Ghirla
Lake Ghirla: a Lombardian jewel
Lake Ghirla is one of Lombardy's natural jewels. It is a small glacial lake located in the province of Varese, at an altitude of 442 meters above sea level. With a maximum depth of 14 meters and a total basin of 0.28 km², it is the ideal destination for those seeking peace and tranquility in contact with nature.
Geography
The lake is located in the municipality of Valganna, adjacent to the state road 233 Varesina. Its underground tributary is the Margorabbia stream, coming from the nearby Lake Ganna, which becomes an emissary and flows into the Tresa River. The northern part is home to the Ghirla hamlet, while the southern part borders the territory of Valganna.
History
The history of Lake Ghirla dates back to the end of the 19th century, when the lake level was raised with the construction of a dam that allowed the production, thanks to a power plant, of electricity. In the early 20th century, it was a famous tourist destination, thanks to the winter glaciation that allowed sports such as ice skating and ice hockey, and canoeing/kayaking in the summer. In 1914, the first "National Speed Skating Championship" was held on the lake, won by Giuseppe Peck. Today, the lake is swimmable and a tourist destination.
Climate
Lake Ghirla's climate is influenced by its position in a pre-alpine valley at an altitude of over 400 meters. It is a continental climate, with very cold temperatures in winter, leading to seasonal glaciation. In summer, the water temperature rarely exceeds 20 °C.
Fauna
Surrounded by woods and vegetation, Lake Ghirla represents an ideal habitat for a wide range of animal species. The mainly present fauna consists of amphibians, such as ranidae and toads, and freshwater fish, such as Tinca tinca, Cyprinus carpio, Esox lucius, Perca fluviatilis, Lepomis gibbosus of reduced size, occasionally even Micropterus salmoides and Alburnus arborella, and trout. In the slopes, there is the Sus scrofa, thanks to a forced repopulation carried out in past decades.
Sports
Lake Ghirla is a privileged destination for those who enjoy outdoor sports. During the summer period, kayaking and swimming are practiced in the lake's clear waters, while in the winter period, ice skating and ice hockey are practiced on the frozen lake's surface, which in particularly cold seasons allows skating from mid-December until the beginning of February.
Conclusions
Lake Ghirla is a perfect destination for those seeking tranquility and well-being in nature. This corner of Lombardy offers not only enchanting landscapes and a relaxing atmosphere but also the opportunity to practice many outdoor activities. If you are looking for a different destination, Lake Ghirla is the right choice for you!
