Climbing to Lake Santa Colomba

Where the forest meets the water: the magic of Lake Argentario

The path climbs the wide and gentle valley that extends southward from Albiano. Below, the road winds through maple and linden woods, patches of pine forests, and beech woods, while higher up spruces predominate. The forest formations are interspersed with hay meadows that allow the eye to wander over the surrounding landscape. Where the slope, never demanding, softens to become flat, you encounter the interesting wetland area called Palù Acquadiva. Currently, the area is occupied by dense reed beds. Besides the scenic water reed, many other plant species typical of wetlands are present here. Among them stands out the marsh celery, a rare species at risk of disappearance in Trentino. The surrounding forest hosts the clubmoss, a typical plant of fresh and humid woods, another entity of significant conservation value. From Palù Acquadiva to Lake Santa Colomba the path is short. In about fifteen minutes or so, a beautiful trail leads to the northern shore of the lake where three large wooden platforms have been built near a large porphyry spur emerging from the ground. The lake is nestled among pines, and a pedestrian path allows the shores to be walked. There is also a refreshment point where you can stop to eat or drink. In early spring, it will not be difficult to observe red frogs and toads in the water as they move to the basin to reproduce or their egg masses. One last curiosity: an ancient legend says that the lake’s waters hide a farmhouse or even an entire village that was submerged as punishment for the selfishness of those who lived there.