Lake Campotosto reserve, State nature reserve in Province of L'Aquila, Italy.
Lake Campotosto is a large reservoir in the Apennines sitting above 1,300 meters elevation with a lengthy shoreline and clear waters. Mountain ridges surround the lake and create several pathways for walking and exploring different parts of the protected area.
The lake was created in the 1940s by building a dam for hydroelectric power, flooding marshy ground that was once there. The area received protected status in 1984 and became an important refuge for wildlife and plants.
The reserve shows visitors how mountain life works and what animals make their home here. You see birds, insects, and fish living in the alpine setting and how they depend on each other.
You can enter the reserve from several points and find parking at each location. Marked trails take you through different sections depending on how long you want to walk and what you want to see.
During winter the entire water surface freezes solid creating a white landscape across the mountains. This frozen expanse is large enough for cross-country skiing and offers a completely different experience than visiting any other season.
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