Laghi d'Olbe
3 natural lakes in the mountains of Sappada
About this place
The Olbe Lakes are three natural basins of glacial origin, formed at an elevation of 2156 meters in Val d’Olbe, above the town of Sappada. Reaching these lakes is fairly easy via the chairlift from Sappada to Refuge 2000 and then by an easy level walk via a dirt path in about an hour. The lakes follow one another, from the largest to the smallest, and reflect the sky directly, as there are no obstacles in their way. The chapel rising just above the lakes, the verdant valley, the grazing cows give the viewer the peace of a special place.
- Location: Sappada (UD)
- Height: 2156 m
- Parking: in Sappada, near the chairlift
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Why visit them
01.
The landscape
Green reigns supreme around the Olbe lakes. The landscape is bucolic, cows graze all around and drink in the crystal clear waters of the small lakes. In winter, the snow-whitened landscape is spectacular.
02.
3 bodies of water
The Olbe lakes are literally mirrors of water, as the sky totally reflects its vault there. All around, green pastures and white rock blend with celestial waters.
03.
Excursion to Mount Lastroni
From the lakes, in about an hour, passing through forts and military posts, the more experienced can reach the summit of Mount Lastroni, from which there is a breathtaking 360-degree view.
Parking and Route
THE DEPARTURE FROM THE PARKING LOT OF SAPPADA
The Olbe lakes can be reached by chairlift from Sappada and then on foot in about 1 h on an easy level trail. Alternatively, you can get there on foot from Baita Rododendro in about 2 h or from the center of Sappada in 2.5/3 h, both challenging routes.
THE CHAIRLIFT, SCHEDULE AND COST
The chairlift operates in summer and winter only, roughly from early July to early September and from early December to March, with 09/17 hours. The chairlift consists of two consecutive sections; the total cost is €8 one way or €10 round trip.
FROM THE 2000 REFUGE TO THE LAKES
The dirt path is easy and suitable for everyone, starting from the 2000 hut and leading to the lakes in about an hour. The trail winds through pastures and is very scenic.
LOOP ROUTE OR RETURN BY CABLE CAR
From the Olbe lakes, you can quickly descend to the second section of the chairlift and return to Sappada via it. Alternatively, a wonderful path through the forest leads to the Monte Ferro hut. From here you can descend back to Sappada, completing the loop.
- 1 hour
- 200 m
- 2.5 km
- GPX >
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Unfortunately, in recent years, due to drought, all three lakes are not always full, and it may happen to find the smaller lake running dry.
The chairlift has 09/17 hours and operates only in summer and winter. It is good to make sure beforehand that it is in operation as at some times it is only open on weekends or remains closed due to the scarcity of tourists.
There are many hotel facilities in Sappada, all distinctive and built in the Sappada style. In addition, the lakes can be reached either from the 2000 hut, which is located at the arrival of the chairlift, or from the Monte Ferro hut, concealed in the middle of the forest on the side opposite the lakes.
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