Top 20 Lakes around Nus
Best lakes around Nus are situated in the Aosta Valley, Italy, a region characterized by its alpine landscape and significant engineering works. This area features a mix of natural and artificial lakes, often nestled amidst majestic mountains and offering various recreational opportunities. The lakes contribute to the region's natural beauty and serve as focal points for outdoor activities. Visitors can explore diverse aquatic environments, from serene natural ponds to large reservoirs created by impressive dams.
Best lakes around Nus
- The most popular lakes is Place Moulin Dam, a man_made_monument that dams the Buthier river to form a reservoir. This dam, built between 1955 and 1965, was once one of the largest globally, standing at 155 meters high.
- Another must-see spot is Lago di Lod, a lake that is easily accessible via path 3 from Chamois or by chairlift. It is a popular excursion destination, suitable for families and those seeking a less strenuous approach to mountain lake scenery.
- Visitors also love Prarayer Hut, a hut overlooking an artificial lake formed by the Buthier stream. This lake is one of the largest in the Aosta Valley, offering spectacular scenery and serving as part of the Matterhorn Tour.
- Nus is known for both natural lakes and large artificial reservoirs. These include serene ponds and significant bodies of water created by dams.
- The lakes around Nus are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 270 upvotes and 145 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 27, 2026
Chamois
Highlight • Settlement
It is included in the Consorzio delle Perle delle Alpi (Consortium of the Pearls of the Alps) for a peculiarity: it is the only village in Italy (on the mainland) without cars. Reaching it is indeed only possible on foot, by bicycle, or by cable car.
The historic mule track with 93 bends, known as "Les Seingles", was once the only connection to Chamois. One used to start from Buisson and only arrive after a few hours of hard walking.
Today, everything is easier, a practical path starts from the hamlet of Corgnolaz in La Magdeleine and after about an hour's easy walk, you reach your destination.
Upon arrival in Chamois, we find the beautiful little square with the church and the town hall, and from here the entire village unfolds with its hamlets. The first thing you perceive upon arrival is the absolute silence, the peace, and the tranquility of a small mountain village without cars and without traffic, which seems suspended in time.
From the square also departs one of the three lifts present in the village. From here, we can indeed take a chairlift to reach Lake Lod (Lago di Lod) in 5 minutes, at 2015 m. A beautiful small lake on whose shores an equipped picnic area has been created; in the surroundings, there are also some restaurants.
We can also reach Lake Lod on foot, from the village, via a path or the convenient dirt road, with a simple walk of about 30-40 minutes. The route is well marked and starts from the village.
From the lake, you can climb up to Punta Falinère and reach the Sanctuary of Clavalité (2530 m) by following path no. 3 and a fairly steep mule track.
Chamois is also a very beautiful destination in winter, when the ski slopes open and the village fills with skiers and snowshoe hikers.
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Lago di Lod
Highlight • Lake
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Place Moulin Dam
Highlight • Monument
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Lago Blu
Highlight • Lake
Source: dooid.it/en/the-matterhorns-magnificent-blue-lake-in-aosta-valley
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Prarayer Hut
Highlight • Mountain Hut
The most popular path to reach the refuge is from the south, via a mule track accessible to anyone, which follows the route along the lake. It's perfect for a relaxing, scenic ride, suitable for all levels. If you're looking for a more technical and fun challenge, there are other access routes that are slightly more challenging but equally rewarding.
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Tips from the Community
A beautiful lake with a drinking fountain nearby.
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You can also stay for just a few hours: the hour costs 50 cents (as of 2025).
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At the hut, you can enjoy good, traditional dishes at really fair prices. In good weather, you can enjoy the view of the lake from the terrace. If the weather is bad, there's plenty of space inside, too.
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beautiful lake at the arrival of the first chairlift of Chamois
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The legend of Lago Blu says that long ago, where the Blue Lake is today, there was a small house where a family of shepherds lived. One night, a poor traveler came to visit and knocked on their door, seeking food and shelter. The young shepherdess turned him away, but her son could not bear the thought of this selfish act. He tried to give the traveler his own bowl of milk, but his parents did not allow it and gave the man a bowl of dirty water instead. The parents even punished their son for going against their will and sent him out into the forest that very night to collect wood. He managed to collect a lot of wood without being attacked by wild animals, and when he returned home, he was horrified to find that his house was no longer there. A lake had swallowed him and with him his entire family. As the boy grew up and started his own family and village, they were known to be friendly, hospitable people who always welcomed strangers. Source: https://dooid.it/en/the-matterhorns-magnificent-blue-lake-in-aosta-valley/
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The Blue Lake (il Lago Blu), also known as Lake Layet, is located in the Breuil-Cervinia region of the Aosta Valley and lies south of the Matterhorn. It sits at almost 2,000 meters above sea level, surrounded by larches. It is not a large lake, but what makes it so special is its bright color. Supposedly, the deep blue is the merit of both the algae and mineral content, and the clarity comes from the fact that it is constantly fed by freshwater springs. Source: https://dooid.it/en/the-matterhorns-magnificent-blue-lake-in-aosta-valley/
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I expect to find around Nus?
