Beautiful Lakes and Ponds in Val Gardena

Even though most people come to Val Gardena for the mountains and culture, there is so much more to discover here. Between rugged rock faces and on green alpine meadows, there are numerous small and large lakes, ponds and pools that are worthwhile excursion destinations. Plan a picnic on the lakeshore, cool your feet in the cold water after a strenuous hike, observe fish, frogs, tadpoles, amphibians and newts, and take the opportunity to snap some fascinating photos. In winter, some waters are even suitable for ice skating.

Who would have thought that a hike with the family could be so much fun? The PanaRaida adventure trail was designed for families with children and offers plenty of variety in nature on Monte Pana in Santa Cristina. The trail can be completed in around one and a half hours, but many families spend considerably longer at the ten nature discovery stations. The last station is a wonderful water biotope with a Kneipp facility. While the children watch the fish or bravely dip their toes in the cold water, the adults can make themselves comfortable on one of the cosy wooden loungers where they can sunbathe and relax.

Lech Sant is the largest lake on the Mastlé Alp. The name of the body of water, "Holy Lake", goes back to a legend that says that a church once stood on the spot where Lech Sant is today. However, night-time parties organised by local farmers desecrated the church. As punishment for the immoral behaviour, it rained torrentially until the church sank into the ground and the lake was created. If this eerie story and the cold water don't deter you, take advantage of the lake for a summer refreshment. The three-and-a-half-hour hike from Santa Cristina to Lech Sant is also very popular. You can complete part of the route in comfort using the mountain railway to Col Raiser.

Lech da Iman (Iman See) is a small, pretty mountain lake that was formed in the Alps during the last ice age. At an altitude of 2,200 metres, the lake is a wonderful excursion destination that can be ideally combined with a visit to the Troier Hut. Situated on the Seceda, Lech da Iman is part of the Puez-Odle Nature Park, which is popular with hikers and cyclists. Although the ice-cold water is only suitable for seasoned swimmers, the shore is ideal for a break.

Lech de Lagustel (also known as "Lech da Tlancon" in Ladin), located above S. Giacomo, can only be admired for a short time. The meltwater pond dries out completely in summer. You can reach the "lake" on foot or by e-bike from Cristauta and follow the slightly uphill path that leads you directly to Lech de Lagustel. A view of the surface of the small lake is a special treat: in good weather, you can see how the Sassolungo and Sassopiatto are reflected here. The Lech de Lagustel also provides an ideal habitat for frogs, alpine newts and numerous insects.

Every year, a small natural wonder occurs in Val Gardena: the melting snow creates magically beautiful lakes that disappear completely after a few days or weeks. One of these meltwater lakes is the Lech de Ciampedel in the Vallunga. From the car park near the Carabinieri training centre, a 45-minute walk takes you through the Vallunga to this mysterious lake, whose water shimmers in fascinating shades of green. Take a break on the lakeshore, take the opportunity to photograph the treetops jutting out of the water and admire this spectacle in the mountains in peace and quiet.

Lech dl Dragon (German: Drachensee) will turn everything you thought you knew about lakes on its head. Located at 2,680 metres in the Sella Group, the mountain lake only exists occasionally and even migrates. The beautiful ice reservoir above Selva disappeared completely in the 1970s, reappeared between 2003 and 2007 and disappeared again in 2009.

Interestingly, the Lech dl Dragon has moved a full 300 metres to the east since 2011 and is now larger than before. No wonder there are numerous legends surrounding the creation and disappearance of this glacial lake. Not least the sound of the lake, which can be heard on some days in Selva Gardena, is reminiscent of the rumbling of a dragon. A wonderful hike takes you from the car park at the Passo Gardena to the lake.

Lake Crespëina in the Puez-Odle Nature Park is also shrouded in legend and a quarrelsome dragon is said to have once lived on its shores. Today, the wooden crosses erected around the lake ensure that the dangerous dragon no longer makes an appearance. Other legends tell of savages living around the lake. The bright turquoise-green colour of the approximately 160-metre-long and 70-metre-wide lake is striking and is due to its algae-covered bottom. From Val Gardena, you can reach Lake Crespëina from the mountain station at the Dantercepies Pass via Trail 2A to the Passo Crespëina. From here, follow the picturesque Crespëina high trail.

Lake Pisciadù looks like a shining jewel in the middle of the barren rocky landscape of the Sella Group. The Pisciadù Hut, a classic refuge built in 1902, is located on the shores of the mountain lake. Enjoy the view of the Cir Peaks, the Sassongher and Piz Boè from the lakeshore. You can reach Lake Pisciadù on foot via a wonderful hiking trail from the Passo Gardena via Trail No. 66. If you are an experienced climber and fancy a special adventure, you can also reach Lake Pisciadù via the challenging Pisciadù via ferrata. If you still haven't had enough after this exertion, you can climb from the lake to the summit of Cima Pisciadù by way of a via ferrata.

Lac de Blej

Lac de Blej is a small mountain lake in the middle of a pine forest and is famous among amateur photographers and nature lovers for its reflection of the Odle peaks, which is best admired in the morning hours. Numerous hiking trails lead past this body of water belonging to S. Cristina, including the hike to the Juac Hut, which can be extended to the Rebensburger Hut. There are carved animal figures along the way, which are great fun for hikers of all ages.

Lech de Sciuz

Lech de Sciuz is also a worthwhile destination for nature lovers and hikers in Val Gardena. Situated in a pine forest, the lake is the ideal place for a break. The hike to the Juac Hut, which can be extended to the Rebensburger Hut, also leads past this tranquil jewel. Take in the calm surface of the water and observe the abundant wildlife that lives here.

Passionate anglers who simply can't resist fishing during their mountain holiday in Val Gardena will find opportunities to pursue their hobby in several places in the valley. Find out about fishing licences and applicable regulations on-site. Among other things, the Val Gardena stream is ideal for fishing. Be amazed by the variety of local fish species and look forward to a nature experience that will reward you for your patience with delicious catches, which are best prepared and enjoyed directly in your holiday flat.

• Sport fishing Val Gardena: Str. Meisules 309, 39048 Selva Val Gardena, Daniel Mussner: 335 6029666, [email protected]
• Fishing on Gardena River
• Fishing at the Ciaulonch Hut
• Trout fishing at the Vallongia Hut

The Dolomites, which have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are captivating thanks to their varied landscape characterised by mountains, forests, meadows and lakes. The crystal-clear mountain lakes create mesmerising reflections of the majestic peaks that surround them. Although the lakes are too cold for most people to swim in, they make wonderful excursion destinations: they are wonderful places to linger on their shores.

The most beautiful lakes in South Tyrol include:

• Lago di Braies
• Lago Boè
• Laghetto di Fiè
• Lago di Caldaro
• Lago di Carezza
• Lago di Dobbiaco