Lake Iseo


Lake Iseo or Iseo lake, also known as Sebino, is the fourth largest lake in Lombardy, Italy, fed by the Oglio river.
It is in the north of the country in the Val Camonica area, near the cities of Brescia and Bergamo. The lake is almost equally divided between the Provinces of Bergamo and Brescia. Northern Italy is known for its heavily industrialised towns and in between there are several natural lakes. Lake Iseo retains its natural environment, with its lush green mountains surrounding the crystal clear lake.
There are several medieval towns around the lake, the largest being Iseo and Sarnico. A notable tourism sector has emerged.
A road has been carved into the side of the mountains that circumnavigates the entire lake.
In the middle of the lake there are Montisola island, Loreto isle and San Paolo isle. There is easy access via the regular running lake ferries.
The Floating Piers, an art installation by Christo and Jeanne-Claude, was open to the public at Lake Iseo for 16 days in June and July 2016.
Since 2018, the northern portion of the lake is part of the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve of "Valle Camonica - Alto Sebino".

Hydrography

The level of the lake is regulated by the dam of Sarnico, built in 1933 in Fosio.
The work, built in concrete and steel, is managed by the Consorzio dell'Oglio which divides the water withdrawn between irrigation uses and hydroelectric uses.

Tributaries

In addition to the Oglio river, the lake is fed by the following creeks and streams:
  1. Bergamo shore:
  2. *Borlezza,
  3. *Rino di Vigolo,
  4. *Rino di Predore;
  5. Brescia shore:
  6. *Bagnadore,
  7. *Calchere,
  8. *Cortelo,
  9. *Opolo.

    Settlements

Around the shore of the lake are some small towns:
Two smaller islands, Loreto and St. Paul, are privately owned.