Lago Alpe dei Cavalli, Artificial lake in Antrona Schieranco, Italy

Lago Alpe dei Cavalli is an artificial lake in the municipality of Antrona Schieranco, in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola. The basin was formed after the construction of a hydroelectric plant and has a maximum depth of about 460 feet (140 meters).

The lake was created in 1960 when a hydroelectric power plant was built in the area. The dam flooded a large part of the upper Val Antrona, changing the landscape forever.

The name Alpe dei Cavalli recalls the old practice of taking horses to high pastures in summer. Today, walkers can still see the open meadows where animals once grazed, and the lake fits into this pastoral setting.

The lake is best reached on foot, and the trails around it vary in difficulty, so good shoes are useful. Facilities are limited, so bring water and supplies, and check the weather before setting out.

The lake covers 25 square kilometers, making it larger than many natural alpine lakes. Its depth of about 140 meters is also unusual for a reservoir, and the cold water supports fish like catfish and trout.