Lago di Lucendro Lake
High-altitude reservoir in Ticino, Swiss Alps
An alpine reservoir in Ticino linked to hydroelectric works; hikers pass the lake en route to St. Gotthard passes and high mountain trails.
Lago di Lucendro at a Glance#
Address: Lago di Lucendro, Ticino, Switzerland (high mountain lake near Gotthard region)
Admission: Free to view; alpine access may require mountain permits or fees for huts
About Lago di Lucendro#
Lago di Lucendro is an alpine reservoir in the canton of Ticino, Switzerland, located near the Gotthard Pass and formed by a dam for hydroelectric water storage. It sits in a high mountain basin and functions primarily as part of regional power and water-management infrastructure.
The site is a waypoint on high-elevation hikes and mountaineering routes around the Gotthard massif, offering open-water views framed by steep talus and alpine ridges. Trails around the reservoir are used by day hikers and by people crossing the pass on historical routes.
The lake exists because of a dam built to retain runoff for hydroelectric use; the impoundment altered the local valley to create the present reservoir. Over time the area has remained managed for energy production while also seeing growing recreational use by walkers and climbers.
Geographically it lies in the Leventina/Gotthard region of Ticino, close to the border with canton Uri, high in the central Swiss Alps and accessed from mountain roads and trails that connect to the Gotthard Pass.
- Access: Reached mainly on foot from mountain trails; road access is limited so most visitors combine a visit with alpine hikes in the Gotthard area.
How to Get to Lago di Lucendro#
Approach Lago di Lucendro from the Gotthard or Nufenen pass roads when open in summer; parking at nearby trailheads allows access to alpine routes. Public transport to high alpine trailheads is limited; plan via regional transport and local hiking services.
Tips for Visiting Lago di Lucendro#
- The Lucendro area is alpine - check mountain road status and refuge availability before attempting high trails.
- Summer requires alpine experience if venturing above the tree line; weather changes quickly at altitude.
- The lake is near the Nufenen and Grimsel passes-combine with a scenic driving route if travelling by car.
Best Time to Visit Lago di Lucendro#
Summer for safe alpine access and hiking; always check local mountain conditions.
Weather & Climate near Lago di Lucendro#
Lago di Lucendro's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -9°C to 12°C. Abundant rainfall (1427 mm/year), wettest in June, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -9° - -3° | -12° | 97 mm | partly cloudy | 90% | 4.7 m/s | 0.2 low | 8.9h |
| February | Poor | -9° - -3° | -12° | 86 mm | partly cloudy | 90% | 4.5 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.2h |
| March | Poor | -8° - -2° | -11° | 104 mm | partly cloudy | 90% | 4.7 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Poor | -6° - 0° | -8° | 123 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.6 m/s | 1.0 high | 13.4h |
| May | Poor | -1° - 4° | -3° | 131 mm | overcast | 82% | 4.3 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.8h |
| June | Poor | 2° - 9° | 2° | 138 mm | overcast | 78% | 4.0 m/s | 1.7 very high | 15.6h |
| July | Acceptable | 5° - 12° | 6° | 136 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 3.9 m/s | 1.7 very high | 15.2h |
| August | Acceptable | 5° - 12° | 7° | 134 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 3.7 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.0h |
| September | Acceptable | 2° - 9° | 3° | 127 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 4.2 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Poor | -1° - 5° | -2° | 132 mm | partly cloudy | 86% | 4.5 m/s | 0.5 low | 10.7h |
| November | Poor | -6° - 0° | -8° | 118 mm | partly cloudy | 90% | 4.6 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.3h |
| December | Poor | -8° - -2° | -11° | 101 mm | partly cloudy | 88% | 4.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.5h |
