Lai da Ova Spin Reservoir Overlook
If you are driving through the Engadine Valley or crossing the Ofen Pass (Pass dal Fuorn), there is a beautiful view of turquoise water demands attention. The Lai da Ova Spin is more than just a hydroelectric reservoir; it is a breathtaking mirror of the Swiss Alps located right on the edge of the Swiss National Park.This guide covers everything you need to know about this accessible, low-effort, high-reward roadside stop near Zernez, Switzerland.
Scenic Overlook: Turquoise Waters and Alpine Peaks
This stop offers one of the best "effort-to-view" ratios in Switzerland for road trippers. As soon as you pull over, you are greeted by the vivid colors of the Spöl River in the valley below, held back by its hydroelectric dam.The water of the Lai da Ova Spin is famous for its milky, opaque turquoise hue — a result of glacial flour (fine rock silt) suspended in the water. Surrounded by the dark green larches and evergreen trees of the Swiss National Park, the color contrast is surreal.
Looking upward, you are surrounded by the towering peaks of the Swiss Alps. Because the reservoir sits in a deep gorge, the mountains feel incredibly close and vertical, creating a dramatic backdrop for photos.
