The Swim-Friendly Lakes of South Tyrol: Water Gems Among the Mountains

South Tyrol, nestled between the Dolomites and the Central Alps, is a land that captures the heart at first glance. With its breathtaking landscapes, unspoiled nature, and Central European culture, this province also offers a surprising side: its swim-friendly lakes, perfect for those seeking refreshment, relaxation, and an authentic connection with the environment. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the main swimmable lakes in the Province of Bolzano, highlighting their unique features and the activities that make them ideal destinations for a day trip—or even a nature-filled holiday.

**Water lily at the natural bathing pond Gargazon**
The numerous water plants int he natural pond clean the water and make sure that chlorine is not needed int he natural pool.
Naturbad Gargazon - Georg Mayr

Useful Tips for Swimming in South Tyrol

Best time to visit: From mid-June to late August.
Safety: Many lakes have lifeguards and supervised areas, but caution is always advised.
Eco-sustainability: Avoid using soap or detergents in the lakes and always respect the surrounding environment.
Combined hikes: Many lakes are either the starting or ending point of beautiful hiking trails—perfect for combining sport and relaxation.

Lake Kaltern – The Warmest in the Alpine Arc

Just a few kilometers from Bozen, in the heart of the Wine Route, Lake Kaltern is probably the most famous swimmable lake in South Tyrol. It’s considered the warmest Alpine lake in all of Europe, with summer temperatures often exceeding 25°C.

Key features:

Altitude: 216 m a.s.l.
Surface area: 147 hectares
Summer temperatures: Between 24°C and 28°C
Activities: Swimming, windsurfing, pedal boats, hiking, wine tasting

Surrounded by vineyards and gentle hills, the lake offers a perfect setting for combining a day of sun and water with a visit to local wineries. Its shallow, warm waters also make it ideal for families with children.

Lakes of Montiggl – Nature and Tranquility in the Forest

Nestled in the greenery of the Montiggl Forest near Eppan, the Large Montiggl Lake (Großer Montiggler See) is a hidden gem. Smaller and quieter than Kaltern Lake, it’s beloved for its clear waters and relaxed atmosphere.

Key features:

Altitude: 492 m a.s.l.
Surface area: 17.8 hectares (Large Lake)
Summer temperatures: Around 22°C–25°C
Activities: Swimming, boat rental, hiking and cycling trails

With a well-equipped lido, a floating diving platform, and the surrounding woods, this lake is perfect for those seeking peace and immersion in nature. Just a short walk away is the Small Montiggl Lake, more intimate and picturesque.

**Big Montiggl Lake**
Thanks to its good water quality, big Montiggl Lake is one of the most popular bathing lakes in South Tyrol.
Internet Consulting - Fabian Auer

**Lido at big Montiggl Lake**
In addition to the public outdoor pool with large sunbathing lawn, the lido at big Montiggl lake offers a beautiful jetty with access to the lake.
Internet Consulting - Fabian Auer

**Lake tour Montiggl**
You can walk around the two Lakes of Montiggl on a leisurely footpath.
Internet Consulting - Fabian Auer

Völser Weiher – At the Foot of the Schlern

**Lake Völs am Schlern**
The picturesque swimming lake in Völs am Schlern is also perfect for cosy tours with rawboats.
Internet Consulting - Fabian Auer

**Swimming lake in the Dolomites**
Despite its location at over 1,000 metres above sea level, the lake of Völs am Schlern has a pleasant water temperature and is ideal for swimming.
Internet Consulting - Fabian Auer

**Bathing lake in the Schlern area**
On hot summer days, the pond of Völs am Schlern at the foot of the Seiser Alm plateau is a welcome place to cool off.
Internet Consulting - Fabian Auer

**Inn at the lake of Völs am Schlern**
The rustic old inn directly on the lake of Völs am Schlern invites you to stop and taste local specialities.
Internet Consulting - Fabian Auer

