Lake Lago di Caldaro (Lake Kaltern): 11 of my great reasons why you’ll enjoy a holiday at one of South Tyrol’s warmest lakes. I’ve pulled this tip from my drawer of secret inspirations that I’ve kept to ourselves for a long time. So, maybe we’ll bump into each other here sometime in the summer.
Lake Kaltern in South Tyrol is one of the warmest Alpine lakes. If you’re thinking about where to plan this year’s holiday in northern Italy, I’ve put together some tips on where to swim and what to do at Lago di Caldaro and why it’s worth a visit. You can also just plan a stop here on your way to the Dolomites, Lake Garda, or Tuscany.
Accommodation at Lake Lago di Caldaro
CHOOSE ACCOMMODATION AT LAGO DI CALDARO
I have a personal recommendation for one of the nicest, affordable hotels with a view of Lake Kaltern, even from some of the rooms or apartments. You can stay in rooms with breakfast or in apartments. You can also look forward to a swimming pool.
Garni Hotel Sonnleitenhof 3*
- Excellent hotel at a good price with a view of Lago di Caldaro
Garni Hotel Sonnleitenhof
If you want to stay right by the lake in a luxury 4* hotel that is still reasonably priced, then I recommend Seehotel Ambach. I also love this hotel for pleasant summer weekends, where thanks to the great dinners you don’t have to leave this place and can enjoy undisturbed relaxation by the lake.
Seehotel Ambach 4*
- Lakeside hotel with its own beach and wellness center
- Great half-board (buffet breakfast – five-course served dinner) – gluten-free diet was no problem
Seehotel Ambach
Lago di Caldaro (Lake Kaltern)
Lake Kaltern, also known as Kalterer See or in its original Italian as Lago di Caldaro, is one of those places on the map of northern Italy that easily gets lost among more famous names. That’s also why I believe this lake still retains its charm. But once you go there, you’ll quickly understand why we’ve grown so fond of it. By Alpine standards, it’s unexpectedly warm, which families with children will appreciate.
Plus, it’s surrounded by vineyards, you can enjoy several water sports on the lake, and on top of all that, you can feel the traditional atmosphere of South Tyrol. I’ve prepared 11 great reasons why you shouldn’t miss this place:
Why go to Lago di Caldaro (Lake Kaltern)?
1. Lago di Caldaro is one of the warmest lakes in the Alpine region
Lake Kaltern is one of the warmest lakes in the Alps suitable for swimming, and in summer the water commonly warms up to 28°C, making it a great spot for swimming, even for families with children. Thanks to its favorable location, shallow depth, and size of about 1.8 × 1 kilometer, it also warms up quickly, so the water is usually pleasant even at the start of the season. If you’re used to colder Austrian lakes, you’ll enjoy a pleasant swim here as early as June.
2. Lago di Caldaro is just a short distance from Bolzano
Lago di Caldaro is only about 18 kilometers from Bolzano, making it a great destination for a day trip. You’ll be surprised, however, that it still maintains a quiet, almost rural atmosphere. The surrounding landscape with vineyards and orchards feels almost Mediterranean, and you’ll enjoy the traditional character of South Tyrol, where German and Italian influences naturally blend, not only in language but also, for example, in gastronomy.
My tip:
- We always go to Bolzano on our way back to stock up on Italian supplies and gluten-free food, including high-quality olive oils.
3. Swimming in Lake Kaltern
Lake Kaltern is beautiful to look at and, most importantly, it’s truly suitable for swimming. As I’ve written several times, in summer it has pleasantly warm water even for those vacationers who otherwise prefer the sea, and thanks to its gentle shores, it’s also suitable for families with children. Access to the water is mainly concentrated in well-maintained swimming areas and beaches with facilities, so the place retains its peaceful character. Personally, I recommend paying extra for a hotel directly with its own beach and pool.
