Sauris Lake
Friuli Venezia Giulia
Sauris Lake, known locally as Lago di Sauris or Lât di Sauris in Friulian, is an artificial lake situated at 977 meters altitude in the Val Lumiei near the village of Sauris in the Carnia area of Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy. Created by the construction of a dome-shaped dam completed in 1948, the lake was formed following the dam works that began in 1941. At the time of its completion, the dam was the second highest dome dam in Europe, showcasing impressive engineering. The lake is accessible via a winding mountain road from Ampezzo, which includes three tunnels with distinctive cobblestone pavements, adding to the unique experience of visiting. The area offers picturesque alpine scenery and, occasionally, when the lake is drained, remnants of the former village submerged beneath the water can be seen. The dam crest is narrow, allowing passage of only one vehicle at a time, and parking near the dam is limited, often requiring visitors to park further away. The lake and its surroundings are popular for nature lovers, offering a tranquil setting amid the Carnic Alps.
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Tip: The best time to visit Sauris Lake is during the warmer months when the mountain roads are accessible and the natural surroundings are vibrant. Visitors traveling by motorcycle or bicycle should exercise caution when passing through the tunnels due to slippery cobblestone surfaces and steep inclines. It is advisable to plan parking ahead, as spaces near the dam are limited and traffic congestion can occur. While there are no specific ticket requirements, checking local conditions before arrival is recommended.
Interesting facts
- •The dam at Sauris Lake was the second highest dome dam in Europe when completed in 1948.
- •When the lake is occasionally drained, the remains of the submerged village beneath the water become visible.
- •The access road from Ampezzo includes three tunnels with cobblestone pavement, creating a unique driving experience.
History
The construction of Sauris Lake began in 1941 with the building of the dam, which was completed in 1948.
The dam's dome structure was notable for being the second highest of its kind in Europe at the time.
The lake was formed by flooding the valley, submerging a previous village, the remains of which occasionally become visible when water levels are lowered.
Over the decades, the lake has become an important hydrological feature in the region and a scenic landmark within the Carnia valley.
Place Guide
The Dome-Shaped Dam1948
This impressive dome dam, completed in 1948, is a key engineering landmark and the structure that created Sauris Lake. Visitors can walk along its narrow crest, which allows only one vehicle at a time, offering panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Access Road Tunnels
The road from Ampezzo to the lake passes through three tunnels carved into live rock. These tunnels have cobblestone pavements and steep gradients, making the journey distinctive and challenging, especially for cyclists and motorcyclists.
