Lago Santo di Cembra

Lake Santo extends in the locality of Lago Santo 5 km from the village of Cembra in the eponymous valley. It is surrounded by wonderful forests which take on shades of red, brown, yellow and orange in autumn. In this season we recommend a walk across the Val di Cembra. The 267-m long and 167-m long body of water stretches over a surface area of 0.026 sq km and is up to 15 metres deep. It owes its name to a legend according to which, a forest stood right in the place where the lake lies today. As two brothers who had acquired the forest began to fight over the land, God punished them by flooding the forest. By the time the water got terribly close to the houses, the brothers begged God for forgiveness and sought help from the priest. He averted a disaster by throwing his consecrated ring into the lake. The water stopped rising immediately.

In the surroundings of the lake you can undertake numerous hikes, e.g. to the Roccolo del Sauch. This quite unusual plant structure was formerly used to catch birds. Nowadays it is a natural and historic heritage site that can be reached by following the signposts to the rifugio Sauch (currently closed) and to the Passo della Croccola. Another attraction not to miss is the peat bog of Lagabrun, a biotope where several plant and animal species, including rare water invertebrates thrive. To get there, you only need to follow path SAT 414. The Dürerweg path owes its name to the German artist Albrecht Dürer who crossed this area during his first trip to Italy in 1494. The Italian section of the European long distance path E5 starts at the Passo del Rombo and ends in Venice, leading past the village of Cembra and Lake Santo di Cembra.

In the vicinity of the lake you can also make walks and horseback rides. In the summer months people have a refreshing swim in the lake. Recreational fishing can be practised only with a valid daily fishing licence. In winter the lake ices over turning into an ice curling sheet. The meadows on the shore are equipped with playing areas for children, benches and tables. In the vicinity you can find restaurants and a car park. This natural oasis is easily accessible by car, bus or bike.