There is always something magical about water, right? No matter if the sea, a river or a lake. I could sit at its bank and stare out there forever. It reflects somehow calmness and makes us be relaxed straight away. A walk at a river can be a little get-away from everyday life, or a sunset stroll at the beach can free your mind like nothing else. And there is nothing more mind-blowing than being underwater for instance for a dive. But what does water do to us? Why does it attract us so much? Did you ever ask yourself this question?
Maybe it is because we can swim in it which adds a lot of fun in our lives. Or because we can have a barbecue at its banks? And everybody loves barbecue! Or maybe because staying at a waterfront is often related to holidays and that is why it evokes this positive relaxing feeling in our souls. Maybe it is a mix of all this? I can’t give you an answer to this question.
But what I know for sure is that water is somehow good for us. That is why I love destinations which are related to lakes or the sea. Let me take you to some of my favourite places in South Tyrol, Italy: the best lakes and waterfalls in Italy. Have fun reading and don’t miss out on one of the best lakes in South Tyrol 🙂
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Best lakes in South Tyrol: Lago di Vernago
This is one of my favorite among the best lakes in South Tyrol. Lake Vernago is a stunning turquoise blue water reservoir located in Schnalstal, about 50 minutes from Meran. High above sea level at 1689 meters this lake shines in many shades of blue throughout the day. Actually, it serves to generate electricity but it draws people who visit South Tyrol for its beautiful scenery within the mountains. Next to the lake is the little village Naturns, a sleepy little town with view restaurants.
You can have a walk around the beautiful lake where you will cross a pending bridge, pass by at a little waterfall and lamas, always with a great view of the lake and the surrounding mountains of Val Senales. The walk is very easy and relaxed. Take a picnic and make yourself comfortable at any place of your choice in the grass of the banks of the lake. You can easily spend an afternoon here. Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed.
When arriving at the lake look for the sign „Seerundgang“ which means walk around the lake. It is very easy to find and there is just one way leading around.
How to get to Lago di Vernago:
The village Naturns is the place to enter the lake and the dam as well as the walk around the lake. Just right when you entered the village by car there is a little parking on the left side directly at the lake. Park your car there and discover the area on foot.
Best lakes in South Tyrol? Lago di Braies!
Lake Prags is my absolute favorite lake! The color of the water is stunningly blue, the scenery truly epic and the wooden boats add a certain charm to this beautiful place. And I didn’t even mention yet the surface which is like a mirror in the early mornings – definitely one of the best lakes in South Tyrol – maybe even the best one. Just see for yourself:
Sometimes in the mornings, there is this very special mystique atmosphere at the lake when clouds are hanging deep in the mountains over the surface of the lake.
A must to activity is renting one of the lovely wooden boats and row once around the lake.
I strongly recommend visiting Lago di Braies early in the morning. In summer big crowds of people and even buses arrive all day long from 10 or 11 a.m.
Find more information about Lake Braies here.
How to get to Lago di Braies
Lake Prags is located in the Dolomites in South Tyrol and belongs to the municipality of the town Prags. The easiest way to get there is by car.
The address is:
Pragser Wildsee / Lago di Braies
39030 Prags, Bozen
Best lakes in South Tyrol: Lago di Carezza
Looks like photoshopped, but I swear it is not. This is the original emerald green color of this lake! Yes, I know, it is hard to believe, that is why it is so stunning! Lake Carezza is a small mountain lake in the Dolomites surrounded by the Latemar mountain group which is reflected in the water in the early morning. The lake is fed by subterraneous springs from the Latemar mountains and the water level is constantly changing. The level is highest in spring due to the melting snow and lowest in autumn.
This lake is highly protected and you can’t even approach it, it is fenced and you can only catch some glimpses of the lake on the path which leads around. Nevertheless, it is a very special place and worth a visit. You can combine your trip with a hike in the Latemar group in the surrounding, some hikes of different lengths start directly at the lake. It definitely belongs to the list of best lakes in South Tyrol.
How to get to Lake Carezza
Follow the road 241 to Lago di Carezza in 39056 Welschnofen, Province of Bolzano. There is a parking lot right at the lake, one of the best lakes in South Tyrol, which is not too big. If it is full, you can just park on the side of the street.
Best waterfalls in South Tyrol: Spectacular Parcines Waterfall
This waterfall counts as one of the most spectacular ones in the Alps. From 100 meters high water is flooding down at rapid speed. And at its best in spring when snow is melting or when it was raining a lot up to 6000 liters of water per second flow down into the river. Really breathtaking! Take an umbrella or rain jacket if you want to get close to the waterfall – or even better: a bikini! Water is splashing really far at its best times.
How to get to Partschins waterfall:
Partschins waterfall runs into the Etsch river and is located in the Val Venosta about half an hour from Meran. You have various possibilities to get to the waterfall. You can’t go there directly by car. The lazy option is to take a bus (only in summer) to the restaurant „Gasthaus Wasserfall“ directly at the waterfall. From there you are at the viewpoint in only 10 minutes.
But I recommend taking the hike from Parcines village all the way up to the waterfall viewpoint which takes around an hour. Why? Because from the beginning of the walk till the end you will see the spectacular waterfall from different angles which are truly breathtaking and motivating to hike.
Almost at the end of the walk pay attention to a tiny little path on the left side which leads you to the river and gives you this spectacular view of the waterfall which is perfect for a break before hiking up the last meters.
Best Waterfalls in South Tyrol: Zip-line over Riva Waterfalls
What a natural spectacle offers this area in the north of Italy close to Campo Tures at the Austrian border! The waterfalls flow down rapidly and form 3 spectacular cascades. The first two are around 50 meters high the last one around 10 which doesn’t mean it is less stunning! A hike of around 1 hour takes you along the 3 cascades with great views of the waterfalls. And the best thing about this place: You can take a zip line down. In just 6 minutes it takes you down 800 meters and in the end, you’ll cross the waterfall and get a last glimpse of the beautiful natural spectacle.
How to get to Riva Waterfalls:
The only possibility to get there is by car. The address is Cascate di Riva or Reinbachfälle in 39032 Sand in Taufers, Province of Bolzano. There is a small parking at the feet of the falls as well as some food station and benches for a little rest before or after the track.
I hope I could inspire you to go to South Tyrol and visit one of the best lakes in South Tyrol. It is not all about hiking mountains there. If you are not the hiking up kind of person, the lakes and waterfalls are the perfect destinations for you and only require easy walking.
