How to get to Lago Miserin, the largest natural lake in Aosta?
Italy, europe
14.3 km
2,580 m
hard
Year-round
# Lago Miserin: Italy's Sky-High Alpine Adventure
Nestled in the Aosta Valley at a breathtaking 2,580m (8,464ft), Lago Miserin is one of Italy's most spectacular—and remote—alpine lakes. This is genuinely one of the highest drivable roads in the country, and the journey to get there is half the adventure.
The lake sits in the upper Champorcher Valley in northwestern Italy, surrounded by the stunning Graian Alps. You'll find a charming historic mountain hut (Rifugio Misérin) perched right on the shoreline, plus the remarkable Santuario Madonna delle Nevi, believed to be Europe's highest sanctuary. According to local legend, shepherds discovered a statue of the Virgin in nearby pastures, but it mysteriously returned to this spot—a sign, they believed, that a sanctuary should be built here. The original chapel went up in 1656, and the current structure (rebuilt in 1861) features beautiful decorated vaults and an impressive 1825 painting above the altar. The annual pilgrimage on August 5th is quite the spectacle, complete with a procession to a nearby sacred spring.
**Getting There (If You Dare)**
Starting from Chateau, the 14.3 km (8.88 miles) route climbs 1,164 meters with an average 8.13% gradient. Fair warning: you'll need a 4x4 vehicle. The first stretch is paved, but soon deteriorates into a rocky, bumpy dirt road that'll test your suspension.
The terrain gets progressively gnarlier. Beyond the Dondena parking lot, private vehicles are banned, and the final 4 km become genuinely challenging—steep, rough sections that might have even cyclists dismounting and walking. Parts of the route actually follow the historic Strada Reale di Caccia (Royal Hunting Road), once traveled by King Vittorio Emanuele II himself.
One crucial heads-up: this road is completely impassable in winter. Summer and early fall only—plan accordingly!
Where is it?
How to get to Lago Miserin, the largest natural lake in Aosta? is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.8690, 13.9202
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 14.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,580 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 42.8690, 13.9202
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