Lake Sorapis owes its fame to a colour that looks almost artificially enhanced: a milky turquoise produced by the finest glacial sediment suspended in the water, which shifts in shade depending on the light and the water level. It sits in a wild amphitheatre beneath the walls of the Sorapis group, a short walk from Rifugio Vandelli, above which rises the unmistakable spire of the Dito di Dio — completing one of the most photographed scenes in the entire region.
The hike starts at Passo Tre Croci, above Cortina, and follows trail number 215: just over five kilometres of near-level walking through forest, graded as a standard hike. About one and a half kilometres from the refuge there is an equipped section with ropes and ladders that demands care and proper footwear. It is not a difficult walk, but worth knowing about before you set out. A second note of caution concerns crowds: this is a very popular destination, so an early start is advisable — both for a quieter lake and for catching the colour at its best in morning light.
Frequently asked questions
How demanding is the hike to Lake Sorapis?
Trail 215 from Passo Tre Croci is a standard hike (E), just over five kilometres long and mostly flat. Near the end there is a short equipped section with ropes and ladders that requires care, a steady foot and proper hiking boots.
Why does Lake Sorapis have that turquoise colour?
The intense colour comes from the finest glacial sediment suspended in the water, which reflects light and gives the lake its distinctive hue. This is why the shade changes with the season, the light and the water level.