Top 11 Lakes around Ormea
Best lakes around Ormea are found within the Ligurian Alps, a region characterized by mountainous terrain and river valleys. This area serves as a gateway to several natural attractions, including notable alpine lakes that draw hikers and nature enthusiasts. The landscape offers diverse opportunities for exploration, from high-altitude cirques to valleys. Ormea provides access to these natural features, making it a point of interest for those seeking outdoor experiences.
Best lakes around Ormea
- The most popular lakes is Lago delle Scalette, a lake that can be reached by an easy dirt road from the Balma refuge, suitable for children. It is located very close to the Balma refuge.
- Another must-see spot is Marguareis Lake, a lake surrounded by green meadows suitable for relaxation or picnics. It is fed by local springs and set in a grassy basin with rhododendrons.
- Visitors also love Lake Lao, a pond in a natural environment. The area is known for its newts and can be reached via a short, impressive tour from Quarzina.
- Ormea is known for high-altitude alpine lakes and smaller ponds. Visitors can explore a variety of lakes, each offering distinct natural settings and hiking opportunities.
- The lakes around Ormea are appreciated by the komoot community, with 13 upvotes and 17 photos shared.
Last updated: October 2, 2026
Marguareis Lake
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Lago della Brignola
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Sanctuary of Madonna del Lago and Locanda del Lago
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The place is equipped with a picnic area. In addition, from here start the paths to Alta Via dei Monti Liguri, Armetta, Dubasso and Galero mountains. Nearby there are numerous rocks, very popular with free climbers. The place is also frequented by paragliders, who have suitable take-off and landing sites nearby.
The legend: It is said that the lake was miraculously and suddenly formed. It is said that a farmer with his oxen preferred to continue working on Sundays even though he disregarded Sunday mass and was punished for it. A mass of water coming down from the sky flooded him and swept him along with the oxen. Precisely because of the miraculous formation of the lake, it was decided to build a sanctuary on this site.
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Lago delle Scalette
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Lac de la Rataira
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Tips from the Community
Very beautiful hike that allows you to easily reach the pretty Lac della Brignola and then via the Bocchino della Brignola 2256m in 45 minutes, to reach Lac Raschera. However, for the return from Lac della Brignola, we wanted to take a detour via the path visible on the Komoot map, passing by Punta del Lusco 2278m and reaching Colle Dente della Brignola 1952m. Warning ⚠️, this path no longer exists. Despite the GPS track, we could not find it. Difficult progress through scree and rhododendron fields. This route (taken on July 30, 2026) is not recommended. It is better to return by the ascent route.
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Very nice, done with two children aged 3 and 5 who walked without problems back and forth. Recommended to start or if you have little time!
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Located at 1,928 meters above sea level in the heart of the homonymous Natural Park, this small alpine body of water lies in a picturesque grassy hollow right at the foot and start of the famous Torinesi and Genovesi canals. Next to the lake is the Rifugio Garelli with the adjacent botanical station "Danilo Re". Being a protected area with a very high biodiversity value, it is the ideal place to stop and observe up close the rich flora typical of the park and, with a bit of attention, spot the chamois and marmots that inhabit the area.
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Lake above Alto, the pub seems to be open on Sundays. Access road paved.
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A wonderful alpine lake reachable from Pian Marchisio, nestled in a breathtaking environment.
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Here near the lake there is the margaro's house, if you do it in the off-season, AVOID the dogs
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If from here then continue, go down and make a loop of the lawn, ladders, Artesia, lawn
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This lake is known both as Rataira and as lake Ratavuloira, a name that has origins in Piedmontese and means "bat". The term Rataira could also derive from Piedmontese and refer to a "mouse trap", perhaps indicating that the muddy waters of the lake could trap rodents. Not far from the lake there is also a menhir. The lake is an invitation to interrupt your run and relax for a while, admiring its beauty before continuing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some easily accessible lakes around Ormea?
For an easy outing, Lago delle Scalette is reachable via a wide dirt road from the Balma refuge, making it suitable for children and strollers. Lake Lao also offers a short and impressive tour starting from Quarzina.
Which lakes are best for hiking in the Ormea region?
The region offers several lakes ideal for hiking. Lago della Brignola can be reached with an easy walk from the Balma refuge, offering stunning reflections of the mountains. For more challenging alpine treks, Lago del Pizzo and Lake Revelli are significant destinations, often reached via trails from locations like Chionea or Quarzina, or from Ponte Murao.
Are there any lakes around Ormea suitable for relaxation or picnics?
Yes, Marguareis Lake is surrounded by green meadows, perfect for relaxing in the sun or enjoying a picnic. It's fed by local springs and set in a grassy basin with rhododendrons.
What natural features can I expect to see near the lakes?
The lakes are set in diverse natural environments. Lago del Pizzo is an 'azure eye' in a beautiful basin beneath Pizzo d'Ormea, offering panoramic views. Lake Revelli features marshy vegetation, predominantly *Carex fusca*, and its basin is surrounded by peaks ranging from 2,300 to 2,500 meters. Lake Lao is known for its newts.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Ormea?
Autumn is often recommended for visiting high-altitude lakes like Lago del Pizzo, though it can be prone to fog in warmer months. Generally, the warmer months are best for hiking, but be prepared for varying conditions at higher elevations.
Are there any historical or cultural sites near the lakes?
Yes, the Sanctuary of Madonna del Lago is situated on the shore of a small lake. Its original structure dates from the 16th century, and it has a rich history and local legend associated with its miraculous formation. It also houses an inn and a picnic area.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes, besides hiking?
Beyond hiking, the broader Ormea region and Val Tanaro offer various outdoor activities. Near the Sanctuary of Madonna del Lago, you'll find numerous rocks popular with free climbers, and suitable take-off and landing sites for paragliders. The Val Corsaglia, near Lake Revelli, is known for trekking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and tourist fishing in its streams. For cycling, you can explore the gravel biking routes or road cycling routes around Ormea.
Are there running trails near the lakes?
Yes, there are several running trails in the vicinity of Ormea's lakes. For instance, you can find a running trail that loops around Lake Lao, offering a challenging 24 km experience. Other trails like the Rifugio Quarzina loop are also available for runners.
Can I find accommodation or places to eat near the lakes?
Near the Sanctuary of Madonna del Lago, there is an inn (Locanda del Lago) that also serves as a restaurant. For other lakes, options might be more limited, often requiring a return to Ormea or nearby villages for a wider selection of cafes, pubs, and accommodation.
Are there any specific wildlife to look out for near the lakes?
Yes, Lake Lao is particularly known for its newts. The high-altitude alpine environments around lakes like Lago del Pizzo and Lake Revelli also host diverse mountain flora and fauna, though specific sightings depend on the season and luck.
What is the elevation of the lakes around Ormea?
The lakes around Ormea are generally high-altitude alpine lakes. Lago del Pizzo is located at approximately 2073 meters, and Lake Revelli is situated at 2,029 meters above sea level. These elevations contribute to their dramatic natural settings.
Are there any circular walks around the lakes?
While specific circular walks around individual lakes might vary, many hiking routes in the region are designed as loops or can be combined to form circular paths. For example, the area around Lake Lao can be explored as part of a short, impressive tour from Quarzina that returns to the starting point.
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