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Valle San Nicolao

Top 18 Lakes around Valle San Nicolao

Best lakes around Valle San Nicolao are found in the surrounding Biellese region of Italy, offering diverse natural beauty. This municipality in the Province of Biella is characterized by an alpine backdrop and landscapes of glacial origin. The area provides opportunities for hiking and enjoying serene mountain environments. Visitors can explore various lakes nestled between peaks and within nature reserves.

Best lakes around Valle San Nicolao

  • The most popular lakes is Lago della Vecchia Hut, a hut located in…

Last updated: July 14, 2026

Rifugio della Balma

Highlight • Mountain Hut

This beautiful refuge is set on a promontory and has two homonymous lakes at its foot. It is located at 2,060 meters above sea level and included in the Mont Mars Nature Reserve.

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Lago della Vecchia Hut

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The Rifugio Lago della Vecchia is located in the Biella Alps, at 1,872 meters above sea level, near the lake of the same name. It offers typical Piedmontese cuisine and …

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Laghetto del Camino

Highlight • Lake

Small lake under Mount Camino. Very rich in frogs and tadpoles.
Some information:
The Camino lake is located south of Mount Camino, between Colle della Barma and La Ceva. The …

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Barma Lakes

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Two splendid lakes, one small and one large, with the Balma Refuge in the center located on top of the hill.

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The historic E50 mule track, commissioned by Senator Federico Rosazza between 1876 and 1879, connects Piedicavallo (1037m) to the Rifugio and Lago della Vecchia (1858m), crossing villages such as Rosei …

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Riccardo 🍄
June 26, 2025, Laghetto del Camino

Small lake under Mount Camino. Very rich in frogs and tadpoles. Some information: The Camino lake is located south of Mount Camino, between Colle della Barma and La Ceva. The environment in which it is located is of glacial origin, characterized by small overexcavation basins between the humps of the smooth rocks. The glacial imprint can be traced back to the various Pleistocene glacial impulses and in particular to the last impulse and subsequent regression. The landscape modeled by glacial activity was then taken up and modified in detail by the erosion of the runoff waters, by the cryoclastic action that splits and crumbles the rocks and by the nivation processes. The lake is in an advanced evolutionary phase with shallow waters and boulders on the bottom, it is partly bordered by vegetation, it is enriched with sediments and is destined to become a peat bog and then to be completely buried.

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At 2020 meters, Lake Barma (or Balma) is a lake of glacial origin sunken between the Gragliasca peak, Lei Long and Balma d’Oropa on the left, Mont Mars and Monte Rosso on the right, and the Balma d’Oropa hill in front. With 31,320 square meters of extension, it is the largest lake included in the Mont Mars Nature Reserve. On its shores, from the second half of June, rhododendrons, mountain lilies, round cotton grasses, mountain arnica and wild orchids bloom.

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Very modern and comfortable refuge. Equipped with 24h electricity, wi-fi, hot water. The refuge is also a stop for the Oropa Valley walk. The Barma refuge is located at an altitude of 2060 meters in the Mont Mars nature reserve, located between the Biella area and the Lys Valley in the Aosta Valley. The stone structure is built around the roche moutonne in the center of an amphitheater overlooking the lakes of the same name at the foot of the Mont Mars massif (2600 m). The refuge is recently built and has a large bar, two dining rooms, eight rooms, five of which seat 8, two seat 4 and a double with bathroom. The services are shared. The structure is equipped with solar panels for the production of electricity, integrated with a co-generator system. The water is collected from the depths of the lake and treated with a water purifier so as to avoid the use of packaging to be disposed of.

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The historic E50 mule track, commissioned by Senator Federico Rosazza between 1876 and 1879, connects Piedicavallo (1037m) to the Rifugio and Lago della Vecchia (1858m), crossing villages such as Rosei and Casette‑Canabà It is a well-paved and marked route, suitable for intermediate-level hikers, with a difference in altitude of about 820m and a travel time of 2–2½ hours one way laprovinciadibiella.it

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The Rifugio Lago della Vecchia is located in the Biella Alps, at 1,872 meters above sea level, near the lake of the same name. It offers typical Piedmontese cuisine and the possibility of overnight stays with 22 beds. It opens in the summer season but for more information, visit the website: rifugiolagodellavecchia.it

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Recently built refuge surrounded by the Barma lakes, open in the summer and reachable with a not too demanding walk from Pillaz (or from Pian Coumarial) a hamlet of Fontainemore, overcoming a long stretch of road up to Lake Vargno

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Two beautiful stretches of water between the refuge of the same name

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A beautiful completely remodeled retreat. from here you can relax on a choice of two beautiful mountain lakes

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of natural features can I expect to see around the lakes near Valle San Nicolao?

