Lake Posta Fibreno

Lake Posta Fibreno is a wonderful tourist attraction located on the south-western slope of the Marsica Mountains in Abruzzo. The lake has an area of approximately 0.287 km² and a perimeter of 5,163 m, with a length of 1096 m and a width of 570 m. Its maximum depth is in a trench in Carpello and reaches 15 m, while the average depth is 2.5 m.

The lake has no tributaries and the only emissary is the Fibreno River. Its origins date back to a foothill spring system derived from the karstic basin of the upper Sangro Valley. The basin of the lake has an elongated and narrow shape resting on the hills bordering the north-eastern shore, and its waters are fed by springs along the banks of the lake. Its elongated shape, almost constant temperature and theoretical total turnover rate make it a lotic rather than a lentic environment, providing an ideal habitat for fish species such as Salmonidae.

In addition, the lake has a unique feature in Europe, namely the presence of a floating island made up of rhizomes, peat and roots, which is able to move within the lake with the wind or increased spring flow. This island, known locally as ‘Rota’, is approximately 30 m in diameter and has a conical shape. The trees growing on the island do not develop as on the mainland, but are more like shrubs.

The Fibreno River, which is the main stem of the basin, originates from the confluence of the waters of the lake with the Carpello stream. Its banks reach a maximum width of 20 m, and the river initially follows a regular course, before winding its way through a series of waterfalls and jumps. The river is an ideal place for fishing and hiking.

In summary, Lake Posta Fibreno is a place of extraordinary natural and scenic value, which deserves to be visited for its beauty, unique features and recreational activities.