Lake Reschen in South Tyrol: sunken church tower in the lake

• Location: In the upper Vinschgau Valley in South Tyrol, Italy, close to the borders with Austria and Switzerland, in the municipality of Graun in the Vinschgau.
• Altitude: 1,498 metres above sea level.
• Size: Area of approx. 6.6 hectares, length approx. 6 kilometres, width approx. 1 kilometre.
• Depth: Maximum depth of around 45 metres.
• Formation: Created in 1950 by damming up several natural lakes to generate energy. The 14th century bell tower rising out of the water is a landmark and a reminder of the flooded villages.
• Water supply: Fed by Adige river and several smaller rivers; serves as a reservoir for hydroelectric power generation.
• Circumnavigation: Hikers and cyclists circle the lake on a promenade path of around 15 kilometres.
• Its Italian name is Lago di Resia.

Lake Reschen offers a wealth of leisure activities for nature lovers and active holidaymakers all year round. Whether action-packed activities or relaxing walks along the lakeshore – everyone gets their money's worth around Lake Reschen.

Hiking, cycling & water sports

In summer, the mountains in the upper Vinschgau invite you to go hiking and mountain biking with breathtaking panoramic views. The lake itself is a hotspot for water sports such as kitesurfing, sailing and stand-up paddling, thanks to the ideal wind conditions.

Winter holiday fun on ice & ski slopes

In winter, the region transforms into a true winter sports paradise: The frozen lake is perfect for ice skating and snowkiting. In the surrounding ski areas of Haideralm and Schöneben, holidaymakers can look forward to perfect conditions for skiing and snowboarding. Those who love cross-country skiing and ski touring will feel right at home in the idyllic Langtaufers valley, which branches off from Lake Reschen near Graun.

Ice sailing & ice surfing

Lake Reschen is particularly popular with ice sailors and ice surfers. Why is this lake particularly suitable for this?

• Stable ice cover: Due to its altitude of around 1,500 metres, Lake Reschen reliably freezes over and forms a thick, stable ice cover (up to 40 cm).
• Constant wind conditions: The geographical location between the mountains ensures constant and strong winds.
• Wide, open area: With a length of around 6 kilometres and a width of up to 1 kilometre, the frozen lake offers plenty of space.
• Spectacular scenery: The church tower jutting out of the ice and the surrounding snow-covered mountain peaks create a unique atmosphere.

Lake Reschen lies close to the border with Austria and Switzerland. You can reach it by car from the north via the Reschen Pass (B180/SS40) and from the south from Bozen via Meran and the Vinschgau Valley.

By public transport, you can take the train to Mals station in Vinschgau and from there take the bus directly to Lake Resia/Reschensee. There are also bus connections from Meran and Schlanders.
Please note the current road conditions in winter and bring winter equipment if necessary.

Other places in the surrounding area

• Lake Haider: Just a few kilometres south of Lake Reschen lies Lake Haidersee, an idyllic mountain lake at an altitude of around 1,450 metres. It is ideal for hiking, fishing and ice skating in winter.
• St. Valentin auf der Haide: A charming village in the immediate vicinity of Lake Haider, known as a starting point for numerous outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing.
• Graun: The village is characterised by its historic town centre and typical South Tyrolean hospitality.
• Marienberg Monastery: The highest Benedictine monastery in Europe is located above Burgeis and boasts impressive frescoes and architecture.
• Glurns: The smallest town in South Tyrol is characterised by its fully preserved medieval town walls and picturesque alleyways.
• Schöneben and Haideralm ski areas: Popular winter sports resorts near Lake Reschen with well-groomed slopes, modern lifts and offers for the whole family.
• Mals: A historic market town with several medieval towers.