Lake Haidersee on the Reschen Pass in South Tyrol
At an altitude of around 1,450 metres, Lake Haidersee in the South Tyrolean holiday region of Reschen Pass delights nature lovers and sports enthusiasts in summer and winter. Whether it is a winter hike around the lake or ice sailing, fishing or kitesurfing - the lake offers leisure activities for every taste just south of the larger Lake Reschen.
Facts & figures about the natural lake
St. Valentin auf der Haide is part of the City of Graun. The country is situated between Lake Haider and Lake Reschen.
Internet Consulting - Patrick Kammerlander- Together with Lake Reschen, it forms the lake plateau on the Reschen Pass.
- Location: In the border triangle between Italy, Austria and Switzerland.
- Place on the shore: St. Valentin auf der Haide in the municipality of Graun in Vinschgau
- Altitude above sea level: approx. 1,450 metres
- Area: around 89 hectares
- Maximum depth: approx. 15 metres
- Tributaries: Etsch river from Lake Reschen and Zerzerbach stream
- Special features: Natural lake with reed beds - habitat for numerous bird and fish species
- Utilisation: Not a reservoir - in contrast to Lake Reschen, a naturally formed body of water
- Activities: Walking, fishing, boating, birdwatching, ice sailing and snowkiting in winter
- Accessibility: Directly accessible on foot from the village of St. Valentin auf der Haide, barrier-free circular path
- Italian name: Lago di San Valentino alla Muta
Year-round excursion destination in the Alps
View over the most beautiful mountains in the environs
Internet Consulting - Patrick KammerlanderLake Haidersee is not as famous as its big brother, Lake Reschen, which, with its sunken church tower, is one of the most popular photo motifs in South Tyrol. However, it impresses as a natural jewel with a fantastic view of the Ortler massif. Its main tributaries are the Etsch river and the Zerzer stream. The village of St. Valentin auf der Haide, which belongs to the municipality of Graun, lies on the northern shore. In the past, Lake Haidersee was also known as Lake Carthusia – named after the Carthusian monks who had estates in the area. The lake served them as fishing water and was part of their monastic habitat in the upper Vinschgau.
Is Lake Haidersee a bathing lake?
The lake is not a designated bathing lake, as the water remains very cold even in summer and there are no designated bathing areas or supervision. Nevertheless, some visitors venture into the water on hot days – at their own risk.
Fantastic mountain views
Here is a selection of the most impressive peaks in the upper Vinschgau valley that can be seen from the lake or the circular trail:
- Ortler (3,905 m) - the highest mountain in South Tyrol, on a clear day in the south-east
- Königsspitze (3,851 m) - striking peak in the Ortler group
- Cevedale (3,769 m) - third-highest mountain in South Tyrol, part of the Ortler group
- Endkopf (2,627 m) - local mountain of St. Valentin auf der Haide
- Elferspitze, Seebodenspitze and other peaks in the Sesvenna group
What activities are there at the alpine lake?
Lake Haider
Joujou / pixelio.deLake Haidersee offers numerous opportunities for active holidaymakers and those seeking relaxation to enjoy nature: Fishermen will find a true fishing paradise. Birdwatchers and nature photographers will get their money's worth, especially at the biotope on the southern shore.
A barrier-free circular path along the shoreline is ideal for leisurely walks or Nordic walking. Those who prefer more sporting activities can enjoy various water sports such as sailing or surfing in summer and winter.
Great fishing area
Anglers appreciate Lake Haidersee in Vinschgau for its abundance of fish, especially the magnificent whitefish. Trout, char, pike and perch can also be found in the lake, which is up to 15 metres deep. It is not for nothing that the part of St. Valentin auf der Haide located directly on the lake is called “Fischerhäuser”. Foreigners can obtain the necessary fishing licence in the boathouse or in the Alpenrose restaurant and in the Angerer bakery, where anglers can also buy the required day ticket.
Surfing & sailing paradise
Thanks to the favourable wind conditions, Lake Haidersee is ideal for surfing, sailing and kitesurfing and in winter for ice sailing and snowkiting.
Only boats with electric motors allowed
The natural lake can also be explored from the water. Electric boats are permitted, but no motorboats with fuel-powered outboard engines.
Winter in Reschenpass holiday region
Frieder Blickle - Vinschgau MarketingAction on the mountain
From St. Valentin auf der Haide, active holidaymakers can quickly reach the lofty heights of the Schöneben-Haideralm ski, hiking and biking resort via a modern cable car. If you are looking for a special adrenaline kick, you can start your flying adventure from here with paragliding: paragliders like to use this mountain pasture as a starting point for their flying adventures.
Family-friendly circular hiking trail
In approx. 1.5 hours, those hungry for exercise can hike around the lake along the shoreline on a hiking trail suitable for pushchairs, which is also accessible in winter. Several cosy picnic spots invite you to linger and enjoy the magnificent mountain panorama in Vinschgau. The circular trail is around 5.2 km long and runs on a mixture of tarmac, gravel and natural paths. Two wooden footbridges lead through natural shore areas and offer beautiful views of the flora and fauna. Cycling is permitted, but you have to push on the footbridges. The tour is easy to walk and ideal for families.
Winter hikes & ice skating
Cross-country skiing fans are not far from the Haidersee to beautiful trails. The network of trails in the Schöneben-Haideralm cross-country skiing region with perfectly groomed trails is located nearby. A special highlight is the La Venosta cross-country skiing event, which takes place in the area every year. The lake regularly freezes over in winter when temperatures remain low, inviting you to ice skate against an impressive mountain backdrop – usually from the end of December. Cleared winter hiking trails lead around the lake through the snow-covered landscape.
How to get there
Lake Haider
Joujou / pixelio.de- By car: From Bozen, take the MeBo motorway to Meran and continue through the Vinschgau Valley towards the Reschen Pass. Passing the villages of Mals and Burgeis, you finally reach St. Valentin auf der Haide. Coming from Austria, you can easily reach Lake Haidersee via the Reschen Pass – simply follow the B180, which becomes the Italian SS40.
- By public transport: Take the train from Meran to Mals. From there, take bus 273 in the direction of Reschen/Landeck. The bus stop “St. Valentin” is in the immediate vicinity of the lake.
Other places in the surrounding area
- Lake Reschen: Famous for the church tower of Alt-Graun rising out of the water.
- Zerz Valley: Natural high valley, ideal for hiking.
- Burgeis: Historic village with the famous Marienberg Monastery.
- Glurns: The smallest town in South Tyrol with fully preserved town walls.
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to swim in Lake Haidersee?
It is not an official bathing lake. Due to the altitude, the water remains very cool even in summer.
Is the circular trail around Lake Haidersee child-friendly?
Yes, the circular trail is about 5 kilometres long, flat and well developed, ideal for families.
Are there refreshment stops at the Haidersee?
There are several inns and cafés in St. Valentin auf der Haide and along the lake.
Images
The bike path of Vinschgau passes near the lake of San Valentino alla Muta.
Internet Consulting - Patrick Kammerlander
The lake of St. Valentin auf der Haide is a paradise for fishing lovers.
Internet Consulting - Patrick Kammerlander
St. Valentin auf der Haide is part of the City of Graun. The country is situated between Lake Haider and Lake Reschen.
Internet Consulting - Patrick Kammerlander
Lake Haider
Joujou / pixelio.de