Top 20 Lakes around Vilminore Di Scalve

The lakes in Vilminore Di Scalve offer a diverse range of experiences, from historical sites like the Gleno Dam and Lake, known for its natural beauty and tragic history, to stunning alpine lakes such as Coca Lake, nestled in the 'Giant's basin'. You'll find a mix of natural and artificial bodies of water, including the largest artificial lake in the Orobie Mountains, the Barbellino Reservoir, all set against a backdrop of towering mountains and glacial basins.

Yes, the most significant historical landmark is the Gleno Dam, which tragically collapsed in 1923. The ruins of the dam, located near Gleno Dam and Lake, serve as a powerful monument and a reminder of its history. Visitors can walk at the foot of the dam for a deeply moving experience.

Lova Lake is an excellent choice for families. It's an alpine lake with a recreation area featuring benches, barbecue, and picnic spots. There's also a small chapel and a tavern nearby. The route to Gleno Dam and Lake is also generally accessible, with the first half through a medium-dense forest and the second half opening up to a long, flat area, making it manageable for many families.

The lakes offer a variety of hiking experiences. For instance, the climb to Gleno Dam and Lake from Pianezza takes about two hours at an average pace, with options to extend the hike towards the Belviso Pass. Coca Lake is easily accessible with just a 30-minute flat walk from Rifugio Coca Merelli. More challenging hikes include the four-hour treks to Varro and Cornalta Lakes via CAI Trail 412, or to Venerocolo Lake via CAI Trail 416 or 414.

Yes, several lakes in the region are known for fishing. Gleno Dam and Lake is a good spot for brown trout, alpine char, and brook char. The Varro and Cornalta Lakes, as well as Venerocolo Lake, also offer challenging fishing opportunities for these same species.

Many lakes offer stunning viewpoints. From Gleno Dam and Lake, you can admire panoramic views of the Presolana mountains. Barbellino Reservoir is surrounded by towering mountains over 3,000 meters, providing spectacular vistas. Coca Lake is celebrated for its incredible colors and its setting in the 'Giant's basin'.

Beyond hiking, the area around Vilminore Di Scalve offers excellent opportunities for cycling and mountain biking. You can explore various routes such as the 'Beautiful gravel road – San Fermo Hut loop from Azzone' for MTB, or the 'Vivione Pass – Schilpario loop from Azzone' for road cycling. For more details on routes, you can check out the MTB Trails around Vilminore Di Scalve, Gravel biking around Vilminore Di Scalve, and Cycling around Vilminore Di Scalve guides.

The best time to visit is generally during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn (May to October), when the trails are clear of snow and the weather is pleasant for hiking and outdoor activities. During this period, you can fully enjoy the natural beauty and accessibility of the alpine lakes.

While popular lakes like Gleno and Barbellino are well-known, the Varro and Cornalta Lakes, and Venerocolo Lake, located at higher altitudes (2,230m and 2,300m respectively) and requiring a four-hour hike, offer a more secluded and challenging experience. These lakes are known for their scenic landscapes and provide a sense of freedom amidst green pastures, making them excellent choices for those seeking a less crowded adventure.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural settings and the sense of freedom found in the large green spaces. The historical significance of sites like the Gleno Dam and Lake also leaves a deep impression. Many appreciate the variety of experiences, from accessible walks to challenging treks, and the incredible colors of alpine lakes like Coca Lake.

While specific public transport details are not readily available, many lakes, especially those higher up, typically require a hike after reaching a certain point by car. For example, the climb to Gleno Dam and Lake starts from Pianezza, which is usually accessible by car. Lova Lake can be accessed by foot or mountain bike, with motorized vehicles generally restricted, though an off-road vehicle might be required for certain access points.