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San Romano In Garfagnana

Top 16 Lakes around San Romano In Garfagnana

Best lakes around San Romano In Garfagnana are found within the Garfagnana region of Tuscany, offering diverse natural attractions. This area is characterized by its mountainous landscape, including the Apuan Alps, and a network of both natural and artificial lakes. These bodies of water contribute to the region's natural beauty and provide opportunities for outdoor activities. The lakes are key natural highlights of the wider area, easily accessible from San Romano In Garfagnana.

Best lakes around San Romano In Garfagnana

  • The most popular lakes is Lake Bargetana, a lake located in the Bargetana basin on the northern side of Mount Prado. It is situated at approximately 1,800 meters above sea level and is known for its clear waters.
  • Another must-see spot is Lake Gramolazzo, an artificial lake bordered by the Apuan Alps. Its banks are equipped with playgrounds for children, and it is popular for various water sports.
  • Visitors also love Lake Vagli, Tuscany's largest hydroelectric basin. This lake is notable for the submerged ghost town of Fabbriche di Careggine, which reappears when the lake is emptied for maintenance.
  • San Romano In Garfagnana is known for its artificial lakes, natural mountain lakes, and reservoirs. Visitors can explore a variety of lakes, from those offering water sports and family-friendly facilities to serene spots ideal for birdwatching and hiking.
  • The lakes around San Romano In Garfagnana are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 100 upvotes and more than 60 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: May 20, 2026

Lake Bargetana

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This lake is located in the Bargetana basin, on the northern side of Mount Prado. There are beautiful pastures and rock faces and it is not uncommon to spot marmots. The lake is located at approximately 1,800 meters above sea level and can be reached via paths 605, 629, 631, 633 and 635.

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Lake Gramolazzo

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Located in the hamlet of the same name in Minucciano, the lake of Gramolazzo is artificial and exploited for the creation of electricity. Its banks are equipped with playgrounds for children.

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Lake Vagli

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With its 34 million cubic meters of water, Lake Vagli is the largest hydroelectric basin in Tuscany. The dam that blocks the course of the Edron stream is 92 meters high and has the crown accessible to the public. Its waters hide an entire town and only when the lake is emptied, the last time it was in 1994, does Fabbriche di Careggine come back to life for a summer.

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Isola Santa Village

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Fraction of Careggine, Isola Santa is a splendid village not far from the Garfagnana. It overlooks an artificial lake, filled by the waters of the Turrite Secca torrent stopped by a post-war dam. The cyclical emptying of the basin brings the half-destroyed buildings of the village back to life.

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Lago di Vagli (Vagli Sotto) - That's all it needs to be / Day 13

Last day of vacation in Green Tuscany. Temperatures rise above 40°C.
In search of cooling, which we find on the banks of the Lago di Vagli reservoir.


We are triggered by the sunken village, Fabbriche di Careggine, which was evacuated in 1947 to create a reservoir for the public interest. This village had a beautiful Romanesque church from the 13th century, a few houses and a cemetery. Every now and then the church tower of the village appears above the water. In a haze of mystery and the mirage above the water surface, we hope to catch a glimpse of the spire.
The ghost village only reveals its hidden secrets every 25 years. The last time the reservoir was drained for maintenance work was in 1996 and was allowed to receive millions of visitors. Due to corona, the draining has been postponed. Now we are looking forward to a new period when the lake will be drained once again. Ruins will then reveal their secrets again... will the church tower of San Teodoro still be intact? It is also said that the spirits of the deceased residents then return and haunt the village, a real ghost town...
'More' is all we need for that...


Ponte Morandi and Ponte dei Fanti di Marina let us enjoy beautiful views over the idyllic lake, the picturesque village of Vagli Sotto with the beautiful green mountain landscape in the background.

We walk past the statues of Parco dell'Onore e del Disonore in an exemplary manner. Here 'Honour and Dishonour' stare out over the surface of the water. The statues of Trump and Putin are only worth a two-second glance. We complete our discovery adventurously along the shady banks of Vagli Sotto. With a delicious lunch behind us, we finally leave...
The heat is getting too much for us, returning to our B&B seems like a good idea...


