Swimming lakes in South Tyrol – tips and information for your summer holiday
Summer in South Tyrol also means finding a refreshing place to cool off on warm days. The region’s swimming lakes differ in location, atmosphere and the activities they offer.
Whether you want a quick swim after a hike or a few quiet hours by the water, South Tyrol’s lakes are ideal for a relaxing summer break.
Find more ideas in our guide to summer in South Tyrol.
Die wichtigsten Badeseen im Detail
Lake Caldaro
Lake Caldaro is one of the best-known swimming lakes in South Tyrol and is especially appreciated for its relatively warm water temperatures. Even in early summer, it is a good choice for a day by the lake.
Its location among vineyards creates a special atmosphere and makes Lake Caldaro a popular destination for relaxed summer days.
Especially suitable for travellers who enjoy warm water and a lively atmosphere.
Key information:
- Location: Caldaro on the Wine Road
- Origin: formed from an old riverbed of the Adige
- Size and depth: around 150 hectares in size and about 5 metres deep
- Nature and swimming: a circular route of around 7.4 km leads around the lake. In summer, the water temperature reaches around 26 °C, making it one of the warmest lakes in South Tyrol. Lido Caldaro and Gretl am See offer direct lake access with pools and sunbathing lawns
- Activities: windsurfing, sailing, stand-up paddling and summer cultural events around the lake
- How to get there: located directly on the Wine Road and easy to reach by car or public bus. Paid parking is available
Montiggl Lakes
The Montiggl Lakes consist of a larger and a smaller lake surrounded by a peaceful forest area. The natural setting offers a pleasant alternative to busier destinations.
The Large Montiggl Lake has a bathing facility with a water slide, while the smaller lake is quieter and ideal for enjoying nature.
Key information:
- Location: Montiggl Forest in the municipality of Appiano
- Origin: formed by glacial erosion at the end of the Ice Age
- Size and depth: the Big Montiggl Lake covers around 18 hectares and is about 12 metres deep; the Small Montiggl Lake covers around 5 hectares and is about 15 metres deep
- Nature and swimming: several hiking trails lead around the lakes, and the water temperature reaches around 24–25 °C in summer
- Activities: swimming and hiking
- How to get there: easily accessible via Appiano/Montiggl; paid parking is available
Lake Fiè
Lake Fiè lies on a high plateau and is one of the quieter swimming lakes in the region. It has already been recognised as one of the cleanest lakes in Italy.
From here, you can enjoy an impressive view of the Sciliar massif. It is especially suitable for travellers looking for a quiet swimming lake in a natural setting.
Key information:
- Location: in the Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Park, near Fiè allo Sciliar
- Origin: created in the 16th century as a fishpond
- Size and depth: around 1–1.66 hectares in size and about 3.5–4 metres deep
- Nature and swimming: half of the lake is a protected biotope, while the other half is used for swimming. In summer, the water temperature is around 22 °C
- Activities: swimming and rowing
- How to get there: paid parking is available at the lake. From June to October, the “Weiherbus” runs from Fiè
Lake Resia
Lake Resia in Val Venosta is the largest lake in South Tyrol and is best known for the striking church tower rising from the water. Despite its cool water temperatures, the lake is also used for swimming in summer.
The scenery around the lake is particularly impressive and makes it a popular excursion destination in the region.
Key information:
- Location: near the border triangle of Italy, Austria and Switzerland
- Origin: Lake Resia was created in 1950 by deliberately damming the valley. The village of Alt-Graun was flooded, and today only the church tower rising from the water remains as a visible reminder of the former village
- Size and depth: around 660 hectares in size and up to about 32 metres deep
- Nature and swimming: despite the cool water, the lake is also suitable for swimming, as well as walking and cycling around the lake
- Activities: sailing, kitesurfing and stand-up paddling in summer
- How to get there: accessible via the Resia Pass or by bus from Merano. Paid parking is available around the lake
Find more information on our page about the lakes in South Tyrol.
