Best lakes around Faido are found in the Leventina Valley, a region within the Swiss Alps characterized by its natural landscapes. Faido serves as a central point for accessing these alpine environments. The area provides opportunities to explore various lakes, each offering distinct features and recreational activities.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
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Popular around Faido
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Scenic pass that is opened all year round (closes at 6pm in winter). There is hardly any traffic which makes cycling very nice and plenty of opportunities to take pictures. We crossed the pass in early May when there was still plenty of snow up there. The change in scenery where it was all green at Disentis and slowly turning white as we climbed higher... and very quickly turned to green as we rolled down on the south side to Biasca was breathtaking.
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The Lucomagno is one of the most famous Alpine passes in Switzerland. It is located between the cantons of Ticino and Grisons, at an altitude of 1,926 meters. The name seems to derive from the Latin "locus magnus", meaning "large, open place". It is often tackled in the professional race of the Tour of Switzerland.
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Lukmanier Pass When the Disentis monastery was founded around 720, the Lukmanier Pass, which could be crossed without great difficulty and was also considerably lower than the other passes in the Alps, became very important. During the Staufer period, it was considered the most important north-south connection to Italy. However, it quickly lost this role to the Gotthard and Splügen passes. In 1374, the Disentis monastery built the "Hospezi S. Maria" with a chapel on the top of the pass. Both had to make way for the construction of the reservoir in 1964. The new hospice at the current location was inaugurated on August 1, 1965 and the chapel in 1967. The Lukmanier Pass played an important role in the choice of the route of an Alpine railway at times, because the planners assumed that it would be possible to build it without an expensive summit tunnel. In 1869, however, the decision was made in favor of the Gotthard railway. Between 1872 and 1877, a modern road was built over the Lukmanier. With the construction of the "Lai da Sontga Maria" reservoir in the 1960s, the road on the Graubünden side had to be relocated to a gallery. The importance of a supra-regional transport axis ended with the opening of the motorway tunnel through the Gotthard. Tourism in the Surselva began to suffer greatly as a result, especially as the pass was closed during the winter from 1980 onwards. On the initiative of the municipality of Disentis and the Surselva mountain railways in particular, the "Pro Lucmagn" association was founded, which has been responsible for ensuring that the Lukmanier pass remains open for as long as possible in winter since 2005. The canton, district, municipalities and tourism in both Graubünden and Ticino provide the finances. The five-year trial phase was positive. This project has been secured for the long term since 2011. Clearly to the benefit of tourism in the Surselva as well as in the Blenio Valley. Text / Source: Interest Group for Alpine Passes IAP, PO Box 11, 6491 Realp https://www.alpen-paesse.ch/de/alpenpaesse/lukmanierpass/
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The Lukmanier Pass is located at almost 2,000 m above sea level between the Swiss cantons of Ticino and Grisons. It can be reached by crossing the Blenio valley which is the sunniest of the Swiss ones, therefore called "Valle del Sole".
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The Lukmanier Pass is located at almost 2,000 m above sea level between the Swiss cantons of Ticino and Grisons. It can be reached by crossing the Blenio valley which is the sunniest of the Swiss ones, therefore called "Valle del Sole".
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Fantastically beautiful location and nature, a place to dream.
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Beautifully situated reservoir above Piotta
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The lake was pretty empty in the summer of 2022
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Visitors frequently enjoy Lake Ritom, known for its beautiful location and as a starting point for various hikes. Another favorite is Lake Tom, an intermediate lake often described as having clear blue water reminiscent of the Caribbean. The Froda Waterfall is also a spectacular natural attraction, easily accessible and framed by birch forests.
Yes, several spots are suitable for families. Lake Ritom is considered family-friendly, offering a wide dirt road along its western side for easy walks. The Froda Waterfall is also easily accessible and family-friendly, with a picnic area nearby.
The region offers a variety of hiking trails. Around Lake Ritom, you'll find a wide dirt road and a hiking trail on the southeastern bank, suitable for easy walks. It also serves as a starting point for more challenging routes to other lakes like Lago Cadagno and Lake Tom, or passes like Passo dels Uomo. The popular '3-lake hike Piora' connects Lake Ritom, Lake Cadagno, and Lake Tom, offering a circular route.
Lake Ritom is comfortably accessible via the steepest funicular railway from Ambri. From the funicular station, it's just a few minutes' walk to the dam, where a restaurant is also available.
Yes, a circumnavigation of Lake Ritom is very easy to do, with a gravel road on the north bank and a great single trail opposite. Additionally, the '3-lake hike Piora' is a popular circular hike that connects Lake Ritom, Lake Cadagno, and Lake Tom, taking approximately three hours.
Beyond hiking, the area around Faido's lakes offers opportunities for cycling and mountain biking. You can explore various routes, such as those found in the Gravel biking around Faido guide or the Cycling around Faido guide. For more challenging treks, consider routes from the Mountain Hikes around Faido guide, like the Capanna Cadlimo SAC loop from Lago Ritom.
Lake Tom is noted for its clear blue water and white sandy beach, making it tempting for swimming. However, as a mountain lake at 2020 meters above sea level, the water temperatures are typically quite cold, even in summer, often around 10 degrees Celsius.
Yes, the Lukmanier Pass is a significant historical site that also features a lake. It was once an important north-south connection and has a rich history, including the construction of a hospice and chapel. The Lukmanier Pass summit also offers historical context and scenic views.
Visitors particularly appreciate the extraordinarily beautiful location and nature, often describing places like Lake Ritom as a dreamy place. The clear blue waters of Lake Tom, compared to a Caribbean setting, are also a highlight. The region's diverse landscapes and opportunities for hiking and enjoying alpine scenery are highly valued.
Yes, near Lake Ritom, there is a restaurant conveniently located near the dam, just a few minutes' walk from the funicular station. The Piumogna Waterfall, while not a lake itself, is a natural attraction in Faido that offers a dedicated picnic area.
The summer months are ideal for visiting the lakes around Faido, especially for hiking and enjoying the alpine environment. This is when trails are most accessible, and the weather is suitable for outdoor activities like the '3-lake hike Piora' and exploring the scenic beauty of places like Lake Ritom and Lake Tom.


Still not found your perfect lake around Faido? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.