At 1,500 metres in altitude, a delightful stretch of water reflecting the beauty around it.
Sestola’s Lago della Ninfa (Nymph’s Lake) is a must-see during your holiday in the Modena Apennines.
The lake, of tectonic origins, is a popular destination in summer and winter (one of Mount Cimone’s chairlifts leaves from here), but also throughout the rest of the year.
We especially recommend visiting during the autumn to admire the colours of the beech, larch and fir trees, which together create a beautiful display of colour.
The shades of the leaves vary from one day to the next, guaranteeing a spectacular sight.
History
Its original name was Lake Budaloni, and this was only later changed to “Lake Ninfa”, based on a legend.
Today the lake is surrounded by evergreen trees, but at one time the slopes around it were almost bare, as can be noted in vintage postcards. There were just a few centuries-old beech trees, and almost all of these were cut down during the Second World War by the Germans, who needed wood during their occupation of the village of Sestola. Standing near one of the mountain refuges by the lake, a surviving beech tree can still be admired.
Trekking
The area around Lake Ninfa is the starting point for several trails of varying lengths and levels of difficulty. Starting out from the lake, you can reach Pian Cavallaro and from there continue to the summit of Mount Cimone, following the trail “Sentiero dei Portatori del Cimone” (The Cimone “Sherpers” Trail). You can also reach the Bedini Fountain standing on the road belonging to the Italian Air Force, or go to Mount Cimoncino by taking a pleasant circular route.
Sport and activities for children
In the summer, the lake is a popular spot for recreational fishing; you can purchase a permit directly on site. There are also plenty of open-air activities, including Cimone Adventure Park, for children to enjoy.
Do you want to see the magic of Lake Ninfa in winter under a beautiful snowfall? Here is the video shot in January 2024!
