Top 3 Lakes around Salassa
Lakes around Salassa, a municipality in the Metropolitan City of Turin, Italy, are situated within the Piedmont region, known for its natural landscapes. While Salassa itself does not host major lakes, the surrounding area offers several accessible options. These lakes provide opportunities for natural exploration, recreational activities, and scenic views. The region's geography, shaped by glacial activity, contributes to the variety of lake environments.
Best lakes around Salassa
- The most popular lakes is Bivacco Alpe Bellono, a hut and lake area that is an alpeggio destination for easy walks with green meadows and a picnic table. It features an open refuge with stoves and a small kitchen, suitable for families.
- Another must-see spot is Lake Paolet, a natural monument and lake. This small intra-moraine lake, fed by rainwater, is a site of naturalistic importance for the many species that inhabit it.
- Visitors also love Gurzia Lake Dam, a man-made monument and viewpoint. This location offers an easy climb that rewards with panoramic views of the lake and its dam.
- Salassa is known for natural moraine lakes, dammed lakes, and lakes associated with mountain huts. These offer a variety of environments for exploration and outdoor activities.
- The lakes around Salassa are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 10 upvotes and 10 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
Gurzia Lake Dam
Highlight (Segment) • Monument
The reason why the territory looks like this is because it is composed of Peridotite rocks, rich in iron and magnesium. Peridotites are very hard and compact rocks that resist erosive agents more than other rock materials.
From the alteration of iron and magnesium minerals, very acidic and poorly developed soils are generated. The vegetation that covers this small relief is consequently poor in trees but rich in uncommon herbaceous and shrubby species.
Suitable for MTB and GRAVEL
Drinking fountains along the path
Separate waste collection.
Panoramic view of the Gurzia Lake Dam.
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Lake Paolet
Highlight • Lake
The name “paolet” in the local dialect means “small swamp” because over time this lake has partially filled with organic material created by the decomposition of aquatic vegetation. At the moment the water remains only in a ring outside the lake while in the center an islet has already formed: if there is no human intervention, the lake will gradually fill up completely.
This is a site of great naturalistic importance for the many species that inhabit it, including the Pelobates fosco insubrico, a small toad at risk of extinction and for this reason the subject of a European protection project.
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Bivacco Alpe Bellono
Highlight • Mountain Hut
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Vidracco and Its Lake
Highlight • Lake
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Tips from the Community
Area rich in lakes and with climbs between 4 and 6% that are rideable, immersed in nature.
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A small village overlooking the lake. A pleasant climb with gentle slopes from any direction, with the option of hiking around the lake.
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Small intra-moraine lake, fed by rainwater in the small basin created by the Balteo Glacier in this moraine, which dates back more than one hundred thousand years. The name “paolet” in the local dialect means “small swamp” because over time this lake has partially filled with organic material created by the decomposition of aquatic vegetation. At the moment the water remains only in a ring outside the lake while in the center an islet has already formed: if there is no human intervention, the lake will gradually fill up completely. This is a site of great naturalistic importance for the many species that inhabit it, including the Pelobates fosco insubrico, a small toad at risk of extinction and for this reason the subject of a European protection project.
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Alpeggio destination for easy walks, with green meadows, picnic table and lake. Nice to reach with the whole family
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An easy climb that rewards you with a view of the lake and its dam. Pay attention to cars, the road is not very wide in some places.
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The Monti Pelati, also called Monti Rossi, are a narrow band of hills located between Baldissero Canavese and Vidracco, characteristic precisely because their color and arid territory make them stand out from the rest of the environment. The reason why the territory looks like this is because it is composed of Peridotite rocks, rich in iron and magnesium. Peridotites are very hard and compact rocks that resist erosive agents more than other rock materials. From the alteration of iron and magnesium minerals, very acidic and poorly developed soils are generated. The vegetation that covers this small relief is consequently poor in trees but rich in uncommon herbaceous and shrubby species. Suitable for MTB and GRAVEL Drinking fountains along the path Separate waste collection. Panoramic view of the Gurzia Lake Dam.
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info and more details here https://www.turismotorino.org/it/bivouac-alpe-bellono
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Open refuge with the possibility of having a shelter inside and equipped with stoves and a small kitchen. There is also a separate shed with barbecue. The Refuge is a place to be respected and kept clean.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around the lakes near Salassa?
