Lai da Nalps, reservoir
Lai da Nalps is a large water reservoir in Tujetsch, Switzerland, situated at approximately 1,900 meters elevation and covering about 0.9 square kilometers. The basin holds up to 45 million cubic meters of water and sits in a narrow mountain valley where steep rock walls drop directly into the water, with small plants and boulders clinging to the shoreline.
The reservoir was built many decades ago to store water for electricity generation and support local energy needs. Construction of the dam reshaped the landscape and created a system to control water flow in the region, still used today for power production and flood prevention.
The name Lai da Nalps comes from the Romansh language spoken in this region. Visitors notice how the water and surrounding mountains are woven into the daily rhythm of this place, where people respect the natural quiet and find meaning in the landscape.
The area is reachable by small mountain roads that are well-maintained and wind through forests and hills. The shoreline is easily accessible and offers multiple spots to rest, walk, or enjoy views of the water and distant peaks.
The reservoir connects to two nearby lakes, Lai da Sontga Maria and Lai da Curnera, through underground tunnels in a hidden water management system. These unseen connections allow the system to direct water between the lakes and optimize power generation across the entire region.
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