Caldaro on the Wine Road: Vineyards, Culture, and the Most Beloved Lake in South Tyrol
Caldaro on the Wine Road is one of South Tyrol’s most cherished destinations, nestled among gentle vineyard-covered hills and lying on the shores of the famous Lake Caldaro. The municipality extends across nine hamlets and offers spectacular scenery at the foot of the Mendola range, combining nature, tradition, and fine flavors for every visitor.
A Historic Center with Southern Charm
The heart of Caldaro stands out for its typical Oltradige architectural style, developed in the second half of the sixteenth century, which gives the town a timeless elegance. As you stroll through the center, you’ll come across the lively market square, animated by open-air cafés and sunlit restaurant terraces. Here you’ll also find the Parish Church with its 72-meter-high tower and the village fountain, a symbol of pride for the locals.
Just a few steps from the square, you can visit the South Tyrolean Wine Museum, which preserves ancient wine presses, wooden barrels, and tools linked to the region’s long winemaking tradition.
During the summer, Caldaro comes alive with events that celebrate the area’s heritage and culture: the famous “Long Thursdays”, when shops stay open late into the evening, the film festival at Windegg Castle, where the courtyard becomes an open-air cinema, and the Stage on the Lake, featuring performances and events that light up the nights.
Lake Caldaro: The Blue Soul of the Town
The crown jewel of Caldaro remains its stunning lake — the warmest in the Alps. Here you can swim, sunbathe at the bathing establishment, enjoy water sports, or simply relax on the shore admiring the scenery.
Around Lake Caldaro wind cycling and hiking trails immersed in nature. And if you love hiking, don’t miss the ruins of Castelchiaro and Castel Varco, offering breathtaking views over the valley.
The Mendola: The “Home Mountain”
On the opposite side of the lake rises the Mendola Pass, a panoramic viewpoint reachable either by car along a winding road or via the historic Mendola Funicular, inaugurated in 1903. It is the longest and steepest funicular in Europe, an attraction in its own right that connects Caldaro with the plateau above the town — once a favorite holiday retreat of the Central European aristocracy.