The lakes in the Biellese region, including those near Valle San Nicolao, are primarily of glacial origin, set against a stunning alpine backdrop. You'll find landscapes characterized by small basins, smooth rocks, and diverse flora. For instance, around Barma Lakes and Rifugio della Balma, you can see vibrant rhododendrons, mountain lilies, and wild orchids blooming in late June. Laghetto del Camino is particularly known for its rich population of frogs and tadpoles.

Are there any historic sites or trails near the lakes?

Yes, the area features historical connections. The Lago della Vecchia Hut and its namesake lake are located on a historic itinerary commissioned by Senator Federico Rosazza. This route, the E50 mule track, connects Piedicavallo to the refuge and lake, offering a glimpse into the region's past.

What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Valle San Nicolao?

The region offers various outdoor activities, especially hiking and cycling. You can explore mountain hikes, such as the 'Lago della Vecchia – Rifugio Lago della Vecchia loop from Piedicavallo', which is a moderate 11.1 km route. For cycling enthusiasts, there are gravel biking and road cycling routes available. You can find more details on these activities in the Mountain Hikes around Valle San Nicolao, Gravel biking around Valle San Nicolao, and Road Cycling Routes around Valle San Nicolao guides.

Are there any refuges or huts near the lakes for accommodation or food?

Yes, there are well-equipped refuges. The Lago della Vecchia Hut offers typical Piedmontese cuisine and overnight stays with 22 beds during the summer season. Another option is Rifugio della Balma, a modern and comfortable refuge located at 2,060 meters above sea level within the Mont Mars Nature Reserve. It provides 24-hour electricity, Wi-Fi, hot water, and various room options.

What is the best time to visit the lakes to see wildflowers?

To witness the vibrant blooms of rhododendrons, mountain lilies, round cotton grasses, and wild orchids, the latter half of June is the ideal time to visit lakes like Lake Barma (near Barma Lakes) within the Mont Mars Nature Reserve.

Are there any easy lake walks suitable for beginners or families?

While specific 'easy' classifications aren't always available, the E50 mule track to Lago della Vecchia Hut is described as a well-paved and marked route, suitable for intermediate-level hikers. For families, the general appeal of observing nature, such as frogs and tadpoles at Laghetto del Camino, can make for an engaging outing, though specific difficulty for this path isn't detailed.

What makes the Mont Mars Nature Reserve special for lake visitors?

The Mont Mars Nature Reserve is home to several significant lakes, including Lake Barma and the two lakes at the foot of Rifugio della Balma. It's known for its stunning alpine scenery, diverse flora like rhododendrons and orchids, and glacial landscapes. The reserve offers a serene mountain environment for hiking and nature observation.

How long does it take to hike to the lakes?

Hiking times vary depending on the specific lake and starting point. For example, the E50 mule track from Piedicavallo to the Lago della Vecchia Hut and lake typically takes 2 to 2.5 hours one way, covering an elevation gain of about 820 meters.

What do visitors appreciate most about the lakes around Valle San Nicolao?

Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty and the well-maintained facilities. Highlights like Rifugio della Balma are noted for being modern, comfortable, and offering breathtaking views between mountain lakes. The overall appeal lies in the serene mountain environment, glacial landscapes, and rich biodiversity, as evidenced by over 50 upvotes and 49 photos shared by the komoot community.

Are there any lakes known for unique wildlife or ecological features?

Yes, Laghetto del Camino is particularly notable for its rich population of frogs and tadpoles, making it an interesting spot for nature observation. This small lake also showcases clear imprints of Pleistocene glacial periods, with its environment characterized by small basins and smooth rocks.

Can I find food and drink options near the lakes?

Yes, some of the refuges offer food and drink. The Lago della Vecchia Hut serves typical Piedmontese cuisine. Similarly, Rifugio della Balma has a large bar and two dining rooms, providing options for meals and refreshments during your visit.

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Still not found your perfect lake around Valle San Nicolao? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.

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