Lake Smeraldo

Lake Smeraldo is an artificial bathing lake amidst dense forests at 1,000 m a.s.l. near the village of Fondo in the Alta Val di Non. The Rio Sass was blocked in 1965 to create this lake of 10,000 sq m. Lago Smeraldo owes its name to its emerald-green colour which is particularly intense on beautiful summer days. During the last decades this mountain lake has become a popular hiking destination for locals, tourists and recreational fishermen. The path around the lake leads to a small meadow with picnic area and two refreshment points. The lake is accessible by car or on foot from the village of Fondo.

The Val di Non is known for its numerous gorges (canyon valley). The 1-km long path sentiero "Al Burrone" between Fondo and lake Smeraldo was carved into this impressive natural landscape by the Rio Sass stream and parallels the course of this river. The path leads past an old mill, the Roman bridge of Fondo and a small waterfall of the Rio Sass in the narrowest spot of the itinerary.

We highly recommend undertaking this stunning hike during the summer months. The hiking paths in the surroundings of lake Smeraldo are appreciated by sports enthusiasts. One of these routes takes hikers to the Falesia Marino Stenico, a rock climbing wall with routes of various difficulty levels. In winter, the frozen lake turns into a natural ice rink, whereas the covered Palasmeraldo ice rink lies right next to the lake.