Neves reservoir - High mountain idyll with glacier views
The Neves reservoir is a fascinating reservoir in the rear Ahrntal valley in South Tyrol and a real natural gem at an altitude of around 1,860 metres. Nestled in the high alpine landscape of the Zillertal Alps, the turquoise-green lake attracts nature lovers, hikers and those seeking peace and quiet in equal measure. This is where water meets rock, glacier views meet alpine idyll – and anyone who has walked the circular trail around the lake or the famous Neves Alm circuit will not forget the lake in a hurry.
Numbers & facts
The reservoir near Mühlwald is located at 1,800 m and is a popular excursion site as well as starting point for nuemrous mountain tours.
Tourismusverein Sand in Taufers- Location: Lappach, Mühlwalder Tal - Ahrntal, South Tyrol
- Altitude above sea level: approx. 1,860 m
- Area: approx. 0.6 km²
- Origin: Artificially created reservoir for energy production
- Surroundings: Surrounded by three thousand metre peaks such as Turnerkamp, Großer Möseler, Hoher Weißzint and Napfspitze
- Special features: Turquoise-coloured water, glacier panorama, starting point for high-altitude hikes
- Accessibility: Via a narrow mountain road to a paid car park (summer months), closed in winter due to avalanche risk.
- Activities: Hiking, mountain biking, ski touring, photography, enjoying nature
- Also known as the “Lappacher Stausee” among the locals
- Italian name: Lago di Neves
Between water and ice - Glacier view at the lake
Möseler (3,478 m) in the Zillertal Alps.
andy68rier / Fotolia.comHardly any other place in South Tyrol offers such an impressive view of the glacier world of the Zillertal Alps in such a small space. Directly from the shores of the Neves reservoir, a panorama opens up of mighty peaks such as the Großer Möseler and the Weißzint, which seem close enough to touch. This high alpine backdrop makes the lake a special place for nature lovers, photographers and mountaineers – a real showpiece for the Tauferer Tal.
Power station & reservoir - Technology meets nature
The Neves reservoir is not only scenic, but also fulfils an important function: it feeds the Lappach hydroelectric power station in the municipality of Mühlwald and is one of the most important reservoirs in South Tyrol. The massive concrete dam wall is around 80 metres high. Information boards along the lake trail provide fascinating insights into the history and function of the structure – ideal for anyone who likes to combine nature and knowledge.
Hiking & activities around the Neves reservoir
Edelrauthütte in the Zillertal Alps in the Ahrntal Valley.
Valle AurinaLake circuit with a view
A leisurely circular trail leads around the lake in around 1.5 hours and offers fantastic views of the water and the surrounding peaks. The path is mostly flat, well-marked, suitable for pushchairs and also suitable for less experienced hikers.
Neves high-altitude trail
The high-altitude hike along the “Neveser Höhenweg” trail is particularly popular and leads across three managed mountain huts: the Edelrauthütte, the Chemnitzer hut and the Untermaureralm hut. The more challenging circular tour takes around 7 hours and rewards you with panoramic views and South Tyrolean mountain hut fare.
Aiming high - For mountaineers
For experienced hikers and alpinists, the Neves reservoir offers access to tours to the Großer Möseler, the Hoher Weißzint, the Napfspitze or to the Edelrauthütte on the Eisbruggjoch at over 2,500 metres above sea level.
Winter activities
In winter, the lake shows its quiet, snow-covered side. The access road is then closed, but the area around the lake is a real insider tip for experienced ski tourers and snowshoe hikers. Popular tour destinations are the Edelraut hut (not open in winter) or the Weißzint, which attract experienced alpinists even in the cold season. If you are looking for winter tranquillity and unspoilt nature, you will be rewarded with an impressive high mountain atmosphere – far away from the hustle and bustle of the slopes.
If you want to go ski touring in this area, it is essential to check the current snow and avalanche situation. The most beautiful ski tours can be undertaken here in spring when there is corn snow.
Getting there
View over the lake on Mühlwald village in Tauferer Ahrntal.
Internet Consulting - Benedikt TrojerThe Neves reservoir is located above Lappach in Mühlwald (Tauferer Tal, South Tyrol). From Bruneck you reach the village of Lappach via Mühlen in Taufers and the Mühlwald Valley. From here, a narrow mountain road leads to the car park by the lake. In the summer months, access is restricted during the day.
Tip: The road is subject to a toll and may not be open all year round depending on the weather. Obtain information in advance!
Other places in the surrounding area
- Lappach: Quiet mountain village and starting point to the reservoir
- Mühlwald: Main town of the valley with Lake Meggima and hiking opportunities
- Speikboden: Hiking and skiing area with cable car panorama
- Sand in Taufers: well-known holiday resort with castle, waterfalls and swimming pool
- Ahrntal: Unspoilt nature, crafts and over 80 three-thousand metre peaks
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to hike around the Neves reservoir?
Yes, there is a well-developed circular trail that takes about 1.5 hours and offers fantastic views.
Is the Neves reservoir accessible all year round?
No, the access road is closed in winter. The lake is usually accessible from the beginning of May to the end of October.
Are there refreshment stops at the Neves reservoir?
Yes, there are mountain huts such as the Nevesalm hut and the Untermaureralm hut on the Neves Alm circuit.
Images
View of Neves reservoir at the end of Mühlwald Valley
Tourismusverein Sand in Taufers
The reservoir near Mühlwald is located at 1,800 m and is a popular excursion site as well as starting point for nuemrous mountain tours.
Tourismusverein Sand in Taufers
The crystal-clear lake is located at the foot of magnificent peaks and is an excellent starting point for numerous hikes and mountain tours.
Gemeinde Mühlwald
The Neves reservoir is a popular destination for excursions due to the impressive mountains in the surroundings. The impressive dam is worth seeing too.
Gemeinde Mühlwald
The Neves reservoir in Mühlwald is the starting point of many hiking trails and mountain tours.
Gemeinde Mühlwald
The Neves reservoir in Mühlwald is a famous excursion destination and starting point for many tours from spring until autumn.
Gemeinde Mühlwald
The fascinating mountain world around Neves reservoir in Mühlwald attracts many hikers and mountaineers in summer.
Gemeinde Mühlwald
Lake Neves
Marco Zapf / Fotolia.com
Lake Neves
Marco Zapf / Fotolia.com