Read more experiences? Click through to komoot.com/nl-nl/collection/2195535/-visit-italy-2023-regio-massa-carrara-lucca

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Tips from the Community

Paolo
August 8, 2025, Lago di Gramolazzo

The place is cool and quiet during the week. Canoe rentals are available for lake excursions.

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The more you pass by, the more you fall in love. It is easily reached on foot from the forest road. On a mountain bike, you have to push your bike for a stretch. It is a little extra effort that I recommend.

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Lago di Vagli (Vagli Sotto) - That's all it needs to be / Day 13 Last day of vacation in Green Tuscany. Temperatures rise above 40°C. In search of cooling, which we find on the banks of the Lago di Vagli reservoir. We are triggered by the sunken village, Fabbriche di Careggine, which was evacuated in 1947 to create a reservoir for the public interest. This village had a beautiful Romanesque church from the 13th century, a few houses and a cemetery. Every now and then the church tower of the village appears above the water. In a haze of mystery and the mirage above the water surface, we hope to catch a glimpse of the spire. The ghost village only reveals its hidden secrets every 25 years. The last time the reservoir was drained for maintenance work was in 1996 and was allowed to receive millions of visitors. Due to corona, the draining has been postponed. Now we are looking forward to a new period when the lake will be drained once again. Ruins will then reveal their secrets again... will the church tower of San Teodoro still be intact? It is also said that the spirits of the deceased residents then return and haunt the village, a real ghost town... 'More' is all we need for that... Ponte Morandi and Ponte dei Fanti di Marina let us enjoy beautiful views over the idyllic lake, the picturesque village of Vagli Sotto with the beautiful green mountain landscape in the background. We walk past the statues of Parco dell'Onore e del Disonore in an exemplary manner. Here 'Honour and Dishonour' stare out over the surface of the water. The statues of Trump and Putin are only worth a two-second glance. We complete our discovery adventurously along the shady banks of Vagli Sotto. With a delicious lunch behind us, we finally leave... The heat is getting too much for us, returning to our B&B seems like a good idea... Read more experiences? Click through to https://www.komoot.com/nl-nl/collection/2195535/-visit-italy-2023-regio-massa-carrara-lucca

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Corrado
August 27, 2024, Lago Bargetana

One of the most beautiful places in the entire Tuscan-Emilian Apennines

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The body of water is located in the municipality of Vagli Sotto in the province of Lucca and was formed artificially with the damming of the Edron stream in 1947 by SELT Valdarno (now Enel s.p.a.) and the construction of a hydroelectric dam designed by Count Eng. Ignazio Prinetti Castelletti as recalled by an inscription fixed to the wall between the steps on the western bank. In 1948 the works on the dam were completed with the subsequent raising to 92 meters. The rising waters of the lake submerged some villages among which the main one was Fabbriche di Careggine, a small village of blacksmiths from Brescia, founded in the 13th century, which re-emerges every time the lake is emptied. The lake contains approximately 35 million cubic meters of water and is emptied exceptionally if maintenance is necessary. It has happened four times: in 1958, 1974, 1983 and 1994. The new emptying was expected for 2024, but due to the water needs caused by recent droughts, it was decided to postpone the emptying to 2026 (unless it becomes necessary to postpone it again). The wait for the new emptying is linked to the tourist attraction offered by the re-emergence of the village of Fabbriche di Careggine, whose structure (including the beautiful church of San Teodoro) is still substantially intact under the waters of the lake.

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Elleft77
July 25, 2024, Lago Bargetana

Lake Bargetana is located within the spectacular basin of the northern side of Mount Prado, which at 2054 m is the second highest peak in the Reggio Emilia Apennines. Its banks are surrounded by green pastures and rugged rock faces, among which it is not uncommon to spot the marmot.

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Giuly
June 24, 2024, Lago Bargetana

It can be reached with a bit of "portage"

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Fabrizio
June 22, 2024, Lago Bargetana

Beautiful ride mostly in the shaded undergrowth. Leaving early in the morning from the Rio Lama car park is recommended. Lake Bargetana is small but with very clear waters.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the lakes around San Romano In Garfagnana unique?

