The Lake Pian Palù (also locally known as Pian Pelù) is an artificial reservoir located in the Peio area, one of the most scenic side valleys of the Val di Sole. The lake lies in a wide basin surrounded by conifer forests and high‑altitude pastures, in a typical alpine setting that forms the natural gateway to the peaks of the Ortles‑Cevedale group.
The dam that created the reservoir was built as part of the valley’s hydroelectric development, a sector historically very important for Trentino. The structure blocks one of the headwater branches of the Noce River, which originates in the upper Val di Peio and then flows down toward Cogolo and the Val di Sole. Construction took place in several phases, reflecting the evolving energy needs and engineering techniques of the twentieth century.
The lake is an excellent starting point for panoramic hikes: from here, you can follow the valley upwards to reach the moraines and high plateaus leading toward Punta San Matteo, one of the most imposing peaks of the Ortles‑Cevedale range, rising to nearly 3,700 meters. The landscape becomes increasingly rugged and rocky, with larch forests giving way to scree slopes, glacial streams, and wide‑open views over the Stelvio National Park.
