Map

Thumbnail for the map of the deprecated Schweizmobil 'Wasserfaelle am Lag da Pigniu' (679) hiking trail, opens link to interactive web map.
Source1

Elevation Profile

Elevation Profile of the deprecated Schweizmobil 'Wasserfaelle am Lag da Pigniu' (679) hiking trail.
Source1: Bundesamt für Landestopografie; Drawn with schweizmobilplus.ch

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Short Description

The ‘Wasserfaelle am Lag da Pigniu’ hiking trail in Graubünden, Switzerland, delivers what it promises: A tour around the Pigniu lake, getting up close to its three major and many minor waterfalls.

Historically minded hikers will also find the Suworow memorial at the dam of interest. The Russian General had lost many soldiers, horses and most munitions while fleeing from the French across this alpine pass.

Notes

  • This used to be part of the Schweizmobil selection of hikes, but it has been removed since we went.

Impressions

Winter was finally announcing its arrival, but the mountains were still mostly snow-free up to around 1600 meters above sea level, so we decided to pay Lag da Pigniu and its waterfalls a visit.

We, being our typical selves, arrived at the barrier lake after the late autumn sun had already set over the valley. Luckily, we were prepared for cold winds this time, as opposed to our previous hike in Val Frisal.

Image of Lag da Pigniu (lake) in late autumn, the sun having already set over the valley, but still lighting the eastern flank.
Lag da Pigniu

The benefits of doing this hike off season are an arguably even more beautiful scenery than in the summer months, and being able to enjoy the turquoise waters of Lag da Pigniu all by our lonesome. I shudder to think of the area’s saturation with families (including screaming children) in high season.

The downside is that the waterfalls at the center of the route are running on fumes.

Still beautiful though.

We had our lunch near the dam, enjoying the view of the valley in the evening light (and vowing to bring food you can eat with your gloves on for winter hikes from now on).

We honestly didn’t see or notice the promised memorial, and wanted to get back before dark, so off we went.

Image of Val da Pigniu (valley) at sunset in late autumn, alps visible in the distance.
The valley around sunset.

We had a lovely day on this interesting hike, and I can fully recommend it. If you want to see the waterfalls at their best, and don’t mind crowded places, you may want to visit in Summer.

I don’t see why the route was removed from Schweizmobil, but it’s their choice of course.

Would you like to share your own experiences with this hike? Do you have any questions? Something to add? Feel free to leave a comment below 🙂

Route Report / Gallery

Full size images without watermarks are available for licensing to interested parties. Check romans.pictures for a selection of my favorites, or contact me for details.

  • Image of Baseliga Curnengia church in Andiast, Switzerland, near the starting point of the 'Wasserfaelle am Lag da Pigniu' hiking trail.
    One of the churches of Andiast village. It’s a small village. I’m not sure why they needed more than one.
    View during the ascent.
    View during the ascent.
    View during the ascent.
    View during the ascent.
    Dam already in view.
    View during the ascent.
  • Image of Lag da Pigniu (lake) in late autumn, the sun having already set over the valley.
    Lag da Pigniu (lake) – of course the sun already set by the time we arrived. Interestingly, there is snow on the west side but not on the east side because the sun reaches that side for some time every day.
    Jenny enjoying her new sticks.
  • Image of the turquoise water of Lag da Pigniu (lake) in late autumn, the sun having already set over the valley.
    The beautiful, turquoise water of Lag da Pigniu.
  • Image of Lag da Pigniu (lake) in late autumn, the sun having already set over the valley, but still lighting the eastern flank.
    Beautiful 🙂
  • Image of Lag da Pigniu (lake) in late autumn, the sun having already set over the valley, but still lighting the eastern flank.
    The promised waterfalls. probably a bit more impressive in summer.
  • Image of the waterfalls at the Lag da Pigniu (lake) in late autumn.
    Up close.
  • Image of the turquoise water of Lag da Pigniu (lake) in late autumn, the sun having already set over the valley.
    Those turquoise waters again.
    Roman taking pictures, as seen by Jenny.
  • Image of Lag da Pigniu (lake) in late autumn, the sun having already set over the valley, but still lighting the eastern flank.
    View from the north point.
  • Image of the view of Val da Pigniu from the Lag da Pigniu dam.
    View of val (valley) da Pigniu from the dam.
  • Image of the view from the top of the Lag da Pigniu dam, down its walls.
    The dam in question.
  • Image of Val da Pigniu (valley) in late autumn.
    View of the valley on the way back.
  • Image of Val da Pigniu (valley) at sunset in late autumn, alps visible in the distance.
    And the same around sunset.
  • Image of the turquoise water of Lag da Pigniu (lake) in late autumn, the sun having already set over the valley.
    Bonus: One of Jenny’s favorites.

NEWSLETTER

Don’t miss a hike 🙂

Why should I?

Basic Data

Date of Hike:2020-11-27
Participants:Roman, Jenny
Technical Difficulty:T2: Mountain Trail

Stats

Km15
Net Hours (Est.)4
Net Hours (Act.)4
Ascent (m)478
Descent (m)478
Max. Alt. (m)1464
Loop?Yes
Cable Car?No
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