Lago Federa lake hiking

Lago Federa lake (Lago da Lago) at the foot of Croda da Lago is one of the most idyllic lakes in the dolomites. Our hike today leads from Pezie de Paru to this shimmering gem, where the Croda da Lago moutain hut invites you to stop for a break.

Route description Lago Federa lake

The hike to Lago Federa lake begins at the small Pezie de Paru car park, located directly on the Passo Giau pass road.

Always following path number 434 in the direction of Rif Croda da Lago/G. Palmieri, the hike initially leads almost flat along the rushing Ra Costeana. The wide gravel path soon becomes steeper and climbs steeply through the sparse woods, which now and then offers beautiful views of the majestic Tofana.

After about 350 meters of ascent, you reach a small clearing surrounded by the jagged rock walls of Ciadenes, where a fountain promises refreshing cooling. Here the hike turns into a narrower path.

The path winds its way up the flowery slopes and offers beautiful views of the Averau, the Cinque Torri and the Tofana.

At about 2,000 meters above sea level, a small trail branches off to the left to the Val Negra view point. Here a breathtaking view of Cortina d'Ampezzo, its river Boite and the dolomites rising vertically behind it opens up. A wooden bench invites you to enjoy this dreamy idyll.

Behind the Val Negra viewpoint, the path, which soon becomes gentler, winds its way to Lago Federa lake, now quite close and nestled in gentle mountain meadows, which stretches out at the foot of the craggy Croda da Lago. A trail leads around the small mountain lake, opening up ever new perspectives on its shimmering surface and the rock faces reflected in it.

And also for the physical well-being is provided: the friendly hosts of the Croda da Lago moutain hut spoil their guest on the southern shore of the lake with all kinds of delicacies. Thus, in the cozy moutain hut, culinary delights are combined with a unique landscape experience.

The fastest way back from Lago Federa lake is the outward route.

Hiking tips Lago Federa lake

Shorter and less steep is the ascent from the car park Ponte di Rocurto, which is about 2 km above the one suggested here. The hike along the alta via no. 1 from Passo Giau to Lago Federa lake is also highly recommended.

Interesting facts about Lago Federa

By the way, the name Federa comes from the Ladin noun feda (sheep). The meadows around Lago Federa lake were once used as sheep pastures.

Lago Federa lake is fed only by underground springs and has a particularly high water quality. This is also evidenced by the rare and in many places already extinct water species that live in it, which are among the oldest in the dolomites.

Infos Lago Federa lake hiking

• Duration:03:30 h
• Length:9.6 km
• Height gain:625 m

• Min. elevation:1503 m
• Max. elevation:2087 m