Lago Scaffaiolo

Scaffaiolo lake is a mountain lake located in the territory of the municipality of Fanano in the Province of Modena, in the upper Modena Apennines. Its name seems to derive from scaffa, a presumably Lombard term that seems to mean a depression in the ground.

This lake is located under the summit of Mount Cupolino (1853 m a.s.l.) and less than two hours' walk from Corno alle Scale (1,945 m a.s.l.). On its side is built the oldest alpine refuge in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, the Duca degli Abruzzi Refuge, inaugurated on June 30, 1878. Nearby, to the north west, is located in a valley, of glacial origin, a small stagnation of water, called Lago d'Acqua Marcia. From Lake Scaffaiolo passes the Sentiero Italia which runs along the entire Apennine ridge up to the Alps, here coinciding with the European Path E1.

There are no fish in the lake, but there are many tadpoles; there are no woods nearby, except for grassy pastures and large expanses of blueberries. Subject to sudden changes in climate, strong winds, often surrounded by fog, Scaffaiolo lake is completely covered by snow and ice in the winter months.

Scaffaiolo Lake is located at 1775mt
It is not of glacial origin as one might think but is due to a sinking of the mountain over time. Sinking caused by erosion of snow, wind and rain. The lake does not have a spring but is fed by snow, rain and summer frost.
Around the lake is the Duca degli Abruzzi Refuge which houses shelter and food.

In summer, bring a hat and sunscreen, and lots of water.

If you come from Corno alle Scale, first try your hand at the easy climb of Monte Cupolino, and then reach the Scaffaiolo lake from up there, enjoying the beautiful views that the lake offers from above.

Best to be visited in Spring or Autumn, when the water level is higher

Great stop on the way!

Beautiful lake near the Duca degli Abruzzi Refuge and the Maurizio Musiani winter shelter.