More swimming lakes in South Tyrol
In addition to the well-known lakes, there are several smaller bodies of water that are ideal for quiet hours by the water.
St. Felix Pond (Tretsee)
St. Felix Pond, also known as Tretsee, lies in a protected natural landscape and is one of the quieter swimming lakes in South Tyrol. Thanks to nature conservation, the surroundings remain largely untouched, making the lake a special place to relax.
On warm days, it is ideal for a refreshing break away from the larger swimming lakes.
Key information:
- Location: in the municipality of Unsere Liebe Frau im Walde – St. Felix, close to Trentino, directly near the Klamm car park
- Origin: created to store water for the surrounding area
- Size and depth: around 4 hectares in size and up to 3 metres deep
- Nature and swimming: very good water quality and temperatures of up to 25 °C. As a protected biotope, the lake provides a habitat for dragonflies, fish and aquatic plants
- Activities: swimming and easy hikes
- How to get there: from Bolzano via the Mendola Pass, or from Lana via the Gampen Pass
Issing Pond
Issing Pond lies in Val Pusteria and is one of the easily accessible swimming lakes in South Tyrol. It is ideal for families and relaxed bathing days in green surroundings.
Key information:
- Location: in a protected natural setting, surrounded by spruce forest, which gives the lake a calm atmosphere
- Origin: a rare natural moor lake
- Size and depth: around 1.5 hectares in size; the lake is generally rather shallow. Exact depth details are not available
- Nature and swimming: the natural swimming lake offers pleasant temperatures. It has a large sunbathing lawn, a children’s playground and a water slide. The nearby spruce forest is ideal for walks
- Activities: a high ropes course is located nearby, and the lakeside restaurant serves food and drinks
- How to get there: accessible via the Val Pusteria state road, turn-off Pfalzen/Issing, or by bus line 421 from Brunico
Differences between the swimming lakes
South Tyrol’s swimming lakes differ in several ways:
- Lake Caldaro: warmer and lively
- Montiggl Lakes: versatile and close to nature
- Lake Fiè: quiet and easy to explore
- Felix Pond: protected and peaceful
- Issing Pond: protected, small and family-friendly
- Lake Resia: famous and large
This makes it easy to choose the right place for a summer day depending on your preferences.
Tips for a day at the lake in South Tyrol
To enjoy a relaxed visit to a swimming lake, it is worth keeping a few things in mind:
- arrive early, especially during high season
- do not forget sun protection
- choose quieter lakes as an alternative
- respect nature reserves and protected areas
Frequently asked questions about swimming lakes in South Tyrol
1. Which swimming lakes are there in South Tyrol?
South Tyrol has several swimming lakes, including Lake Caldaro, the Montiggl Lakes, Lake Fiè and smaller lakes such as St. Felix Pond and Issing Pond.
2. Which swimming lake in South Tyrol is the warmest?
Lake Caldaro is considered the warmest swimming lake in South Tyrol and reaches temperatures of up to 26 °C in summer.
3. Can you swim in Lake Resia?
Yes, although the water is cool, Lake Resia is also used for swimming in summer.
4. Are there quiet swimming lakes in South Tyrol?
Yes, St. Felix Pond and Lake Fiè in particular are considered quieter alternatives to more popular lakes.
5. Are South Tyrol’s swimming lakes suitable for families?
Swimming lakes such as Issing Pond and the Montiggl Lakes offer sunbathing lawns, playgrounds and shallow shore areas, making them suitable for families.
Conclusion – swimming lakes in South Tyrol in summer
Although South Tyrol is mainly known for its mountains, its swimming lakes are an ideal addition for hot summer days. The mix of well-known lakes and quieter natural spots means that everyone can find the right place to cool off.
Find more inspiration in our guide to summer in South Tyrol.
Editorial team of sudtirol.com
The content is created by the editorial team of sudtirol.com with a focus on holidays, leisure activities and regional topics in South Tyrol.
Last updated: May 2026