**Boat hire at the pond of Völs am Schlern**
There is also a small boat rental at the bathing lake of Völs am Schlern.
Internet Consulting - Fabian Auer

**Bathing lake & biotope in the Dolomites region**
Half of the pond of Völs am Schlern is open to bathers, while the other half is a specially protected biotope.
Internet Consulting - Fabian Auer

**Excellent water quality**
The lake of Völs am Schlern is one of the cleanest bathing lakes in Italy.
Internet Consulting - Fabian Auer

Located at about 1,000 meters above sea level, Völser Lake is one of the most enchanting mountain lakes for swimming in South Tyrol. It’s famous for its scenic position at the base of the Schlern, one of the iconic Dolomites peaks.

Key features:

Altitude: 1,036 m a.s.l.
Surface area: 1.7 hectares
Summer temperatures: Between 18°C and 22°C
Activities: Swimming, walks, relaxation, nature photography

Thanks to its crystal-clear water and well-managed swimming areas, it has been repeatedly recognized by Legambiente as one of the cleanest lakes in Italy. You can swim in a designated area or enjoy the view from a small wooden dock.

**Lake Wolfsgruben on Ritten**
In summer, the picturesque lake on Ritten attracts many sunbathers and swimmers.
Tourismusverein Ritten - Achim Meurer

Wolfsgrubener Lake – Small but Charming

Just minutes from Bozen, on the Ritten Plateau, lies Lake Wolfsgrubener, a charming and lesser-known lake, much appreciated by locals.

Key features:

Altitude: 1,176 m a.s.l.
Surface area: 3.3 hectares
Summer temperatures: 20°C–23°C
Activities: Swimming, picnicking, walking

Reachable by the historic Ritten railway, this lake is perfect for a relaxing break away from the crowds.The lido offers a beautiful sunbathing lawn with access to the lake.

Other Must-See Swim-Friendly Lakes

South Tyrol also offers other smaller yet equally beautiful lakes. For example, Lake Fennberg near Margreid, located on a sunny plateau, is a small paradise surrounded by woods and meadows, with calm waters perfect for swimming. Lake Felix Weiher on Deutschnonsberg, is lesser-known but beloved by those seeking tranquility, thanks to its intimate and untouched atmosphere.

Issinger Weiher, in the Pustertal Valley, is one of South Tyrol’s most beautiful small lakes, with clear water and pleasant summer temperatures; an adventure park is also located nearby.

**Swimming pond in Issing**
The pond in Issing is a popular meeting point for swimmers in summer and provides a rich flora and fauna.
LemonArtStudio - Karl Portner

**Lake Felixer Weiher**
Lake Felixer Weiher or Lake Tret is located in the Nonstal Alps and is ideal for a swimming day with the whole family.
Tourismusverein Deutschnonsberg - Alex Filz

**Lake Fennberg near Margreid**
In summer, Lake Fennberg offers a welcome refreshment on hot days.
TV Südtiroler Unterland

Dive In!

South Tyrol’s swimmable lakes offer a fresh and relaxing alternative to the more crowded summer destinations. Whether you're a fan of warm waters and water sports or looking for peace in the mountains, you’ll find the perfect place here. Far from the chaos and immersed in stunning scenery, these lakes provide a rejuvenating experience in every sense. Just pack your swimsuit and set off to discover these high-altitude wonders.

Note: Important!

Not all lakes in South Tyrol are suitable for swimming. In some, swimming is prohibited due to safety reasons, environmental protection, or because they are part of nature reserves. Always check with the local Tourist Office before diving in!

Text: Silvia

We are a colourful mix of nature-loving, adventurous and creative editors. All based in South Tyrol, we share the love of writing and photography, the mountains and culture. Our passion is to constantly discover new stories about the land and its people, about identity and tradition, about South Tyrol's quiet places and thousand faces. With our texts and pictures, we want to show you the beauty of this contrasting region and arise your curiosity. But above all, we want one thing: to inspire you to travel.