The Garfagnana region offers a diverse range of lakes, from large hydroelectric basins to serene natural mountain lakes. You can find artificial lakes like Lake Vagli, known for its submerged ghost town, and picturesque natural lakes like Lago Santo Modenese, nestled in the Apennines. This variety provides opportunities for everything from water sports to birdwatching and tranquil hikes.

Are there any lakes with historical significance or unique features?

Yes, Lake Vagli is particularly notable for the submerged ghost town of Fabbriche di Careggine, which reappears only when the lake is emptied for maintenance. This event last occurred in 1994 and is a fascinating historical highlight. Additionally, Isola Santa Village, reflected in its emerald waters, offers a picturesque ancient stone village with a timeless atmosphere.

Which lakes are best for nature observation, like birdwatching?

Lago di Pontecosi is an excellent choice for birdwatching. While not suitable for swimming, it serves as a crucial wintering site for a diverse array of aquatic birds. Its east bank also features an 'oasis' with green spaces, perfect for peaceful observation and picnics.

Can I swim or do water sports in the Garfagnana lakes?

Yes, Lake Gramolazzo is popular for various water sports, including swimming (though the water can be cold), fishing, rowing, kayaking, and windsurfing. It has equipped banks and dedicated picnic areas. Lago di Isola Santa also offers opportunities for canoeing and kayaking.

What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?

The area around San Romano In Garfagnana offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for gravel biking, road cycling, and mountain hikes. For example, there are challenging gravel biking routes like the 'Lake Vagli – Viadotto Poggio loop' and mountain hikes such as the 'Monte Tambura Summit loop'. You can explore more options on the Gravel Biking, Road Cycling, and Mountain Hikes guide pages.

Are there family-friendly lakes in the area?

Absolutely. Lake Gramolazzo is very family-friendly, with equipped banks and playgrounds for children. Lake Vagli also has family-friendly aspects, particularly around its accessible dam crown and the Vagli Zip-line Park. Isola Santa Village is also considered family-friendly for its picturesque setting.

What is the best time to visit the Garfagnana lakes for hiking?

The best time for hiking around the Garfagnana lakes is generally from spring to autumn. Summer offers warm weather for water activities, while spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery for hiking. In winter, higher altitude lakes like Lago Santo Modenese can freeze over, creating a unique, 'enchanted' landscape, though some trails may be more challenging.

Are there easy walking paths around any of the lakes?

Yes, Lago di Pontecosi offers peaceful walks along its shores, ideal for observing nature. Lake Gramolazzo also has bike paths along its shores that are suitable for leisurely walks.

What kind of natural features can I expect to see around the lakes?

The lakes are set against stunning backdrops. Lake Gramolazzo is bordered by the majestic Apuan Alps, with Mount Pisanino reflecting in its green waters. Lake Bargetana is located in a basin on the northern side of Mount Prado, surrounded by beautiful pastures and rock faces where marmots can sometimes be spotted. Lago Santo Modenese, in the Modena Apennines, is encircled by mountains like Monte Giovo.

Can I find picnic areas or facilities at the lakes?

Yes, several lakes offer facilities. Lake Gramolazzo has equipped banks with playgrounds and dedicated picnic areas. Lago di Pontecosi features an 'oasis' on its east bank with green spaces, covered picnic tables, and barbecue facilities, making it ideal for a relaxing day out.

Are there opportunities for fishing in the Garfagnana lakes?

Yes, fishing is a popular activity in some of the lakes. Lago di Isola Santa is known as a paradise for fishermen, particularly for prized brown trout. Lake Gramolazzo also offers fishing opportunities.

What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes in this region?

Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere of the Garfagnana lakes. The unique history of the submerged village at Lake Vagli, the picturesque setting of Isola Santa Village, and the diverse outdoor activities available, from hiking to water sports, are often highlighted. The area is appreciated for its blend of adventure and peaceful relaxation.

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