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.
Last updated: May 25, 2026
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Cycleway
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Mals - Malles Venosta.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Mals - Malles Venosta
Swiss National Park Panorama Trail – Spectacular and serene
Vinschger Höhenweg – hiking South Tyrol's Sonnenberg mountain
Road to Lisbon – bikepacking the Alps, Pyrenees and Picos de Europa
Mountain biking in and above the serene valleys of South Tyrol
Build up your fitness in the South Tyrolean spring
Great food, great fun and action – varied family cycling in South Tyrol
Road cycling through the vineyards of Alto Adige
As yet undiscovered South Tyrol – secret MTB adventures
Rough and tough – spectacular gravel loops in the Alps
For trail lovers – Enduro Transalp from Füssen to Lake Garda
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!
5
1
Everything your cycling heart desires, super beautiful here.
0
0
There are always great photo opportunities around the lake, the most famous of which is certainly the church tower of Alt Graun
5
0
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. 🤩
10
0
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.
6
0
On the circular route you can see the lake with its turquoise water almost constantly.
10
1
In the fifties the construction of a large dam artificially joined the two lakes of Curon and Resia and the result was the submersion of the two homonymous inhabited centres. The bell tower of the Curon church still protrudes from the water and can be easily seen from this point.
3
2
Very nice landscape and great environment
5
1
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.


Still not found your perfect lake around Mals - Malles Venosta? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.