Lago Bianco - 10 Things to Know Before Visiting

Lake/ River/ Ponds

About Lago Bianco

Lago Bianco or White Lake is a glacial lake situated at an elevation of 2,637 meters (8,650 feet), making it one of the highest-altitude lakes in the Alps. Lago Bianco is fed by several small glaciers, and its waters are a brilliant turquoise color due to the high concentration of minerals in the glacier melt.

Top hotels near Lago Bianco

Best hotels to stay near Lago Bianco and Poschiavo

Things to Do at Lago Bianco

Lago Bianco Switzerland is a beautiful place to visit. The lake is situated in the middle of the Alps and surrounded mountains.

Visitors to Lago Bianco can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, and picnicking. There are several trails of varying difficulty levels near the lake.

There are also a number of boat tours that operate on the lake, offering visitors a chance to get up close and personal with the stunning scenery.

Activities Around

History of Lago Bianco

Lago Bianco is situated in the Pennine Alps, south of the Matterhorn. The lake is fed by three glaciers: the Grenzgletscher, which lies on the border with Italy, the Morteratschgletscher and the Roseg Gletscher.

The water level of the lake is regulated by a weir at its outlet. The lake has a surface area of 1.48 square kilometres (0.57 sq mi) and is approximately 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) long. Lago Bianco is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Switzerland and is a popular starting point for hikes and mountaineering expeditions in the Pennine Alps.

The first record of Lago Bianco dates back to 1227, when it was mentioned in a document from the monastery of Saint-Maurice-de-Valais. In 1868, the first hotel was built on the shores of the lake and since then tourism has been an important part of Lago Bianco's history.

Best Time to Visit Lago Bianco

The best time to see the lake is during the summer months when the water is at its warmest and most inviting. However, even during the winter months Lago Bianco is an impressive sight, as the snow-capped mountains provide a stunning backdrop to the calm waters. The boulders and the hiking trails can become extremely slippery during Winter though.

Tips for Visiting Lago Bianco

  1. Be sure to pack your hiking shoes. The area around the lake is full of beautiful hiking trails, and there's no better way to appreciate the natural beauty of the region than by getting out into it.
  2. Don't miss the chance to go for a swim. The water in Lago Bianco is incredibly refreshing, so it's the perfect place to take a dip on a hot summer day. Just be sure to heed the signs and stick to designated swimming areas; the lakeside cliffs can be dangerous if you're not careful.
  3. Dress in layers: The weather can change quickly at high elevations, so it's important to dress in layers that you can easily remove or add as needed.
  4. Bring sunscreen: The sun can be very intense at high altitudes, so make sure to apply sunscreen frequently throughout the day.

Interesting Facts and Trivias About Lago Bianco

  1. Lago Bianco is fed by several glaciers, including the Morteratsch, Diavolezza, and Bernina Glaciers. 
  2. The lake is surrounded by some of Switzerland's highest peaks, including Piz Bernina, Piz Morteratsch, and Piz Palu. 
  3. It has a maximum depth of 53 meters. 
  4. The name "Bianco"(white) refers to the color of the glacier which used to cover the entire valley.

How Much Time Did Visitors Spend at Lago Bianco

The average visitor spends about four hours at the lake. Visitors can enjoy plenty of activities in the area, from hiking and biking to boating and swimming. And of course, there are plenty of opportunities to take in the breathtaking views.

How to Reach Lago Bianco

The summit of the highest mountain crossing railway in Europe - Bernina railway line runs on one of the side of the lake. You can reach  the Ospizio Bernina station via train. Lago Bianco is only walkable distance from here.

Entrance Fee of Lago Bianco

There are no fee to enter Lago Bianco.

Opening Hours of Lago Bianco

Lago Bianco is open daily and technically for 24 hours. However it is advisable to visit only when there is enough sunlight.

Attractions Near Lago Bianco

Bernina Pass

Bernina Pass

0.83km from Lago Bianco

A beautiful high mountain pass which was located in the heart of Grisons. It connects the famous resort town of St. Moritz in the Engadin valley with the Italian-speaking Val Poschiavo, which ends in the Italian town of Tirano in Valtellina. The pass lies a few kilometers east of Piz Bernina, and south of Val Minor. The pass was an important trade route over the Alps during the Middle Ages. The views from here are truly astonishing and it will be a nice experience riding through this pass.

Piz Lagalb

Piz Lagalb

3.01km from Lago Bianco

Piz Lagalb is a standalone mountain, which rises to the north-east of Bernina Pass. Its singular location just across the pass from the Bernina Group makes it a perfect lookout towards the glaciated giants like Piz Palü, Piz Bernina or Piz Morterasch. There is also a cable car facility here. In winter it serves as a ski area.

Forcola di Livigno

Forcola di Livigno

3.39km from Lago Bianco

The Livigno Pass is a mountain pass in the Alps on the border between the canton of Graubünden in Switzerland and the Province of Sondrio in Italy. It’s one of the highest paved roads in Europe and it connects the Bernina Pass in Switzerland with Livigno in Italy. When you’re looking for a great road cycling route in Italy and a mountain pass cycling route, then the Livigno Pass should be on your list.

Alp Grüm railway station

Alp Grüm railway station

3.52km from Lago Bianco

Alp Grüm railway station is a railway station in the municipality of Poschiavo, in the Swiss canton of Graubünden. It is located on the south side of Bernina Pass, on the Bernina line of the Rhaetian Railway. It serves the hamlet of Alp Grüm, which, except in summer, is accessible only from the railway. From the station, thanks mainly to the 180° curve immediately to the south, there are far-reaching views of the Palü Glacier, Lago Palu and the Puschlav.

Diavolezza

Diavolezza

4.29km from Lago Bianco

Diavolezza is famous for its beautiful views of the eternal ice and the highest peaks of the Eastern Alps. The Diavolezza is a mountain viewpoint above the Val Bernina in Graubünden. It has an altitude of 2,973 metres and is located between Munt Pers and Piz Trovat. At the top station, there is a restaurant with a panoramic terrace, as well as a hotel offering both hotel-class and bunk-style accommodations.

Piz Palü

Piz Palü

5.56km from Lago Bianco

Piz Palü is an 11.7 kilometer out and back trail located near Pontresina, Grisons, Switzerland that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and backpacking. This beautiful mountain is a treasure of this area and which attracts a lot of people to this area.

Discover More Attractions in Grisons, Home of Lago Bianco

Grisons

Grisons

75 attractions

The canton of Grisons is the largest and easternmost canton of Switzerland. The canton features beautiful mountain views, Biosphere Reserves, and Nature Park.

Location of Lago Bianco

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