The Lago del Corlo, or Lake of Arsiè, is known as the small Norwegian fjord of Veneto for its elongated shape nestled among vertical rocks.
The water seems like a mirror mixing the intense green of the landscape and the blue of the sky: a spectacular place that has become a very popular destination for both residents and tourists, especially in the summer period.
It is an artificial basin that extends from Arsiè to the ancient district of Rocca. The lake is named after the tiny hamlet of Corlo, which overlooks the dam. Together with the hamlet of Incino, on this side of the dam, it belongs to the parish of Rocca, a district of Arsiè, and is the first and westernmost village in the province of Belluno.
The dam, built in 1954, allowed for the damming of the deep canyon of the Cismon stream in its final stretch before flowing into the Canal del Brenta at Cismon del Grappa.
Located on the border with the Valsugana and Monte Grappa, and just a few kilometers from the plains of Veneto, the Lago del Corlo offers a very varied panorama: to the north, the shores are gentle with a large grassy beach, while to the south the scenery becomes more rugged and rocky, rich in another charm.
Near Rocca, in fact, there are three bridges that allow access to the various homes and isolated hamlets that climb up the Carazzagno valley and the slopes of Monte Grappa. One of these is the Ponte della Vittoria, also known as the Chain Bridge, which was built in 1928 to replace a previous bridge located at a lower level and today connects the two shores of the lake: a truly spectacular suspended bridge. Its view from the Ponte delle Bassane is also very charming.
Rocca di Arsiè is undoubtedly the most important village by the lake. With the creation of the reservoir, much of the village was submerged, particularly the church which was rebuilt on the hill in the middle of the lake. Only a few houses and the bell tower remain in their original location.
Downstream of the dam, however, you can find some tunnels from the old railway line between Cismon and Feltre, built in the early 1900s.
Come discover the coves and the more hidden corners of the lake aboard a kayak, a boat, a canoe, a pedalo or enjoy the many sports that can be practiced in contact with nature. The lake offers a multitude of possibilities to try different experiences suitable for every age and taste, such as the numerous paths dedicated to bike and trekking or the wonder of enjoying moments of relaxation on its shores.
The Lake of Arsiè also features two campsites and a refreshment point.
For the more curious, here are some data about the lake:
- Surface area: 2.45 km²
- Drainage basin area: 628 km²
- Altitude at maximum regulation: 268 m a.s.l.
- Altitude at maximum overflow: 268 m a.s.l.
- Maximum elevation of the drainage basin: 3184 m a.s.l.
- Maximum depth: 68 m
- Volume: 48.8 million m³
