Lake Sorapis owes its fame to a colour that looks almost too good to be real: a milky turquoise from the finest glacial sediment held in the water, which shifts shade with the light and the water level. It sits in a wild amphitheatre under the walls of the Sorapis group, a short walk from Rifugio Vandelli, above which rises the unmistakable spire of the Dito di Dio. Together they make one of the most photographed scenes in the whole region.
The hike starts at Passo Tre Croci, above Cortina, and follows trail number 215: Cortina's tourist office gives 10.5 kilometres there and back and 434 metres of climbing, and grades it as a trail for experienced hikers (EE). About one and a half kilometres from the refuge there's an exposed equipped section with ropes and ladders that needs a steady foot and proper footwear. It isn't a via ferrata, but it's worth knowing about before you head out. One more thing: this is a very popular spot, so start early, both for a quieter lake and for the colour at its best in morning light.
How Lago di Sorapis compares with the other lakes, and what changes from one to the next: Lakes of the Dolomites: the most beautiful ones and how to visit them.
Frequently asked questions
How demanding is the hike to Lake Sorapis?
Cortina's tourist office grades trail 215 from Passo Tre Croci for experienced hikers (EE): 10.5 kilometres there and back and 434 metres of climbing. Near the end there's an exposed equipped section with ropes and ladders that needs care, a steady foot, a head for heights and proper hiking boots.
Why does Lake Sorapis have that turquoise colour?
The strong colour comes from the finest glacial sediment held in the water, which catches the light and gives the lake its look. That's why the shade changes with the season, the light and the water level.