A stunning, untouched lake called Lai da Palpuogna is nestled in the middle of mountains and forests. You’ll find it in the village of Preda, in Bergün, Graubünden. This beautiful lake is located 1,917 meters above sea level.
Lai da Palpuogna as it is known in Romansh (Palpuognasee in German) is a mountain lake at Albula Pass. It is a really lovely lake with a blue-green color that is surrounded by a beautiful and peaceful environment.
Lai da Palpuogna Lake Summary
| Location: | Preda, Bergün, Graubünden |
| Length: | 500 meters |
| Width: | 200 meters |
| Depth: | 25 meters |
Most Beautiful Place in Switzerland
In a 2007 television program of the Swiss channel SRF 1, the lake was voted as the most beautiful place in Switzerland.
The best thing you could do while visiting Lai da Palpuogna would be to simply enjoy the scenery and relax. There are several campfire spots along the banks of the crystal-clear lake that invite you to stay awhile.
The color is a gorgeous blue-green, and it’s surrounded by larches. It’s no wonder that this lake is always mentioned as one of the most beautiful ones in Switzerland.
Since 1898, it has been used as a reservoir to produce electric power. In the past, it was used to generate electricity for building the Albula tunnel.
Please note that bathing is not permitted in Lai da Palpuogna. Hence, it is unlikely to be disturbed over the next few years.
Where is Lai da Palpuogna
The lake is situated above the village of Preda. The lake is part of Parc Ela Nature Park, one of the biggest parks in Switzerland.
Lai da Palpuogna gets its water from the Albula River. You’ll find it just below Piz Palpuogna.
You may wish to stroll around the lake. The trail mostly follows the lakeshore, passing several fire pits and picnic areas with benches along the way. You’ll only spend 20-30 minutes walking around the lake, so it’s more of a leisurely stroll than a strenuous one.
If you want something more challenging, you can even follow the trails at the end of the lake to the various peaks in the Albula Valley.
In about 45 minutes, a forest trail leads back to the hamlet of Preda.
There are some designated areas around the lake where you can grill. But for the rest of the area, grilling is not allowed.
The best time to visit the lake is in the summer when it’s hot and sunny or in the fall when the larches start changing colors.
How To Get to Lai da Palpuogna
How To Get to Lai da Palpuogna by Car
Lai da Palpuogna lies along the Albula Pass route that goes between Thusis and La Punt.
You can drive through Albula Pass in summer when it’s open. There’s a patch of land about 5 minutes from the lake where you can park your car. You can walk to the lake from the parking lot near the lake.
How To Get to Lai da Palpuogna by Public Transportation
You can also take the alpine bus that goes from Preda, Hotel Kulm/Bahnhof to Chamues-ch, plaz.
With this bus trip, you will have to get off at Preda, Lai da Palpuogna. The bus leaves Preda train station and takes around 9 minutes to get to Preda, Lai da Palpuogna stop.
This bus route only operates in summer (end of June until mid-October, please check the timetables).
To get to this bus, you will have to reserve your seat one hour before it leaves.
Hike from Preda to Lai da Palpuogna
You can also park at the nearby Preda train station and walk to the lake. You can also take the train and get off at the Rhaetian Railways station in Preda.
Using the Preda-Palpuognasee trail signs, you’ll be at the lake in 40 to 45 minutes.
A 100-meter climb from Preda will get you to the right altitude. After that, it’ll be easier to walk towards Lai da Palpuogna.
This hike isn’t stroller-friendly. It’s a beautiful hike in the Albula Valley.
Can you swim inLai da Palpuogna?
No, swimming is not allowed in Lai da Palpuogna.
IsLai da Palpuogna open?
Yes, the lake is always open. There are no gates to block you from visiting it. All visitors can visit and there are no entrance fees to pay unlike Blausee, Caumasee, and Crestasee (in summer).
But if you are coming by car or by bus, then you will have to wait until Albula Pass opens. Albula Pass is normally closed in winter. And the alpine bus going to the lake from Preda also runs in summer and fall.
How much does it cost to visit Lai da Palpuogna?
Lai da Palpuogna is free to visit.
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Darla Uhl is the owner of TouringSwitzerland.com. Her home is in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Having lived almost 20 years in Switzerland, she's traveled extensively all over the country.
Darla's favorite regions to visit in Switzerland include Engadin, Lake Geneva, Bernese Oberland, Ticino, and Valais. She loves spending time with her family, hiking, visiting museums, and reading books.