Surrounded by steep rocky slopes and the dramatic mountains of the Basòdino region, Lago Sfundau is one of the more unusual lakes to visit in this part of Ticino. Sitting at around 2,392 metres above sea level, it feels noticeably more remote than Lago di Robiei down below.
Reaching the lake involves a proper mountain hike, but the reward is a beautiful high-alpine landscape where the lake is almost tucked away between the surrounding mountains.
Lago Sfundau is also interesting because its history is closely connected to the hydroelectric development of the Robiei area, meaning that what you see today is partly a natural landscape and partly the result of decades of engineering.
Read on to learn more, and see a few of our inspirational photos.
Lago Sfundau
Facts about Lago Sfundau
Lago Sfundau sits at approximately 2,392 metres above sea level. The lake has a surface area of approximately 75,000 square metres.
Unlike the large reservoirs immediately around Robiei, Sfundau has a much more secluded appearance. The surrounding landscape is dominated by bare rock, alpine grassland and steep mountain slopes, with very little vegetation at this altitude.
It is also part of a whole network of alpine lakes around Robiei. From Lago Bianco, the route continues past Lago Nero, at approximately 2,387 metres, before reaching Lago Sfundau. From Sfundau, hikers can continue towards up to Capanna Cristallina and eventually return to Robiei.
How to reach Lago Sfundau
There are several ways to reach Lago Sfundau, but the most scenic option is to make it part of a longer hike from Robiei.
To get to Robiei first, you can either by hike up or taking the Robiei cable car. The San Carlo – Robiei cable car takes approximately 15 minutes and climbs around 900 metres. It costed only 24 CHF for a return trip for 1 adult (during my visit in 2026).
You can consider a hiking route starting at Robiei and continuing via Lago di Robiei, Lago Bianco and past Lago Nero before reaching Sfundau. From an altitude of around 2,340 metres, the trail heads towards the lake at 2,392 metres. You can then take the route returning towards Robiei, at approximately 2,210 metres. The complete excursion is listed at around four hours.
Want to enjoy a hike here? Discover our half day 11km Robiei Viewpoint Hike!
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The history of Lago Sfundau and The hydroelectric power
Before the hydroelectric works, Sfundau was described as an unusually distinctive alpine lake. Historical descriptions mention its narrow, deep funnel-shaped basin, steep shores and even a distinctive white marble band along part of the lake. The lake also had an underground drainage system, with water emerging from an important spring above Lago Bianco.
The development of the hydroelectric system changed the lake considerably.
The Robiei system was developed from the 1960s onwards, and the huge engineering project required access to remote high-altitude locations.
Engineering works, including cement injections into the rocky basin, raised the water level by approximately 27 metres. This transformed the existing natural lake into a much larger water-storage basin as part of the hydroelectric network.
The San Carlo – Robiei cable car itself was built during this period to transport workers and materials into the mountains. It is still used today for maintenance work, while also carrying visitors during the summer season, and you can see this while hiking around in the area.
What is the hike to Sfundau like?
Getting to Lago Sfundau is a proper mountain adventure than simply visiting Lago di Robiei.
As you climb higher from Robiei, the landscape gradually becomes more rugged. Lago Bianco and Lago Nero provide beautiful stops along the way, and by the time you reach Sfundau, you’re well into the high-alpine environment.
The lake itself is surrounded by rocky terrain and feels considerably quieter than the more accessible areas around Robiei. It’s a great place to stop, have some food and simply enjoy the scenery before continuing.
If the weather is clear, you’ll also get impressive views towards the surrounding peaks and the Basòdino massif, whose glacier dominates the wider Robiei landscape.
Discover our related Ticino hiking posts!
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Piora Valley Ticino Hiking: The 3 Lakes Of Lago Ritom, Lago Di Tom And Lago Cadagno
Hiking Valle Verzasca: Sonogno to Ponte dei Salti
Scenic Ticino Hiking At 2 Lakes: Lago di Tremorgio and Lago di Leit
Summary
Lago Sfundau is one of those places that makes you appreciate just how much there is to discover around Robiei. It’s higher, quieter and more rugged than Lago di Robiei, and its unusual history gives it another layer of interest.
Bring plenty of water, snacks and a camera, and give yourself enough time to enjoy the different viewpoints rather than rushing between the lakes.
If you’re planning to hike to Sfundau, remember that you’re travelling at more than 2,300 metres, so weather conditions can be very different from those in the valley. The recommended hiking season for the Robiei lakes is generally June to September. My photos are from mid September.
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