Lake Sorapiss Lake
Alpine glacial lake near Cortina d'Ampezzo, vivid turquoise
Sorapiss in the Dolomites sits near Cortina d'Ampezzo and requires a marked alpine trail; hikers come for a glacially fed turquoise lake framed by limestone walls and high mountain routes.
Lake Sorapiss at a Glance#
Address: Lake Sorapiss, Cortina d’Ampezzo area, Province of Belluno, Veneto, Italy
Hours: Open 24 hours
Admission: Free (hiking access), small fees for guided climbs or via ferrata if applicable
About Lake Sorapiss#
Lake Sorapiss (Lago di Sorapis) is a glacial mountain lake in the Dolomites of Veneto in northeastern Italy, set beneath the Sorapiss massif. It is widely visited for its striking turquoise colour and dramatic mountain backdrop.
A marked alpine trail from the Passo Tre Croci area leads to the lake and is the primary route used by hikers and day visitors. The shore and surrounding ridges provide scenic viewpoints and photographic opportunities.
The lake occupies a cirque carved by glacial action and collects melt and runoff from the surrounding limestone peaks. Its distinctive colour results from rock flour produced by glacial erosion.
Geographically the lake sits in the Sorapiss group east of Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Dolomites, accessed via mountain roads and footpaths that start from the Passo Tre Croci area.
- Turquoise glacial water: The lake sits at high elevation in the Dolomites and is renowned for vivid turquoise water caused by fine glacial rock particles in suspension.
How to Get to Lake Sorapiss#
From Cortina d’Ampezzo, follow SP638 toward Passo Tre Croci and park at the Sorapiss trailhead near Rifugio Vandelli; the hike to the lake is about 2-3 hours depending on pace and conditions. Local buses run to Cortina, from where mountain taxi services can reach trailheads.
Tips for Visiting Lake Sorapiss#
- Start the main trail early-parking at the Sorapiss trailhead fills quickly in summer.
- The final approach involves a narrow, exposed footpath and ladder sections-good footwear and steady nerves are essential.
- Don't try to reach the lake after heavy rain; the rock becomes slippery and the approach is treacherous.
Best Time to Visit Lake Sorapiss#
Summer (June-September) for safe trail conditions and clear weather.
Weather & Climate near Lake Sorapiss#
Lake Sorapiss's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -9°C to 14°C. Abundant rainfall (1218 mm/year), wettest in July.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -8° - -3° | -10° | 54 mm | partly cloudy | 87% | 3.0 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.9h |
| February | Poor | -9° - -2° | -10° | 54 mm | partly cloudy | 88% | 2.8 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.2h |
| March | Poor | -6° - 0° | -8° | 69 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 3.1 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Poor | -4° - 3° | -4° | 86 mm | overcast | 80% | 3.2 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 13.4h |
| May | Poor | 1° - 8° | 2° | 125 mm | overcast | 79% | 3.0 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.8h |
| June | Poor | 4° - 12° | 6° | 145 mm | overcast | 77% | 2.8 m/s | 1.6 very high | 15.6h |
| July | Acceptable | 7° - 14° | 11° | 160 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 2.6 m/s | 1.7 very high | 15.2h |
| August | Acceptable | 7° - 14° | 10° | 150 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 2.5 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.0h |
| September | Acceptable | 4° - 11° | 5° | 117 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 2.6 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Poor | 1° - 7° | 1° | 103 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 2.9 m/s | 0.5 low | 10.7h |
| November | Poor | -4° - 1° | -5° | 96 mm | partly cloudy | 87% | 2.8 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.3h |
| December | Poor | -7° - -2° | -9° | 59 mm | partly cloudy | 86% | 2.9 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.5h |
