Lago d'Endine 2026

The water here carries the weight of a glacial past, a quiet basin carved by the Würm glaciation that now holds the stillness of the Val Cavallina. As you push off, your gaze is drawn to the shoreline where the 11th-century Church of San Pietro stands in silent vigil, its stone walls and surrounding cypress trees reflected perfectly on the lake’s surface. This historic sanctuary, the last Romanesque vestige in the area, marks the backdrop for the Lago d'Endine 2026, an annual gathering organized by Abbracciamoli APS.

A landscape of contrasts

Swimming through these depths, you are crossing a geography shaped by ancient Roman influence—the nearby town of Endine Gaiano holds echoes of this era in its very name—and a unique meteorological phenomenon. Along the banks, the 'Valley of the Devil' creates a microclimate where frigid air currents emerge from the earth, allowing alpine flora like edelweiss to thrive at an altitude of only 360 meters. You might notice the shift in water feeling as you approach the source of the Cherio River, the lake's only emissary, where the basin begins its slow transition into a flowing stream. For those who find this challenge to their liking, the season offers other opportunities, such as the crossing of the neighboring Lake Iseo in August, though the local tradition here is far older; until the 19th century, this water was crossed by foot or skate whenever the surface solidified during harsh winters.

Race day and purpose

Scheduled for July 12, 2026, the event offers distances ranging from 400m to 5000m, inviting swimmers to test their endurance in a setting defined by its calm, glacial origin. The organization focuses on creating a supportive environment, often pairing the swim with community-driven initiatives like post-race recovery treatments that benefit medical research. While the lake provides a serene environment for your swim, it is the connection to the surrounding valley’s history—from the Roman roots of 'Palate' to the persistent, biting air of the valley floor—that defines the experience of navigating these waters.