My other favourite lake in the Dolomites. Lago Fedara. Ample space to swim. Space to sit and relax. Situated next to Rifugio Palmieri, or as it’s better known, Rifugio Croda da Lago. A perfect oasis on the route to many other destinations in the Dolomites.
With Becco di Mezzodí standing guard at the head of the pass leading from the lake and Croda da Lago protecting its western side it is in an idyllic location for mountain lovers. From the escarpment edge, on the eastern side of the lake, you look down on Cortina nestling in the valley below. On the other side of the valley we see Pomagagnon, Cristallo, Sorapiss… and then some more!
The glorious colours of the lake, reflecting the peaks standing guard above it, surrounded by trees, all makes for an enchanting, relaxing atmosphere. On its banks the popular Rifugio Croda da Lago. A welcoming rifugio that offers accommodation, cold drinks and a great selection of meals and delicious salads.
First visit to Lago Fedara
My first visit to this lake was in 2005 shortly after Andy and I had a climbing accident on Col dei Bos. Andy spent three nights in hospital. A day after he came out of hospital, he went home to Scotland. (Repatriated by the travel insurance company.)
Finding myself without a climbing partner, I patched my fingers with plasters, donned gloves, and went looking for via ferratas I could do on my own. My path took me from Rifugio Nuvolau down a steep but insignificant via ferrata to Lago Fedara. Accompanied by a German and a 72-year-old New Zealander I met at Rifugio Nuvolau. We parted company the next day. Alan, the New Zealander wandered off on easier paths. Jens and I continued towards Passo Staulanza. We parted ways when I turned off the Alta Via 1 towards Punta Nera and Sorapiss. Jens continued along the Alta Via 1 towards Belluno.
Over the years I’ve revisited Lago Fedara and the hut on several occasions. Either en route to somewhere else, or when I’ve made attempts to climb Croda da Lago or Becco di Mezzodí. Barbara and I stayed here last year on our way to Civetta. This year we’re staying here to climb the beautiful Becco di Mezzodí. But that’s the topic of another story…
Getting to Lago Fedara
The lake can be approached from various points. There are hiking routes leading from Cortina, Passo Giau, Cinque Torri area, as well as the short route I’ve added below. This route is particularly useful if you intend climbing a peak in the vicinity of the hut, and want to reduce the hiking time to the hut.
The rifugio is a popular stop over point along the Alta Via 1. The long distance hiking trail that starts in Dobbiaco and ends 120 km later in Belluno. Mountain bikers also frequent it, though this was not the case when I first visited here. In recent years a Finnish barrel sauna was added, which may be great in cold weather, but definitely not needed in the hot and sunny weather we had when we stayed here.
More information at website of Rifugio Croda da Lago.
