Caldaro

The municipality at the shores of Lake Caldaro offers wine, culinary delights and tradition.

video: Caldaro

Located at the lakeside of Lake Caldaro and surrounded by typical South Tyrolean vineyards in the south of the province, there is the municipality of Caldaro. This area is characterised by a large number of castles, ruins and residences that are popular excursion destinations. The Mendola funicular, considered the steepest and longest funicular railway of Europe, takes you to the Passo della Mendola, which is an ideal starting point for hikes, making you experience nature at close range.
video: South Tyrolean Wine Route

The South Tyrolean Wine Route stretches from Nalles to Bolzano and the Oltradige, via the Bassa Atesina to Salorno. This area comprises about 90% of the South Tyrolean Wine production, including the typical varieties of wine such as the Merlot and Lagrein, as well as the Pinot Girgio and the Chardonnay. By the way, the South Tyrolean Wine Route is the most ancient of Italy.
video: One year at the Lake Caldaro

Take a time-lapse journey through the seasons to discover the beauty of the Lake Caldaro.
video: Aerial movie of the ruin of Castelchiaro
video: Aerial view of the lake Caldaro

Embedded in the vineyards in the southern part oft South-Tyrol, the lake Caldaro. A special view from the air.
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Lago di Caldaro is the most important attraction in the area. Foto: EMS, © Peer
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The water surface of lake Caldaro. Foto: EMS, © Peer
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Meeting point in the centre of Caldaro. Foto: ED, © Peer
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The South Tyrolean Wine Museum in the centre of Caldaro. Foto: ED, © Peer
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From the hamlet S. Antonio the Mendola funicular reaches the mountain pass. Foto: AT, © Peer
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Caldaro and surroundings seen from Mendola road. Foto: ED, © Peer
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Mendola mountain is a hiking paradise. A nice hike is from Passo to Malga Romeno with the small church Madonna delle Nevi. Foto: AT, © Peer
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The lake of Caldaro in autumn. Foto: EMS, © Peer

The municipality of Caldaro, boasting more than 7,500 inhabitants, stretches from 200 to 600 m asl and is surrounded by a Mediterranean landscape covered by vineyards and orchards. Already in the 13th century the wine of Caldaro was mentioned in documents. In fact, on the one hand Caldaro owes its fame to the wine, on the other hand of course to its lake, which is the warmest lake for bathing in the Alps. In the 17th century Caldaro was raised a market town and is still today called like this.

The municipality comprises the eight following villages: Caldaro village (Markt) and Villa di Mezzo forming the centre, as well as San Antonio, San Nicolò, the hamlet of Castelvecchio, Pianizza di Sopra and Pianizza di Sotto directed towards Appiano and S. Giuseppe al Lago on the west lakeside. For further information please visit www.kalterersee.com.

The name of the village probably derives from the term “Caltare”, which means copper kettle (caldarum). Exactly this copper kettle, which was used to cook polenta, is illustrated on the municipal coat of arms.

In Caldaro every season has its highlight: in March we recommend you to visit the Valle della Primavera, literally translated Spring Valley, as the first heralds of spring already flourish very early in this valley. In summer the main attraction is of course the lake, ideal both for adults and kids. A traditional Toerggele evening is, however, a real must-do in autumn, a unique opportunity for tasting roasted chestnuts and new wine. In winter you can enjoy the solemn atmosphere prevailing on the Christmas Market.