Four-Day Trip to Bernina Region: Lake Saoseo and the Viola Pass

(This post published on November 17, 2025). 

Sunday September 1, 2013 -- After a long hike the day before (photos HERE) to the Caralin Glacier Lake below the Palü Glacier, we headed to the Saoseo Swiss Alpine Hostel in Val da Camp, near the Italian Border. There were lots of hikers spending the night here, as is mostly the case on weekends. We all ate together and were served the very best mushroom risotto which I had ever tasted.

Then after breakfast in the hostel the next morning, we headed out early for another four-hour hike, past three stunning lakes, so clear you can see everything at the bottom. Our goal was the Viola Pass which takes you into Italy. Located at 2460 meters above sea level, means we hiked about 500 meters uphill as well. For a large part of the hike we also had views of the Palü Glacier as we were now on the exact opposite side of the Valley from where we were the day before. We took it easy as we didn't have to rush to catch a bus or train, as we were spending a second night at the hostel, which we returned to at approximately 6 p.m. This night we were the only guests. 

In this part of Switzerland they also speak Rheto-Romanish. Switzerland is the only place in the world that this language is still spoken.

This is the Saoseo Swiss Alpine Hostel where we spent two nights. The hostel was quite full from Saturday to Sunday, and we all ate together. They served the very best mushroom risotto I've ever had!

Evening light on the mountains around the hostel.

We started early the next morning on the hike for the day, after breakfast at the hostel. We are headed to Lake Saoseo and Lake Val Viola. 

Lagh Saoseo (Lake Saoseo). Idyllic is a cliché.

The water is so clear that you can see the bottom of the lake. 

So much wood at the bottom of the lake. This is Lake Saoseo. 

West end of Lake Saoseo with the Palü Glacier in the background. We are now on the exact opposite side of the valley from where we were the day before.

A little further on we come to Lagh Val Viola, larger but just as beautiful.

We'll be heading up toward the left past that meadow, and up over the small ridge upper left in the photo.

Heading off now on our hike up to the Viola Pass. 

Heading toward that ridge middle right.

Standing at the border we look down into Italy! The lone building there is called Rifugio Viola, and they have the reputation of making the best Polenta! (Later: I cannot remember why we didn't go down there). 

Now we've reached the Viola Pass, which is at the border with Italy. 

Val Viola Pass at 2489 meters above sea level. 

Now we are heading back to Lake Viola along a different route than the one we came up on. Right now we are on the Italian side of the border. 

Those mountains to the east form the border with Italy. 

The hiking signs that you find in Italy!

With my foot on the Italian Border!

Cows enjoying the high alpine pastures!

From the border looking northwards into Italy. 

Heading down the Viola Valley. 

Heading down the Viola Valley

On the way back down to Lake Viola is another tiny lake called Dügüral. 

Far to the west we can see the Palü Glacier again. 

Palü Glacier in the background. 

Taking a break before heading down to Lake Viola. 

Taking a break before heading down to Lake Viola. 

Back at the beautiful Lake Saoseo. 

Enjoying the afternoon sunshine at the lake before heading back to the hostel. 

Lake Saoseo in the late afternoon sunlight. 

And back to our hostel by 6 p.m. for a small dinner and restful night, as we are the only guests tonight! (Sunday to Monday.... most people have to go to work again!)

A look back at the hostel as we left there the next morning for our fourth day hike (photos are HERE).