The dam wall stands 65 meters high and is 330 meters long.
The reservoir has a total capacity of approximately 40 million cubic meters of water.
The lake is managed by Alperia, South Tyrol's primary hydroelectric utility company.
The original village of Vernagt was systematically demolished before being submerged in the 1950s.
Glacial meltwater runoff makes the lake's temperature consistently cold, even during peak summer months.
The surrounding Schnals Valley (Val Senales) is home to the discovery site of Ötzi the Iceman.
Vernagt-Stausee is a high-altitude reservoir located at 1,689 meters in the Schnals Valley of South Tyrol, fed primarily by meltwater from the Hochjochferner glacier. The lake is characterized by its distinct turquoise color caused by suspended glacial silt. It was created in the 1950s by damming the Schnalser Bach, which required the permanent flooding of the original village of Vernagt. During periods of low water, the remnants of the submerged village can occasionally be glimpsed beneath the surface. The reservoir is surrounded by the Ötztal Alps, including peaks like the Hochjoch and the Hintereisspitze. A well-maintained path circles the perimeter, offering views of the surrounding alpine meadows and steep mountain slopes. It serves as a starting point for various high-alpine mountain treks and glacier crossings. The water levels fluctuate significantly throughout the year due to hydroelectric power generation and seasonal runoff.
The dam wall crest provides a panoramic view looking toward the back of the valley and the surrounding glacier peaks.
Bring a windbreaker or thermal layers as temperatures drop significantly once the sun dips behind the high mountain ridges.
Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots to handle uneven, rocky sections of the trail circling the reservoir.
Use polarized sunglasses to better see through the water's surface reflection.
Do not attempt to swim in the reservoir; the water is extremely cold and subject to dangerous, unpredictable currents from underwater intake pipes.
Stick to marked trails to protect sensitive alpine vegetation; drones are often restricted due to proximity to flight paths.