Seehotel Ambach
4. Great conditions for windsurfing and paddleboarding
Lake Kaltern is also a popular destination for windsurfing thanks to the Ora wind that comes here from Lake Garda. In the morning, the surface is usually calm, which suits us for paddleboarding, and in the afternoon, the water is livelier thanks to the wind. At the same time, we appreciate the peace due to the absence of noisy motorboats.
5. Circular trail around Lago di Caldaro
Lake Kaltern can be comfortably circumnavigated on an easy route that even recreational hikers can handle. Along the way, look forward to alternating views of the lake, vineyards, and reeds, making the walk more interesting for its diverse landscape than as a sporting feat.
6. Wineries in South Tyrol
Wine is also inextricably linked with Lake Kaltern, as the surrounding landscape belongs to an important wine-growing region of South Tyrol, and the vineyards here influence not only the appearance of the place but also the local gastronomy. This gives the area a different atmosphere than typical summer resorts. A typical summer day itinerary at the lake looks something like this: swimming, paddleboarding, nature trips, and an evening sitting with a glass of local wine.
My tip:
Garni Hotel Sonnleitenhof
7. Trip to the Castelchiaro viewpoint
In my opinion, the best view of Lake Kaltern is from the ruins of Castelchiaro (Leuchtenburg), from where you can see the entire surrounding landscape. You can enjoy the view of the lake and the vineyards. It’s a pleasant hike and a tip for a several-hour trip that you can combine with a circular walk around the lake.
8. The southern shore of Lago di Caldaro is a protected biotope
Lago di Caldaro is also interesting outside the main season thanks to the protected nature zone on the southern shore, where reeds and wetlands create a valuable biotope for many bird species. The lake therefore has significant value for nature itself.
You might also be interested in:
- Slovenian lakes: 3 tips for your holiday right by the lake
- 15 tips for trips in the Dolomites + accommodation
- A weekend in Limone sul Garda + tip for a hotel by the beach
- Tip for accommodation in Riva del Garda
9. The surroundings of Lago di Caldaro are also ideal for cycling
The surroundings of Lago di Caldaro are also great for cycling, as they offer both easy routes in flatter parts, which families with children will appreciate, and more demanding sections for physically fit cyclists. Thanks to this variety, recreational athletes will also enjoy the cycle paths here, and from a bike, you’ll enjoy the contrast between the lake, vineyards, and smaller South Tyrolean villages even more.
10. By the Mendelbahn funicular from St. Anton near Kaltern to the Mendel Pass
Another great tip for a trip from Lago di Caldaro is a funicular ride to the Mendel Pass. The Mendelbahn funicular, opened in 1903 according to the design of Swiss engineer Emil Strub, is one of South Tyrol’s technically interesting transport structures. Its gradient is about 64% and it is considered the first electric funicular in Tyrol, as well as the steepest and longest continuous funicular in Europe.
Mendelbahn/ (c) Tourism Office Kaltern at the lake
On a 2.37-kilometer route, it will take you up 850 meters in 12 minutes, and besides the experience of the ride itself, it offers impressive views of the Etsch river valley and the South Tyrol region. A return ticket costs €13.50, a one-way ticket €8.50, children under 6 ride for free, and South Tyrol Guest Pass holders have the ride included. If you’re going on a trip with your dogs, they can travel for a fee if they have a leash and muzzle (€2-3.50).
11. Trip to the Rastenbachklamm gorge
Rastenbachklamm is a breathtaking gorge just above Lago di Caldaro, where the trail takes you between rocks, a stream, a waterfall, and over wooden walkways and stairs. In summer, it’s a very pleasant place for a short trip because there’s more shade and it’s cooler than by the lake. The route isn’t too difficult, but you need to expect some stairs and a short climb – good sturdy footwear is a must.
Rastenbachklamm/ (c) Tourism Office Kaltern at the lake
My tip:
- Head to the gorge even if you love viewpoints. From the viewing platform there, there’s a breathtaking view of Lago di Caldaro
Rastenbachklamm/ (c) Tourism Office Kaltern at the lake
Did you like my holiday tip for Lago di Caldaro, in South Tyrol, Italy? Then save it on Pinterest too, so you can easily find it next time:
