Lake Smeraldo

Lake Smeraldo, an artificially created bathing lake at an altitude of about 1,000 m, extends near Fondo in Alta Val di Non as the upper part of the Non Valley is called towards South Tyrol. Its creation dates back to 1965, when the Rio Sass river was dammed to create the 10,000 m² lake. Its name refers to the emerald green colour in which it shimmers, especially on beautiful summer days. Over the decades, the mountain lake has become a popular destination for excursions, frequented by locals as well as guests and fishermen. A hiking path leads along its shore to a small meadow with a picnic area and two refreshment stops. The water can be reached either by car or on foot, if you prefer a walk from Fondo.

The Non Valley is known as the Valley of the Canyons. The path from Fondo to the lake also follows one of these canyons: The 1 km long path "Al Burrone" (burrone means canyon), which can be done in a little more than half an hour, was dug into the landscape over time by the Sass River and follows its course through a wonderful natural landscape. The path takes you past an old mill, the Roman bridge of Fondo and the narrowest point of the hike, which is at the junction with the small waterfall of the Rio Sass.

This short hike is especially recommended in summer time. Active holidaymakers will appreciate the hiking trails in the surroundings of Lake Smeraldo. One of them leads to the Falesia Marino Stenico (falesia means climbing wall), a climbing garden with routes of various degrees of difficulty. In winter, the frozen lake is transformed into a natural ice skating rink, with a covered ice stadium right next to it: the Palasmeraldo.