Lago di Livigno, reservoir in the Livigno valley
Lago di Livigno is a reservoir in the Alps, lying along the border between Switzerland and Italy within the Canton of the Grisons. The water is held back by dams on both sides and feeds hydroelectric plants that generate power for the two countries.
The dams that formed the lake were built in the early 20th century as part of cross-border hydroelectric projects. The valley they flooded had previously been farmed and settled by local communities on both sides.
The lake sits on the border between Switzerland and Italy, and that position shapes how people use it on both sides. Hikers and cyclists from both countries pass through without any visible border crossing marking the line.
The lake is in a remote high valley and can be reached by mountain roads that are often closed in winter. The best time to visit is from late spring through autumn, when the roads are open and conditions allow for walking along the shore.
Although the lake sits mostly on the Swiss side, the international border runs through the water itself, meaning part of the lake is officially Italian territory. A walker following the shoreline crosses between two countries without noticing any visible change.
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