How to get by car to Lago di Lei?
Italy, europe
15.2 km
1,981 m
moderate
Year-round
# Lago di Lei: A High-Alpine Adventure
Nestled at 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) above sea level, Lago di Lei is a stunning artificial lake straddling the Switzerland-Italy border. It sits in the heart of Valle di Lei, where the Italian Province of Sondrio meets Switzerland's Grisons region—though here's the quirky part: while the lake itself is mostly in Italy, Switzerland actually controls the whole thing. Back in the 1950s, the Swiss pulled off an impressive border adjustment to ensure the dam would sit on their territory, making it perfect for hydroelectric power generation. The dam itself was built between 1957 and 1962.
Getting there is a scenic 15.2-kilometer (9.44-mile) drive starting from Avers, winding through some seriously dramatic alpine landscape. The road is fully paved, though you'll hit some rougher patches depending on maintenance conditions. Fair warning: the route includes several tunnels, and the final one is a doozy—it's quite long with traffic lights controlling flow. If you're planning an evening trip, note that this last tunnel closes daily from 10 PM to 5 AM, so time your visit accordingly.
Once you arrive, the road ends right on the dam itself, where a spacious parking lot awaits. The whole area is surrounded by towering peaks and wonderfully remote valleys—perfect for a true mountain escape.
Where is it?
How to get by car to Lago di Lei? is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 43.0870, 13.3409
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 15.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,981 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 43.0870, 13.3409
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