Top 20 Lakes around Mals - Malles Venosta
Best lakes around Mals - Malles Venosta, situated in the Val Venosta region of South Tyrol, Italy, offers a blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and intriguing history. The area is characterized by its picturesque lakes, surrounded by majestic peaks and lush greenery. These lakes, some natural and some artificial, provide opportunities for various outdoor pursuits and feature unique historical elements. The region's diverse landscape makes it a notable destination for exploring both natural and man-made attractions.
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Last updated: April 23, 2026
Bell Tower of Curon in Lake Resia
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Resia Lake Dam
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Church Tower in Lake Resia (Reschensee)
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Lake Vernago
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Cycle path along the eastern shore of Lake Resia
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Popular around Mals - Malles Venosta
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Tips from the Community
You should stop here; there are interesting views in all directions. Unfortunately, the wind is usually really bad here, so it's best to move on as quickly as possible!
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Everything your cycling heart desires, super beautiful here.
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Nice view of Reschen 🤩👍🏼 There are many such views around the lake
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You have to see it if you're nearby 👍🏼🤩
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With a bit of luck, you can get a wonderful view from the dam wall, beyond St. Valentin and Lake Haider, to "King Ortler" in Vinschgau - South Tyrol's highest mountain. 🤩
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simply a mystical place!
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The symbol of Val Venosta is this solitary bell tower. Very picturesque and romantic, the history of the bell tower, however, is not. The 14th century church was destroyed during the construction of the dam after World War II. The villages of Resia and Curon were abandoned by the government and at the end of the project the two villages found themselves submerged by water. All that remains is the bell tower, a reminder of the past.
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The Reschen reservoir and how it came about... 5 km after the Reschenpass, Graun im Vinschgau, an old church tower sticks out of the water... The Reschenstausee and how it came about... In 1949/50, the villages of Graun and Reschen in the Upper Vinschgau fell victim to a ruthless damming project. The story of this lake damming reads almost like a crime novel - but it is the story of a catastrophe. Lake Reschen is over 6 km long; With its water volume of 116 million cubic meters, it generates around 250 million kWh of electricity per year. A proud achievement of technical progress? The church tower of Altgraun, which rises out of the middle of the water, serves as a silent indictment, as it were, as a reminder of the price at which “progress” was bought here, which was never paid. A blooming landscape once spread here, with the picturesque village of Graun. It had become a stately village, full of traffic between Bolzano and Landeck, with wide gabled 5km after the Reschenpass, Graun in the inns, such as the "Adler (Warger) and the "Traube Vinschgau, an old church tower protrudes (Reinhartl) as a stop for the post. Where old frescoes didn't decorate the houses, the bay windows and staircases did, but everywhere the most colorful floral decorations on the windows and on the balcony. 163 houses in Graun and Reschen and 523 hectares of fertile cultivated land fell victim to the floods. Over half of the 650 residents of Graun had to move abroad, and around 1,000 people were affected by the disaster. 120 farms lost their livelihood, which was almost exclusively tied to livestock breeding. Today we ask ourselves: How could this cruel and arbitrary intervention come about? Was there no way to prevent this catastrophe back then? Text / Source: reschensee.it http://www.reschensee.it/index_htm_files/geschichte-Alt-Graun-04-2015-1.pdf
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes to visit around Mals - Malles Venosta?
The region features several captivating lakes. Lake Resia is famous for its submerged bell tower, while Lake Vernago is known for its stunning turquoise waters and mountain backdrop. Lake San Valentino alla Muta (Haidersee) offers a tranquil natural setting ideal for birdwatching and gentle walks.
Are there family-friendly activities and trails around the lakes?
Yes, many lakes offer family-friendly options. The circular path around Lake San Valentino alla Muta (Haidersee) is easy and suitable for families, with picnic spots. The cycling path along Lake Resia is also well-developed and great for families. Lake Vernago also has a circular path with diverse scenery.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the lakes?
The lakes are excellent for various outdoor activities. Lake Resia is popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing due to consistent winds, and also offers cycling and hiking. Lake San Valentino alla Muta is great for fishing and Nordic walking. Lake Vernago is a starting point for more challenging mountain tours, including a path to the Ötzi discovery site. You can also find numerous cycling and gravel biking routes in the wider region. For more details, explore the Cycling around Mals - Malles Venosta guide or the Gravel biking around Mals - Malles Venosta guide.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Mals - Malles Venosta?
The lakes are beautiful year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for hiking, cycling, and water sports. Autumn offers stunning foliage. In winter, when the lakes freeze, activities like ice skating, ice sailing, and walking across the ice to the Bell Tower of Curon in Lake Resia become popular.
Are there historical or cultural sites to see at the lakes?
Yes, the region's artificial lakes have unique historical elements. Lake Resia is famous for the 14th-century church steeple emerging from its waters, a poignant reminder of the submerged village of Graun. Similarly, at Lake Vernago, the spire of an ancient church can sometimes be seen when water levels are very low, hinting at its own submerged village history.
Can I bring my dog on trails around the lakes?
Many trails around the lakes are dog-friendly, especially the circular paths. For instance, the path around Lake San Valentino alla Muta (Haidersee) is generally suitable for walks with dogs. Always ensure your dog is on a leash and follow local regulations regarding pets in natural areas.
Are there accessible paths for strollers or wheelchairs around the lakes?
While specific accessibility information for all paths is not detailed, the well-developed cycle path along Lake Resia is generally flat and paved, making it more accessible for strollers. The circular path around Lake San Valentino alla Muta (Haidersee) is also described as easy, but may include some natural terrain.
Where can I find amenities like cafes or accommodation near the lakes?
You'll find various amenities near the major lakes. Around Lake Resia, there are cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options in nearby villages like Graun and Reschen. Lake San Valentino alla Muta (Haidersee) is close to the village of San Valentino alla Muta, which offers services. Lake Vernago also has facilities, though parking can be crowded on weekends, so arriving early is recommended.
Is swimming allowed in the lakes during summer?
While the lakes are beautiful, specific regulations for swimming can vary. Lake Resia is primarily known for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Lake San Valentino alla Muta is a natural jewel with reed beds, making it more suitable for gentle activities and nature observation. It's best to check local signage or inquire with tourist information for current swimming allowances and designated areas.
What natural features and wildlife can be observed around the lakes?
The lakes offer diverse natural beauty. Lake San Valentino alla Muta (Haidersee) is a natural jewel with reed beds, providing a habitat for numerous bird and fish species, making it excellent for birdwatching. All lakes are surrounded by majestic peaks and lush greenery, offering serene and enchanting atmospheres. Lake Vernago's circular path features small waterfalls and diverse scenery, and you might even spot llamas.
Are there good viewpoints to capture photos of the lakes?
Absolutely. The Bell Tower of Curon in Lake Resia is an iconic and impressive photographic motif year-round. The Resia Lake Dam offers wonderful views of the surrounding mountains, including King Ortler. Both Lake Vernago and Lake San Valentino alla Muta (Haidersee) provide panoramic views of the Ortles Alps and their tranquil waters, creating stunning backdrops for photography.
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