The exact opposite, so to say, to the Ice Holes in Appiano can be found on the Monte di Mezzo near Caldaro: hot air springs
This is a meteorological phenomenon where two air masses of different temperature and density meet. The warm air slides over the cold air. And warm air also flows out of the hot air springs in Caldaro all year round at a temperature of 25 degrees C. The phenomenon is only noticeable from October to April or May, because in summer and early autumn the temperatures of the environment are the same or higher than those of the hot air springs.
These hot air springs - "Warmluftquellen" in German, "Fonti di aria calda" in Italian - are rock caves at the top of the Monte di Mezzo, at the northern beginning of the Horse Teeth rock formations and south of the Castelchiaro Fortress, a popular excursion destination above Lake Caldaro. As already mentioned above, at the foot of Mount Ganda in Appiano there is the opposite of the hot air springs: the Ice Holes, from which ice-cold air (0 - 9 degrees C) emanates even in summer.
And how to reach the hot air springs? From the Kreit district of Caldaro, just above Lake Caldaro, trail no. 13 leads to the hot air springs and the Horse Teeth rock formations in about 45 minutes. From there, the view also opens up on the South Tyrolean Bassa Atesina and Lake Caldaro. A side trip to the nearby ruins of the Castelchiaro Fortress is recommended.
Contact info
- Monte di Mezzo / Mitterberg - 39052 - Caldaro / Kaltern
- +39 0471 963169
- info@kaltern.com
Opening times
Always open
Admission
freely accessible
More information
Recommended as hiking destination from October to April or May.