Lai da Sontga Maria, lake located north of the Lukmanier Pass in Switzerland
Lai da Sontga Maria is a reservoir in the Alpine region of Grisons, with a small portion extending into Ticino, surrounded by rocky slopes and forests beneath towering peaks. The water remains still most of the time, creating clear reflections of the surrounding mountains and sky.
The lake was created in 1968 by an arch dam on the northern side to store water for hydroelectric power generation. This construction transformed what was once grazing and farming land into a modern water storage facility that has served the region for decades.
The name comes from the local Romansh language and means Lake of Saint Mary, reflecting the region's religious heritage. Today it serves as a quiet gathering place where visitors and locals spend time outdoors and experience the calm of the mountain environment.
The lake is easily accessed from the Lukmanier Pass road, with parking areas and walking paths along the shoreline available throughout the year. Visit between late spring and early fall for the most comfortable weather and clearest mountain views.
A power transmission pylon stands directly in the water, carrying electricity across the mountains via the Lukmanier line. This unusual structure in the lake reminds visitors of how the region balances modern energy needs with the natural landscape.
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