Laudemio Lake

The glacial charm of the lake suspended among the woods

Nestled at an altitude of over 1,500 metres, at the foot of the Sirino-Papa massif, Lake Laudemio is one of the most fascinating and unspoilt corners of the Lucanian Apennines Val d'Agri Lagonegrese National Park. Also known as Remmo, it is the southernmost glacial basin in Europe and represents the heart of the Regional Nature Reserve established in 1985.

The gently rounded lake covers an area of approximately two hectares and still bears clear traces of the ancient glacier that shaped this valley, such as the moraine clearly visible along the slopes.

The lake is striking for the emerald colour of its waters, due to the rich presence of submerged algae, and for the delicate balance of the ecosystem that surrounds it. Reed beds and marshy strips alternate on the shores, while all around, a dense beech forest, interrupted by alders, hornbeams, silver firs and poplars, envelops the basin in a muffled silence.

The area is also home to rare and endemic botanical species, such as Vicia sirinica and Astragalus sirinicus, which increase its scientific and naturalistic value.

Easily accessible from Lagonegro, along the road to Moliterno, Lake Laudemio is a favourite destination for trekking and hiking, for those seeking authentic nature, mountain landscapes and an almost Nordic atmosphere in the heart of Basilicata. In winter, it also becomes an excellent starting point for the ski resorts of Monte Sirino, offering enchanting snow-covered landscapes.

A place where water, forest and glacial memory merge into one of the most evocative scenes in the Lucanian Apennines.