MONTEGRINO LAKE

Water lilies, aquatic animals, and the surrounding forest make this little hidden gem of Valtravaglia a place to discover

Montegrino Lake, located in Pineta Alta (about 600m above sea level) in the municipality of Montegrino-Valtravaglia, is a small natural gem nestled in a wooded area equipped with benches, a play area, and a 1.5km fitness trail.

The slow-moving waters of the lake are home to lush aquatic vegetation: sprawling water lilies color the surface between spring and autumn. Marsh plants thrive along the banks, while the surrounding wooded area, composed of fir, birch, and larch trees, creates a striking green contrast that is reflected in the water, making the landscape particularly evocative.

During the warmer seasons, the area comes alive with a large population of amphibians, including the common toad and various species of frogs, which enliven the environment with their leaping and croaking. Dragonflies and small insects can also be observed, while the lake is home to mallards and other duck species. Fish species and water turtles are also well-established.

A few meters from the lake, in the Pineta Alta forest, stands an erratic boulder known as the "altar boulder": a rocky block with rock carvings dating back to the late Iron Age (2nd-1st millennium BC). This boulder features stylized human figures, cup marks, forked crosses, snakes, and monograms. These sacred-ritual markings suggest ancient magical-sacrificial practices linked to fertility and sun worship.

A visit to the boulder is included in the fitness trail that starts right by the lake and is ideal for families, athletes, and anyone who wants to combine physical activity and culture. The approximately 1.5 km trail alternates outdoor exercises, scenic overlooks, remnants of the Cadorna Line from World War I, and a detour to the boulder-altar. The circular trail, of low difficulty, is perfect for a walk of about an hour.