Lago di Auronzo

Welcome to the serene shores of Lago di Auronzo, a stunning body of water located in the heart of the Cadore region of the Italian Dolomites. Also known as Lake Santa Caterina, this emerald-hued lake is an artificial basin…

At the southern end of the lake lies the dam that brought this basin into existence. Constructed between 1930 and 1932, the dam was part of a larger regional effort to harness hydroelectric power for the growing needs of northern…

Gazing northward across the lake, the skyline is dominated by the Croda dei Toni, or Zwölferkofel. This massive mountain block is one of the most iconic peaks of the Sesto Dolomites. …

The Lungolago, or lake promenade, is a beautifully maintained path that allows for a complete circuit of Lago di Auronzo. Walking along this path, you experience the lake from every angle. …

The environment around Lago di Auronzo is rich in Alpine biodiversity. The slopes rising steeply from the water are covered in dense forests of Norway spruce, silver fir, and European larch. …

The town of Auronzo di Cadore stretches along the valley floor, following the curve of the lake for several kilometers. Its architecture is typical of the Cadore region, with stone and wood buildings that often feature colorful…

In the winter months, Lago di Auronzo undergoes a dramatic transformation. The turquoise water often freezes over, becoming a vast, white expanse covered in snow. …

As our tour of Lago di Auronzo comes to an end, we reflect on the unique quality of this place. It is a landscape of reflections—both literal, in the way the water mirrors the Dolomites, and metaphorical, in how it forces us to…