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Description
Situated just above 1,700 meters, this lake of barely 7 hectares lies right within the settlement area of Arosa. It is known for its abundance of fish but, especially during migration periods, it also attracts a variety of waterbirds and reed birds. At times, with single individuals of Ψαλίδα (του Βορά), (Ευρωπαϊκη) Βαλτόπαπια, and (Ευρωπαϊκό) Σφυριχτάρι, it can feel almost like a zoo, and for a reason: many of these waterbirds, which do occur in Switzerland but not naturally in the region, have been released here. The likewise introduced (Ευρωπαϊκή) Βουκεφάλα has become established and has bred at both the Obersee and Untersee in Arosa since 1991.
For demanding birdwatchers, such records don’t “really” count. Among the genuinely wild breeding birds, the (Κοκκινόλαιμο) Νανοβουτηχτάρι can be extraordinarily well observed here. But natural visitors also make the lake worthwhile from autumn through spring. Records include a few waders - mostly Ακτίτης, but also Λασποσκαλίδρα, Λασπότρυγγας, (Κοινό) Μπεκατσίνι, Πρασινοσκέλης, and Δασότρυγγας. Raptors such as (Κοινό) Ξεφτέρι, Διπλοσάϊνο, and even Χρυσαετός have been observed from the lake.
Among the rarities found here are a Κουφομπεκάτσινο in 2017 and two Σταχτόπαπια in 2021.
So, even if the lake may not be quite as exciting as the list of 95 recorded species might suggest, a visit can still be rewarding - not least for photographers, who might benefit from the many shallow access points to the water, pedalos at rent and the fact that many birds here have grown accustomed to people.
Details
Access
The lake is situated next to the train station of Arosa. Parking is scarce. The circular walk around the lake is about 1 km.