Lai da Marmorera
Monastery Reservoir lake in Grisons, created by hydroelectric dam
Lai da Marmorera is a reservoir in Graubünden created by a dam near the village of Marmorera; hikers use surrounding trails and the lake sits on routes crossing the Albula valley.
Lai da Marmorera is an artificial reservoir in the canton of Graubünden (Grisons), Switzerland, formed by the Marmorera dam. The reservoir occupies a valley near the village of Marmorera in the Surses area.
The lake and surrounding shoreline are used for walking, local recreation and alpine views; paths around the reservoir allow short hikes and vantage points over the water. The most visible human feature is the dam at the outlet, which is integral to regional hydroelectric infrastructure.
The reservoir was created with the construction of the Marmorera dam; when the dam filled in the mid-20th century the original village of Marmorera was inundated and its inhabitants were relocated to a new settlement built above the reservoir.
The lake lies adjacent to the village of Marmorera in the Surses region of Graubünden, accessible from local mountain roads and situated within the highland valleys of eastern Switzerland.
- Dam completion and village relocation: The dam was completed in 1954, creating the reservoir and leading to the inundation and relocation of the original village of Marmorera.
What to See #
- Marmorera dam: The concrete gravity dam completed in 1954 that impounds the reservoir and supplies hydroelectric power.
- Submerged old village site: The site of the former village that was inundated when the reservoir filled; the original village was relocated to higher ground and a new Marmorera was built nearby.
How to Get to Lai da Marmorera #
Lai da Marmorera is reached via the Julier Pass road (Route 3) in Graubünden. From Savognin or Bivio the dam is a short drive; in summer the pass provides straightforward access by car. Local buses serve nearby villages seasonally.
Tips for Visiting Lai da Marmorera #
- Visit the dam viewpoint for the surreal sight of the post-war modern village perched above the buried older settlement.
- Combine the visit with the Surses valley drive; the Julier Pass road provides dramatic alpine scenery en route.
- Respect private property: some lakeside paths cross private land, so stick to marked public trails.
Best Time to Visit Lai da Marmorera #
Summer through early autumn is the most straightforward for road access and walking; winter creates a different, snow-sculpted experience.
Weather & Climate near Lai da Marmorera #
Lai da Marmorera's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -11°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1152 mm/year), wettest in August.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (128 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (134 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -6°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
