for hikers of varying abilities. The surrounding Apennine Mountains and forests offer diverse landscapes for exploration. For specific routes and their difficulties, you can consult our dedicated guide for Hiking around Lago del Salto, which includes options like the Monte Navegna Summit Cross loop.
The Salto Dam is an impressive concrete dam, over 90 meters high, constructed in the 1940s. It was built for hydroelectric power generation and is a significant engineering feat. Its construction involved damming the Salto River, which led to the creation of Lago del Salto, the largest artificial lake in Lazio. It's connected to the nearby Turano Dam by a nine-kilometer tunnel.
The area around Lago del Salto is rich in biodiversity, making it a good spot for nature lovers and birdwatchers. You can often spot various bird species such as herons and kingfishers. The lake itself contains various fish species, attracting fishing enthusiasts. The dense forests surrounding the lake also host a variety of flora and fauna.
Yes, cycling is a popular activity around Lago del Salto. There is a 32 km asphalted and mostly flat road that encircles the lake, offering beautiful naturalistic views and making it ideal for cyclists. For detailed routes and their characteristics, you can explore our guide on Road Cycling Routes around Lago del Salto.
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of natural beauty and human ingenuity. The serene, fjord-like appearance of Lake Salto, the impressive scale of the Salto Dam, and the panoramic views from spots like the Fiumata Bridge are frequently highlighted. The peaceful atmosphere and opportunities for various outdoor activities also contribute to a highly enjoyable experience.
Yes, the region around Lago del Salto is historically rich, with several archaeological sites dating back to the Roman era. These sites offer insights into ancient civilizations that once inhabited the area, providing an interesting dimension for those interested in history and archaeology.


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