Lago di Poschiavo

Lake Alpine valley lake in Poschiavo, scenic rail access

A high valley lake in the Poschiavo Valley along the Bernina line; Lago di Poschiavo is used for boating, cycling and alpine hiking with mountain vistas.

Main image

Lago di Poschiavo is a glacial lake in Val Poschiavo in the canton of Graubünden in southeastern Switzerland. The valley and lake form the southern approach to the Bernina Pass and are an established alpine transport corridor.

Scenic transport corridors and roads run alongside the lake, and the Rhaetian Railway Bernina line follows part of the shore, providing particularly photogenic train views. Lakeside villages offer boat access, walking routes and places to stop, and the lake is used for local recreation and as a regulated water body for hydropower systems.

The basin is glacial in origin; over time the valley has supported agriculture, transport and alpine transit between Switzerland and northern Italy. Hydrological works in the 20th century introduced regulation for water storage linked to regional energy systems.

The lake sits in Val Poschiavo in the canton of Graubünden close to the Italian border, surrounded by steep alpine slopes and connected to the Bernina road and rail routes that traverse the valley.

  • Bernina Railway: The Rhaetian Railway (Bernina line) runs along part of the lake shoreline, offering scenic views from the train and easy access at lakeside stops.
  • Hydropower and recreation: The lake is used for both recreation and regulated water storage as part of local hydroelectric systems.

What to See #

  • Poschiavo village: The village of Poschiavo on the southern end serves as the principal settlement and access point, with historic buildings and services for visitors.
  • Lakeside villages and rail views: Le Prese and Miralago are lakeside settlements on the northern shore where road and rail run close to the water, providing popular viewpoints and access.
Lago di Poschiavo
46.2858, 10.0908

How to Get to Lago di Poschiavo #

Poschiavo is served by the Bernina Railway; the station is in the village close to the lake. From Tirano or St. Moritz travelers can take the Bernina Express or regional trains. Road access is via the Maloja and Bernina passes, depending on direction and season.

Tips for Visiting Lago di Poschiavo #

  • Take the Bernina Railway for a scenic approach if coming from the north - Poschiavo station sits on the lakeshore.
  • Walk the lakeside promenade for views of the surrounding mountains and traditional stone houses.
  • Try local bresaola and polenta at village cafes for a hearty alpine meal.

Best Time to Visit Lago di Poschiavo #

Best in summer for hiking and alpine access; rail travel on the Bernina line provides spectacular scenery year-round.

Summer (June-September)
Jun-Sep · 10-22°C (50-72°F)
Warm hiking weather and accessible high routes; ideal for exploring the Bernina area.
Winter (December-March)
Dec-Mar · -8-5°C (18-41°F)
Snow transforms the valley; rail connections remain reliable though mountain passes can close.

Weather & Climate near Lago di Poschiavo #

Climate

Lago di Poschiavo's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -6°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (745 mm/year).

Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustSeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
25°
Warmest Month
-32°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-6°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

38 mm
Rainfall
1.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.9h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

51 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Freezing
C
Temperature
-5°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

31 mm
Rainfall
1.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.3
UV Index
Low
10.2h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

51 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

37 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
11.8h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

55 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

48 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.0
UV Index
High
13.4h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

61 Good

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
17°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

78 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.4
UV Index
High
14.8h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

61 Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
20°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

89 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.6
UV Index
Very High
15.6h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

75 Very Good

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
11° 22°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

89 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.7
UV Index
Very High
15.2h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with 92 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.

75 Very Good

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
11° 22°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

92 mm
Rainfall
1.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.4
UV Index
High
14.0h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

65 Good

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
18°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

82 mm
Rainfall
1.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.0
UV Index
Moderate
12.4h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

57 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

73 mm
Rainfall
1.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.5
UV Index
Moderate
10.7h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

49 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

50 mm
Rainfall
1.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.3h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

51 Acceptable

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-5°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

38 mm
Rainfall
1.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.5h daylight

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