 Peter Watthy.jpg)
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Description
The area surrounding Lago Bianco lies at over 2,200 meters above sea level and just above the tree line. Accordingly, the birdlife here is highly specialized: everywhere you can hear the calls of the Planinska trepteljka as they perform their display flights over the terrain. Sivkasta Bjeloguza often perch on large rocks or reveal themselves by their striking white rump when taking off. The most remarkable bird - worth lingering a little longer by the lake when crossing the Bernina pass - is the Snježna zeba. Several pairs breed around the lake and can be observed quite easily with a bit of patience; sometimes they use the buildings of the Ospizio or the Rhaetian Railway as song posts. Hridna lastavica also nest on these buildings. The mocking calls of the Žutokljuna galica are ever-present, and the colorful Juričica is abundant here.
The rocky short grasslands offer good observation opportunities of these species almost everywhere. Particularly rewarding are the area between the Albergo and the railway station (1), the path to the northern dam - which is also the watershed (2) - as well as the eastern shore of the lake (3). From the southern dam (4), there is a great view into Val Poschiavo.
Details
Access
The only wheelchair-acccessible path (5) is the one to this dam, but it seems ornithologically less interesting. For the complete circuit around the lake, including short observation stops, you should allow about three hours. The best way to get there is by taking the Rhaetian Railway (stop Ospizio Bernina) or the bus (stop Ospizio Bernina, Albergo). Parking spaces are also available (click on the “P” on the map).
Terrain and Habitat
Mountain , LakeConditions
HillyCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
NoGood birding season
Spring , Autumn , SummerBest time to visit
SummerRoute
Unpaved roadDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
FootBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
Lago Bianco itself - originally two separate lakes that were enlarged and connected by dams - is, like many alpine lakes, of little ornithological interest. Migrating waders have only rarely been observed here. All the more impressive is the panorama with Piz Cambrena in the background, on whose slopes (as of 2025) the remnants of a glacier can still be seen, which once extended almost down to the lake. Like this glacier, the Snježna zeba is directly affected by climate change: whereas it once bred as low as 1500 meters, today the 2240 meters of the Bernina Pass nearly mark the lower limit of its range. Observations - ideally with atlas codes, where applicable - are of great scientific interest for monitoring its population trends.