Lake Albigna stretches into a side valley bearing the same name in Bregaglia. We&´re in Switzerland, just a handful of km from the border with Italy between Castasegna and Villa di Chiavenna. Set in an almost lunar panorama, at around 2150 metres, the basin - overseen by the company Elektrizitätswerk der Stadt Zürich - and the surrounding peaks have become a favourite destination for tourists who visit this magnificent Alpine corner in the summer months. The cable car, renovated in 2016, departs daily from Val Bregaglia up to the mountain station - 900 metres above. Decades ago, on the 24th October 1954 the bells were ringing out in the valley to celebrate the approval in Zurich of a grant of more than 175 million francs required for the construction of the Albigna plants. It hailed the beginning of a healthy economic period destined to bring new prosperity to the Alpine community.
Every Tuesday in summer, the interior of the dam is open for guided tours. The opportunity - much appreciated by tourists - takes place in the morning and lasts around 2 hours.
Booking in advance is necessary on no. +41 58 319 64 14. In 2020 more than 1,200 photovoltaic panels were installed on the dam wall, making Albigna the first high-altitude solar plant in the Alpine arc. Lake Albigna is also a veritable paradise for mountaineers. The peaks of la Fiamma, Spazzacaldeira, Piz Frachiccio, Punta dell’Albigna are the most popular destinations. The Albigna cabin is situated at 2,336n metres and is an important reference point with its overnight potential for hikers and climbers who can make it their base for several days. The refuge also serves up meals and drinks and some extraordinary desserts!
