Bathing lake Völs am Schlern: idyllic lake in the Dolomites
At the foot of the Schlern, in the forests of the Schlern-Rosengarten Nature Park, there is the bathing lake Völs am Schlern. The small lake is one of the cleanest bathing lakes in Italy and offers special experiences at any time of year: Swimming in summer, ice skating in winter or simply enjoying the tranquil natural surroundings. A favourite place in South Tyrol for anyone looking for relaxation and closeness to nature.
The swimming pond in Völs am Schlern is located near the village and is a wonderful destination for excursions.
Internet Consulting - Fabian AuerFacts & figures about the natural bathing lake
- Altitude: approx. 1,056 m above sea level
- Area: around 1.7 ha
- Maximum depth: approx. 4 m
- Location: 20 km east of Bozen, in the municipality of Völs am Schlern, Schlern-Rosengarten Nature Park
- German/Italian name: Völser Weiher/Lago di Fiè
- Origin: probably created in the 16th century as a fishpond
- Special feature: recognized as one of the cleanest bathing lakes in Italy
- Protected status: southern part designated as a protected biotope, fishing prohibited
- Leisure activities: swimming, boating, hiking, ice skating
Natural idyll at the foot of the Schlern
The lake of Völs is located in the wooded mountain landscape of the Schlern-Rosengarten Nature Park in the Dolomites, near the village of Völs am Schlern. Thanks to its manageable size and tranquil surroundings, it is perfect for relaxing walks, cosy bathing days and observing nature.
In the 16th century, the lords of Völs-Colonna had a pond built here for fish farming. Fishing is prohibited today – swimming is permitted in one half of the lake. However, the southern part of the pond is particularly protected: It has been designated a biotope and is home to numerous animal and plant species. Nature lovers can learn interesting facts about the fascinating flora and fauna of the area at the nature park information point right by the car park next to the lake.
Activities around the bathing lake Völs am Schlern
In summer, the pond near Völs am Schlern is perfect for swimming and rawboat tours.
Internet Consulting - Fabian AuerThere are many opportunities for active holidaymakers around the bathing lake Völs am Schlern: from diving into the cool water to challenging mountain hikes and ice skating in winter.
Summer: swimming, hiking & enjoying nature
In the warmer months, the pond is a popular swimming lake. With regularly excellent water quality and well-maintained sunbathing areas, it is ideal for refreshing swims and sunbathing. If you prefer to experience the water from a boat, you can hire one of the rowing boats provided.
Easy walks and hikes lead around the pond through the Schlern-Rosengarten Nature Park, for example in the direction of Tuff Alm or Hofer Alpl. Especially in summer, the surrounding area attracts visitors with its lush flora and impressive views of the Schlern massif.
If the ice is thick enough, the pond of Völs am Schlern turns into a natural ice rink with a dream backdrop in winter.
Getty ImagesWinter: Ice skating & winter hiking
A visit to the lake of Völs am Schlern is also worthwhile in the cold season: As soon as the temperatures drop, and it freezes over, a romantic winter backdrop is created. When the ice is thick enough, the lake becomes a natural ice rink and offers a magical alternative to traditional ice rinks. Children and adults alike enjoy ice skating on the clear ice amidst the snow-covered landscape.
Winter hikers will find quiet paths around the pond that lead through snow-covered forests – perfect for those who appreciate the quiet side of winter. Those looking for a little more action can take their toboggan with them and toboggan back down to the lake of Völs am Schlern after the hike to the Tuff Alm. The natural toboggan run there is open in good snow conditions.
How to get there & parking facilities
- By car: From Bozen, take the SS12 state road to Blumau, then follow the signs to Völs am Schlern. From there, the path to the lake “Völser Weiher” is well signposted. There is a paid car park right by the lake.
- By public transport: There are regular bus connections from Bozen to Völs am Schlern. In the summer months, a shuttle bus (no. 13) also runs from the village centre to the lake.
- On foot: Alternatively, the lake can be reached on foot from Völs via path no. 1 in around 50 minutes.
Other places in the surrounding area
View of the historical holiday resort Völs am Schlern.
Internet Consulting - Fabian Auer
The picturesque South Tyrolean village at the foot of Seiser Alm is surrounded by a beautiful natural landscape.
Internet Consulting - Fabian Auer
Kastelruth is a municipality in the Seiser Alm - Schlern holiday region with several hamlets.
Internet Consulting - Fabian Auer
The picturesque Prösels Castle is located before the village Völs am Schlern.
Laurin Moser - Seiser Alm Marketing- Völs am Schlern: A picturesque village with a historic centre, small shops and cosy cafés. Ideal as a starting point for hikes.
- Seiser Alm: Just a few kilometres from the lake is Seis, from where a modern cable car takes visitors up to the famous Seiser Alm. It is Europe's largest high alpine pasture and a paradise for hikers, bikers and winter sports enthusiasts.
- Kastelruth: The charming village of Kastelruth is known for its traditional events, the striking church tower and as the home of the Kastelruther Spatzen music group.
- Prösels Castle: A historic castle with impressive architecture, regularly open for guided tours and cultural events.
Frequently asked questions
Can I swim in the lake of Völs am Schlern?
Yes, swimming is expressly permitted. The pond is known for its excellent water quality and is one of the cleanest bathing lakes in Italy.
Is there an entrance fee?
Access to the lake is free of charge. There is a charge for car parking in the high season.
Is the bathing lake of Völs accessible all year round?
Yes, this mountain lake is a popular destination all year round – on summer days for swimming and hiking, in winter for ice skating and peaceful walks.
Is ice skating possible on the lake?
Yes, if the ice is thick enough, the lake of Völs am Schlern can be used as a natural ice rink in winter.
How warm is the lake of Völs am Schlern?
On hot summer days, the water of the bathing lake is pleasant at around 20-22 °C – despite its location at over 1,000 metres above sea level.
Which lake is the most famous in the Seiser Alm area?
The bathing lake of Völs am Schlern is surely the most famous one at the foot of the Seiser Alm.
Images
The picturesque swimming pond in Völs am Schlern is also perfect for cosy tours with rawboats.
Internet Consulting - Fabian Auer
Despite its location at over 1,000 metres above sea level, the pond of Völs am Schlern has a pleasant water temperature and is ideal for swimming.
Internet Consulting - Fabian Auer
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
The rustic old inn directly on the pond of Völs am Schlern invites you to stop and taste local specialities.
Internet Consulting - Fabian Auer
There is also a small boat rental at the swimming pond of Völs am Schlern.
Internet Consulting - Fabian Auer
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
The pond of Völs am Schlern is one of the cleanest bathing lakes in Italy.
Internet Consulting - Fabian Auer