Last but not least, the idyllic outdoor setting of the Reschensee Lake: its part-submerged church tower, surrounded by bright green waters and imposing mountains, is one of South Tyrol’s most photographed attractions. Our sixth lake portrait tells you what to see and do here!

The Reschensee Lake

The sight of the church tower, seemingly floating over the waters of the lake, is a classic South Tyrolean postcard motif. The reservoir, covering almost ten square kilometres, is located at the far western end of South Tyrol, near the border triangle with Austria and Switzerland. Just a few kilometres over the border into Italy, travellers are greeted by an almost kitschy backdrop: the glistening lake waters, surrounded by snowy mountain peaks, lush green meadows and ancient mountain farms – welcome to South Tyrol!

A church steeple in the middle of a lake?
The lake is of great historical importance for the region, with the church spire a visible reminder of a dark chapter in the history of the local community, Graun. The villagers had long hoped that the reservoir project would take years of planning but, at the beginning of 1950, the moment finally came: the sluices were closed and the damming of the lake began. The village community had to make way for the waters and was relocated. All that remained was the church tower, now a reminder of the fate of many local families.

Despite this melancholy background, the lake today has a high recreational value, offering all kinds of exciting outdoor adventures – for every taste, in every season!

An outdoor Eldorado in winter…
I like it best at the Reschensee Lake in the quiet season, because that’s when it all in fact gets really colourful. The thick ice layer and constant wind are all that the international snowkite scene needs to skim elegantly over the icy, mirror-smooth surface with their colourful paragliders. I always find it fascinating to marvel at the leaps, sometimes quite daring, of these aerial acrobats as I skate my leisurely laps around the lake. Hikes through the snow, cross-country and downhill skiing – there are so many possibilities!

 

…and in summer
When the ice on the lake melts and the mountain peaks lose their snowy crowns, it’s time to lace up your hiking boots or get your bike out of the cellar. Water sports enthusiasts too are well catered for at the Reschensee Lake, with sailing, surfing or (my favourite) paddling a kayak round the church tower... it’s hard to decide the best way to spend your days here.



As you can see, there’s plenty to do at the lake. And, if you need any assistance in planning your holiday, there are specialists on hand to help you in the Vinschgau Valley. The private hosts of South Tyrol look forward to seeing you!

Yours from the heart, Sabine