Set in the beautiful Schlern Nature Park, the picturesque Völser Weiher mountain lake offers an excellent opportunity for swimming in summer and ice skating in winter. The area around Völs am Schlern is not only known for its beautiful high-mountain hikes, but also for its soothing hay baths, which have a long tradition in this region. Their benefits were discovered by farmers who spent their nights in the hayloft after a hard day’s work. The short circular walk around the lake is very easy and suitable for the whole family.

Reachability

From Bolzano, take the Brenner State Road to Blumau, where we turn off towards the Schlern area. Following a winding road, we reach Völs am Schlern. Shortly after the village centre, we turn right and drive along a small mountain road to the pay-and-display car park at the Völser Weiher (2–3 reserved spaces for people with disabilities).

Description

Right at the entrance to the car park is the information centre for the Schlern-Rosengarten Nature Park, where visitors can find out about the flora and fauna in this nature reserve, particularly the birdlife. We follow a paved path with a slight downward slope down to the lake (1036 m). Passing a junction and the Hotel Restaurant Waldsee, we continue straight ahead. The artificial lake is nestled in a picturesque mountain setting. The Schlern massif and the Santner Peak are reflected on its surface. Walking along the lakeshore, which is partly lined with dense reeds, we eventually reach the Völser Weiher restaurant and then the Schwimmhütt’ lido. Here, in summer, you can relax on a wooden jetty. Although the lake is only 3.5 metres deep, its surface area covers almost one hectare. After a refreshing swim in the lake, there is an opportunity to complete a short Kneipp circuit before the end of the circular walk to boost the immune system and stimulate circulation. Passing a small volleyball court on the right-hand side, we return to our starting point.