Lago del Sorapíss, Alpine lake in Italy

Lake Sorapiss (Lago di Sorapiss) lies at 1,925 m in a basin of high cliffs in the Sorapiss group, about 12 km from Cortina d'Ampezzo. Punta Sorapiss rises to 3,205 m above it and Croda Marcora to 3,154 m. The Rifugio Alfonso Vandelli, run by the Venetian section of the Club Alpino Italiano, stands beside the water.

The name Sorapiss originates from an ancient legend involving a king and his daughter, whose story connects to the rock formations surrounding the lake. This tale has been passed down through generations as part of local tradition.

The lake lies in the Sorapiss group, whose Ladin name is Lago de Sorapisc; the Ampezzo name for the surrounding peak La Cesta is Ra Zesta. The Rifugio Alfonso Vandelli beside it, once the Sorapisshütte, is run by the Venetian section of the Club Alpino Italiano. The spot is nicknamed "Arena Sorapiss" for its views of La Cesta, the Tre Sorelle and the Cadini cliffs.

The lake is reached via a hiking trail starting from Passo Tre Croci that takes several hours to complete. The terrain is demanding, so sturdy hiking boots and mountain experience are recommended for the journey.

The turquoise colour comes from dolomite rock powder ground by the Sorapiss glacier and carried into the lake by its meltwater. Depth decides the shade: in late spring and summer, when the lake is deepest, the water looks more blue than green. In August the basin can hold barely any water, and from autumn to late spring it lies under snow.