The Nus region in Aosta Valley features a mix of natural alpine lakes and large artificial reservoirs, often created by impressive dams. These bodies of water are nestled amidst majestic mountains, offering diverse scenery and recreational opportunities.
Are there any easily accessible lakes suitable for families or those seeking a less strenuous visit?
Yes, Lago di Lod is a popular excursion destination that is easily accessible. You can reach it via path 3 from Chamois or by chairlift, making it suitable for families and those who prefer a less strenuous approach to enjoying mountain lake scenery. It features public services and tables with barbeque facilities.
Which lakes offer impressive views or significant engineering marvels?
The Place Moulin Dam is a significant engineering marvel, once one of the largest dams globally, standing at 155 meters high. It creates a vast reservoir and offers spectacular scenery amidst the mountains. The dam itself provides a beautiful panorama and an easy walk suitable for the whole family.
Can I find lakes that are part of longer hiking routes or tours?
Yes, the area around Prarayer Hut is a prime example. This hut overlooks an artificial lake, one of the largest in the Aosta Valley, and is part of the famous Matterhorn Tour. The path to the refuge along the lake is a mule track accessible to anyone, including those with prams or mountain bikes, offering a relaxing and scenic ride.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Nus?
The lakes around Nus are excellent starting points for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking and mountain biking excursions. For specific routes, explore the Running Trails around Nus, Road Cycling Routes around Nus, or Gravel biking around Nus guides for detailed options.
Are there high-altitude lakes for more adventurous hikers?
Yes, Lake Cignana, also known as Lake Tsignanaz, is an artificial lake situated at an altitude of 2,149 meters above sea level in the Cervino valley. It serves as a starting point for numerous hiking and mountain biking excursions, offering high-altitude adventures and breathtaking views. The Rifugio Jean Barmasse is located on its shores.
What are the best viewpoints to experience the lakes and surrounding mountains?
The Cignana Window offers a vast panorama, embracing the artificial basin below and the surrounding peaks, extending up to the Monte Rosa glacier. From this point, multiple paths branch off towards different destinations, providing various perspectives of the alpine landscape.
Are there any tips for visiting Lago di Lod?
Visitors recommend Lago di Lod for its beauty and ease of access. You can reach it by following path 3 from Chamois or by chairlift. It's considered a popular excursion destination, especially suitable for families or those not used to strenuous mountain hikes, as it offers public services and picnic areas.
What makes the Place Moulin Dam area special for visitors?
The Place Moulin Dam is notable for its immense scale and historical significance as one of the largest dams built globally in its time. It creates a stunning reservoir, offering a beautiful panorama and an easy, scenic walk suitable for the entire family. It's a testament to engineering prowess set in a beautiful natural environment.
What should I know about visiting Prarayer Hut and its lake?
The Prarayer Hut is located in the upper Bionaz valley, surrounded by majestic mountains and glaciers. It overlooks one of the largest artificial lakes in the Aosta Valley. The most popular path to reach it is a mule track accessible to anyone, including families with prams, following the lake for about 6 km. It's perfect for a relaxing, scenic ride and is part of the Matterhorn Tour.
Is it possible to cycle around the lakes near Nus?
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. For example, the road to Prarayer Hut is a mule track that is also very beautiful for mountain bikes. Additionally, the area around Lake Cignana has routes that are not very technical, making for an easy and comfortable ride, though a complete loop around the lake might not be possible.
Are there any historical aspects related to the lakes in the Nus area?
Many of the larger lakes in the region are artificial reservoirs created by significant dams, showcasing impressive engineering feats. For instance, the Place Moulin Dam was built between 1955 and 1965 and was once one of the largest globally. Similarly, the dam creating Lake Cignana was completed in 1928, highlighting the region's long history of harnessing alpine waters.
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