The Lake Corlo, or Lake of Arsiè, is known as the small Norwegian fjord of Veneto for its elongated shape nestled among vertical rocks.
The water looks like a mirror blending the intense green of the landscape with the blue sky: a spectacular place that has become a popular destination for both residents and tourists, especially in the summer.
It is an artificial reservoir that extends from Arsiè to the ancient district of Rocca. The lake takes its name from the tiny hamlet of Corlo, which overlooks the dam. Along with the hamlet of Incino, on this side of the dam, it belongs to the parish of Rocca, a fraction of Arsiè, and is the first and most western village in the province of Belluno.
The dam, built in 1954, allowed the blockage of the deep canyon of the Cismon stream in its last stretch before it flows into the Canal del Brenta at Cismon del Grappa.
Located on the border with Valsugana and Mount Grappa, and a few kilometers from the Veneto plain, Lake Corlo has a very varied panorama: to the north, the shores are gentle with a wide grass beach, while to the south the landscape becomes harsher and rockier, rich in further charm.
Near Rocca, in fact, there are three bridges that allow access to various houses and isolated hamlets that climb up the Carazzagno valley and the foothills of Mount Grappa. One of these is the Ponte della Vittoria, also known as the Chain Bridge, which was built in 1928 to replace a previous bridge located at a lower level and which today connects the two shores of the lake: a really spectacular suspended bridge. Its view from the Ponte delle Bassane is also very picturesque.
Rocca di Arsiè is definitely the most important town of the lake. With the creation of the basin, a large part of the town was submerged, particularly the church which was rebuilt on the height in the middle of the lake. Only a few houses and the bell tower remain in their original place.
Downstream of the dam, on the other hand, one can spot some tunnels of the old railway line between Cismon and Feltre, built in the early twentieth century.
Come discover the coves and hidden corners of the lake aboard a kayak, a boat, a canoe, a pedal boat, or engage in the many sports that can be practiced in contact with nature. The lake offers a multitude of options to try different experiences suitable for all ages and tastes, such as numerous paths dedicated to bike and trekking or the wonder of enjoying moments of relaxation on its shores.
The Lake of Arsiè also features two campsites and a refreshment point.
For the more curious, here are some facts about the lake:
- Area: 2.45 km²
- Watershed area: 628 km²
- Altitude at maximum regulation: 268 m above sea level.
- Altitude at maximum reservoir: 268 m above sea level.
- Maximum altitude of the watershed: 3184 m above sea level.
- Maximum depth: 68 m
- Volume: 48.8 million m³
