Lake Rotondo takes its name from its perfectly circular shape and lies at 2,427 meters of altitude in the wild Vegaia–Tremenesca mountain group, one of the most secluded areas of the Val di Rabbi. The most common starting point is San Bernardo, from where you follow the Valorz forest road to the parking area and then take trail 121, which crosses woods, waterfalls, and old mountain huts before reaching the wide high‑altitude plateau.
The lake is set in a harsh yet fascinating environment: its shores are formed by accumulations of clastic rocks, remnants of glacial activity and the weathering processes typical of high‑mountain terrain. Among the boulders, small patches of pioneer vegetation emerge, adding touches of green to the mineral landscape.
The waters of Lake Rotondo are surprisingly clear and deep: on calm days, the bottom appears through a trembling blue filter, creating a highly evocative visual effect. This transparency is due to the purity of the water and the low amount of suspended sediment, typical of high‑altitude lakes.
Despite the harsh environment, the lake hosts a community of microscopic planktonic organisms, adapted to low temperatures and excellent water quality. The absence of infrastructure and the isolated location help preserve an intact and silent ecosystem.
