Lago del Mucrone Biella
A breathtaking glacial lake nestled high in the Biella Alps, offering stunning vistas and refreshing waters. Accessible by hike or cable car.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer skies, vibrant colors
Lago del Mucrone Biella
Best Time
Clearer skies, vibrant colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking glacial lake nestled high in the Biella Alps, offering stunning vistas and refreshing waters. Accessible by hike or cable car.
"The lake is stunning, with its blue-green hues on a sunny day."
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Boots Needed
The trail is rocky and steep. Proper footwear is a must for safety and comfort.
💧 Refill Water Bottles
Water is available at the cable car stations. Bring a reusable bottle to stay hydrated on your hike.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.5 · 93 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lago del Mucrone
1902m above sea level
A stunning glacial lake reflecting the surrounding peaks, offering vibrant blue-green hues on sunny days.
Sentiero della Pissa
From Santuario di Oropa
A scenic hiking trail leading to the lake, passing waterfalls and offering breathtaking mountain vistas.
Rifugio Rosazza
On the trail to Lago del Mucrone
A welcoming mountain refuge perfect for a rest stop, known for its delicious blueberry crostata.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Cable Car Status
Dress for Mountain Weather
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Boots Needed
The trail is rocky and steep. Proper footwear is a must for safety and comfort.
💧 Refill Water Bottles
Water is available at the cable car stations. Bring a reusable bottle to stay hydrated on your hike.
🧥 Pack Layers
Mountain weather changes fast. Bring a windbreaker and extra layers, even on a sunny day.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramas are breathtaking! Don't forget your camera for stunning mountain and lake shots.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Boots Needed
The trail is rocky and steep. Proper footwear is a must for safety and comfort.
💧 Refill Water Bottles
Water is available at the cable car stations. Bring a reusable bottle to stay hydrated on your hike.
🧥 Pack Layers
Mountain weather changes fast. Bring a windbreaker and extra layers, even on a sunny day.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramas are breathtaking! Don't forget your camera for stunning mountain and lake shots.
🏊♀️ Invigorating Dip
The lake water is cool and refreshing, perfect for a quick swim on a warm day.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning beauty of Lago del Mucrone, describing it as a spectacular alpine gem. The vibrant colors on sunny days and the dramatic misty landscapes are highlights. While the hike can be challenging, the views and the refreshing lake water make it a worthwhile destination. The frequent closure of the cable car is a common point of contention, requiring visitors to be prepared for the trek.
"A stunning alpine lake just above the cable car arrival station, departing from the Oropa square. The cable car is closed for maintenance; the lake can be reached with a 2-hour walk along trails D11/D11a or D13/D13a. Appropriate clothing, especially hiking boots, is required, given the steepness and rocky terrain. Bring water, which you can refill at the cable car arrival and departure stations. The Rosazza refuge is open; the Savoia refuge is closed. The lake is stunning, with its blue-green hues on a sunny day. The water is cool and quickly becomes deep, ideal for an invigorating dip or a quick swim. A floating dock and small beach make for an even more pleasant stop."
Fabio Sbonch
"Mount Mucrone crowns the Oropa sanctuary. You can reach it on foot, but for lazy people like me, there's also a convenient cable car that takes you up to 1,900 meters, in front of the Savoia refuge. From there, a short walk (about twenty minutes) along an easy trail takes you to the lake. When I went, there were low clouds and not even a glimpse of the lake; then, little by little, the fog thinned and the lake took on vivid, brilliant colors, and I could see the little fish fighting over a piece of bread. The view encompassed the Biella Alps all around. Various via ferratas and trekking routes start from here, as well as a cable car that takes you up to 2,400 meters."
Elena Biscaldi
"Beautiful place easily reachable from the cable car with a short walk. You need suitable shoes because the path is all stony. But when you arrive it is a spectacle. There is also a small beach and you can have a nice picnic in this oasis of peace. The water that comes down from the source of the bersagliere, which you find just before the lake, is very cold, ideal after the walk. The lake is transparent and full of fish. Must see"
Clara Della Giacomo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Lago del Mucrone from the Santuario di Oropa. The most direct route involves a hike of about 2-3 hours via trails D11/D11a or D13/D13a. The cable car is often closed, so hiking is the primary method.
The cable car is frequently closed for maintenance. It's crucial to check its operational status before your trip. If closed, be prepared for a 2-hour hike.
The trails are scenic but can be steep and rocky. Hikers recommend sturdy hiking boots and appropriate gear. The hike offers beautiful views of the surrounding Alps.
No, you cannot drive directly to Lago del Mucrone. Access is primarily via hiking from the Santuario di Oropa or, when operational, by cable car.
The hike from the Santuario di Oropa to Lago del Mucrone typically takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and the chosen trail.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no entrance fees for Lago del Mucrone itself, as it's a natural lake. However, if the cable car is operational, you will need to purchase a ticket for that.
Lago del Mucrone is a natural outdoor attraction and is accessible at all times. However, hiking trails and cable car operations (if running) have specific hours.
No, the hiking trails leading to Lago del Mucrone are free to access. They are part of the natural landscape and the Sacro Monte di Oropa Special Nature Reserve.
No booking is required for visiting the lake itself. If you plan to use the cable car, it's advisable to check for any booking recommendations, especially during peak season.
Tickets for the cable car can typically be purchased at the cable car station located near the Oropa square. It's wise to arrive early, especially on weekends.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Enjoy the stunning lake views, take photos, have a picnic, and for the brave, take a refreshing dip in the cool water. Hiking and exploring the surrounding trails are also popular activities.
Yes, swimming is possible in Lago del Mucrone. The water is cool and refreshing, and there's a small beach and floating dock that make it more accessible for a dip.
Restrooms are usually available at the cable car arrival/departure stations. There are also refuges nearby that offer food and drinks.
Expect breathtaking panoramic views of the Biella Alps, the surrounding mountains, and the vibrant blue-green waters of the lake itself. 
Absolutely! The lake's stunning colors, reflections, and the dramatic mountain backdrop make it a photographer's paradise, especially during sunrise and sunset.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The closest dining options are the Rifugio Rosazza and the Savoia refuge (though the latter may be closed). These offer mountain fare and refreshments.
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity. There are areas around the lake, including a small beach, that are perfect for enjoying a packed lunch.
The Rifugio Rosazza is particularly noted for its delicious blueberry crostata, a perfect treat after a hike.
Sometimes, basic refreshments or snacks might be available at the cable car stations, but it's best to confirm this locally.
It's highly recommended to bring your own food and plenty of water, especially if the refuges are closed or you prefer to picnic.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for capturing the lake's vibrant colors and dramatic mountain scenery.
The lake itself, with its reflections, the surrounding peaks, and the trails leading to it, offer numerous stunning photographic opportunities.
Yes, the lake's color can vary dramatically. It's a brilliant blue-green on sunny days but can become almost invisible under thick mist.
Experiment with different angles to capture the scale of the mountains and the clarity of the water. Consider wide-angle lenses for landscapes.
A camera with good low-light performance and a versatile lens (e.g., wide-angle to telephoto) would be ideal for capturing the diverse scenery.
Social
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