High in the Swiss Alps, just above the historic Gotthard Pass, lies Lago della Sella, a striking alpine reservoir surrounded by rugged peaks, rocky landscapes and wide-open mountain views. At an altitude of around 2,256 metres, the lake is a wonderful hiking destination for anyone looking to experience the dramatic scenery of the Gotthard area without committing to a full-day summit hike.
Lago Della Sella Hiking Route
The lake is located and easily reached from the Gotthard Pass, located between the cantons of Ticino and Uri.
The hiking route is fairly easy, with a small incline and then a flat route around the lake. The details are:
- Round route of 9.3km
- Duration just under 3 hours
- Elevation gain/loss: 260 meters
Starting the hike from the Gotthard Pass
The hike to Lago della Sella begins at the Gotthard Pass, close to the historic hospice. We parked our car up freely near the hospice and started to hike the slow incline up to the lake.
The road winds gently through the high-altitude landscape towards the lake. The initial section is relatively easy, making it a great opportunity to slow down and take in the scenery. This is also easy due to the ground being covered in tarmac all the way up to the dam, due to cars and farm vehicles needing to have access up this part too.
The first part of this hike was quite busy when we arrived on a random Tuesday, simply since it’s an easy route for those having a break at the Gotthard pass (after a long drive likely!) and wanting to walk their dogs etc. We also saw Swiss military soldiers walking here after a training that day.
As you walk higher into the valley, the landscape becomes more rugged and you’ll spot a few bunkers along the way. There are almost no trees at this altitude, leaving the views completely open. Just a few wild flowers and bushes.
Arriving At Lago della Sella
The highlight of the walk is undoubtedly seeing Lago della Sella for your own eyes. The deep blue-green water contrasts beautifully with the grey rocks and mountains surrounding it, creating plenty of opportunities for photographs. It’s about 30 meters deep.
One of the most interesting features is the dam. The hiking route crosses the dam wall, providing an excellent viewpoint across the reservoir and back towards the Gotthard Pass. The dam is approximately 36 metres high and forms part of the hydroelectric infrastructure of the region, which we learnt about also during our Lucendro Dam & St Gotthard Wind Farm Guided Tour.
Walking across the dam also gives you a completely different perspective of the landscape. From here, you can appreciate just how enclosed the lake is by the surrounding mountains.
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Circular Hiking Around The Lake
Our hike continued as we were completing the circular route around the lake. This part was fairly flat and more of a dirt/rocky path. When we arrived and started this part, there was hardly anyone else, making the route all for ourselves!
Towards the end of the lake to the west, there was a nice little scenic bridge and a new hut being built here. Not sure what the hut will be used for, maybe for the local farmers. But we sat here with our snacks and enjoyed a little rest.
Wild Animal Spotting
Since there was hardly anyone else around except us during the hike, it was very easy to spot the wildlife in the area moving. There were a few lizards, bees and butterflies along the way in the first section of the hike, enjoying the wild flowers.
Then along the west of the lake at the midpoint of the hike, there were many marmots enjoying the sunshine and eating. We saw even a mama marmot with a baby!
And looking up, we saw lots of little Northern Wheater birds and even a few Kestrels playing and fighting around the rocks.
More than just a scenic hike
The area around Lago della Sella has an intriguing military history too. As you hike through the landscape, you may notice old military buildings, bunkers and other remnants of Switzerland’s defensive infrastructure.
The Gotthard region was strategically important during the period of Switzerland’s national defence strategy, and military installations were constructed throughout the mountains. This combination of spectacular nature and fascinating history makes the area feel very different from a typical mountain walk.
If interested, you should check the Sasso San Gottardo Museum and Bunker, which is open to the public most days during the opening season.
Discover our relevant Gotthard content:
Visiting the New Gotthard Tunnel Open Day
An Alpine Scenic Drive: The San Gotthard Pass In Switzerland
Touring Lucendro Dam & St Gotthard Wind Farm Guided Tour
Summary
For us, Lago della Sella is one of those places that demonstrates why the Gotthard Pass is so special. You don’t necessarily need to climb a huge peak with lots of elevation gain to experience spectacular Alpine scenery. Even a relatively straightforward walk towards the lake quickly takes you away from the busy pass and into a peaceful, rugged mountain environment where you can see no one.
For a shorter outing, you could choose to simply walk to the lake, cross the dam and explore sections of the lakeside before returning the same way. So you of course do not need to hike around it, though its mostly flat and easy for those who do not hike that often.
If you’re travelling across the Gotthard Pass in summer and have some extra time, consider leaving the car behind for a while and taking a walk towards Lago della Sella. Bring decent walking shoes (it’s tarmac to the dam at least), plenty of water and your camera for some wild animal spotting!
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