The lakes around Salassa are primarily natural moraine lakes, formed by glacial activity, and some dammed lakes. You can find unique natural monuments like Lake Paolet, a small intra-moraine lake important for its diverse species, including the protected Pelobates fosco insubrico toad. The area also features distinctive geological formations, such as the Monti Pelati near Gurzia Lake Dam, known for their arid, iron and magnesium-rich peridotite rocks.
Are there any family-friendly lake destinations near Salassa?
Yes, Bivacco Alpe Bellono is an excellent family-friendly option. It offers easy walks through green meadows, a picnic table, and an open refuge with stoves and a small kitchen, making it suitable for a day out with the whole family.
What are the options for hiking or walking around the lakes?
You can enjoy easy walks with green meadows at Bivacco Alpe Bellono. For those seeking views, Gurzia Lake Dam offers an easy climb with panoramic rewards. Vidracco and Its Lake also provides pleasant climbs and opportunities for hiking around the lake. For more extensive options, explore the broader Piedmont region, which has numerous trails.
Can I find viewpoints with panoramic scenery near the lakes?
Absolutely. Gurzia Lake Dam is a notable viewpoint, offering panoramic views of the lake and its dam after an easy climb. Vidracco and Its Lake also provides scenic vistas over the water and surrounding village.
What other outdoor activities are available near the lakes around Salassa?
Beyond walking and hiking, the region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous road cycling routes, such as the 'Panoramic Road of Canavese – View of Lake Candia loop', and mountain biking trails like the 'Sacro Monte di Belmonte Loop'. There are also running trails available. For detailed routes, you can explore the Road Cycling Routes around Salassa, MTB Trails around Salassa, and Running Trails around Salassa guides.
Are there any notable historical or cultural sites near the lakes?
While the lakes themselves are primarily natural attractions, the broader Piedmont region, where Salassa is located, is rich in history. For example, Lake Orta is home to the charming Isola San Giulio, known for its basilica and monastery. Salassa itself has historical sights like a 13th-century cylindrical tower-gate and the Parish church of St. John the Baptist.
What is the best time to visit the lakes near Salassa?
The Piedmont region, including its lakes, is generally pleasant from spring to autumn. Summer months are ideal for water sports and enjoying the green landscapes. For tranquility and hiking, spring and early autumn offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery. Winter can be picturesque but may limit access to some areas or activities.
Are there facilities available at the lake destinations?
At Bivacco Alpe Bellono, you'll find an open refuge equipped with stoves and a small kitchen, as well as a separate shed with a barbecue. This provides basic shelter and cooking facilities for visitors. Other lake areas may have fewer direct facilities, so it's advisable to check specific locations.
Can I bring my dog to the lakes around Salassa?
While specific dog-friendly policies vary by location, many outdoor areas in the Piedmont region are welcoming to dogs, especially on trails and in natural settings. It's always best to keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them. Check local signage for any restrictions at specific lake access points or protected natural areas like Lake Paolet.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Salassa?
Visitors appreciate the peaceful natural settings and the variety of experiences offered. The easy walks and family-friendly atmosphere of places like Bivacco Alpe Bellono are highly valued. The panoramic views from spots like Gurzia Lake Dam and the unique natural importance of Lake Paolet are also frequently highlighted.
How accessible are the lakes by public transport or car?
While Salassa itself is a municipality, accessing some of the smaller, more secluded lakes may require a car. For larger lakes in the Piedmont region like Lake Orta or Lake Maggiore, public transport options such as trains and buses are generally available to reach towns along their shores. For specific local lakes, checking local transport schedules or planning car travel is recommended. Parking is often available near popular lake access points.
Are there opportunities for swimming in the lakes?
The larger lakes in the Piedmont region, such as Lake Orta and Lake Maggiore, offer designated swimming areas during the summer months. For the smaller lakes directly around Salassa, swimming conditions can vary. While some may be suitable for a dip, others, like Lake Paolet, are primarily natural monuments and may not be ideal or permitted for swimming due to their ecological importance or marshy nature. Always look for local signs regarding swimming regulations.
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