Lake Vico

Lake Vico is a crater lake in northern Lazio, Italy, occupying the caldera of the extinct Vico volcano. It is a well-defined volcanic lake set within wooded hills west of Viterbo.

Visitors encounter a compact lakeshore with walking and cycling trails, chestnut and oak woodlands and small villages. The lake and its rim are used for outdoor recreation such as hiking, birdwatching and seasonal swimming in designated spots.

The caldera formed during volcanic activity in the Quaternary and later filled to form the present lake; the basin has been used for agriculture, forestry and seasonal settlement for centuries. Local communities have long exploited chestnut groves on the surrounding slopes.

Lake Vico sits in the Cimini Hills of Lazio, within Viterbo province, surrounded by low volcanic hills and woodland; the town of Viterbo lies to the east and Rome is to the southeast within a regional driving distance.

• Volcanic origin: A volcanic crater lake sitting in a caldera of the extinct Vico volcano; the rim and basin support broad-leaved forests and managed trails.

What to See #

• Regional Natural Park: Parco Regionale Lago di Vico protects the lake rim, surrounding chestnut and holm-oak woodlands and trails used for hiking and mountain biking.