Lago Nero

A gentle hike in the Piacenza Apennines

Italy boasts plenty of places where you can enjoy a nature walk: small, natural gems that are only accessible on foot and are often off the beaten track. The enchanting Lago Nero, a small lake of glacial origin in the Apennines of Piacenza, is one of them.

At 1,540 metres above sea level, in the glacial basin between Monte Nero and Monte Bue, you can reach this small lake from the village centre of Selva in the municipality of Ferriere, following the signs for path 007. Passing through a forest of beeches and silver firs, in just under an hour you will reach the lake shores, where you can relax while admiring the impressive views before climbing to the summit of Monte Bue, at an altitude of 1,780 metres. From here, you can access the ski lifts of the Santo Stefano d’Aveto ski resort, in the province of Genoa.

In the coldest months of the year, between November and March, you may find the lake frozen over. But don’t worry, the experience will still be magical all the same.