Lake Sorapiss, Alpine lake in Dolomites, Italy
Lake Sorapiss is a mountain lake in the Dolomites, in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy, sitting at around 1923 meters above sea level. It lies in a tight rocky basin, enclosed on nearly all sides by pale limestone walls that rise steeply from the water's edge.
The lake was formed at the end of the last ice age, when retreating glaciers carved a hollow into the limestone terrain. Over thousands of years, that hollow filled with water and has changed very little since.
The name Sorapiss comes from the Ladin language spoken by the people who have lived in these valleys for centuries. Ladin is still spoken in parts of the Dolomites today, and traces of it appear in many place names along the trail.
The lake is reached by a hiking trail that starts at Passo Tre Croci and requires solid footwear and basic mountain gear. The path is long and partly steep, so setting off early in the morning makes the trip more comfortable.
The water gets its color from fine mineral particles washed out of the surrounding limestone, which float in suspension and scatter light in a way that produces the blue-green tone. This effect is strongest on clear days when sunlight hits the surface at a low angle.
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