Lake Santa Maria or Lake Tret, a protected natural landmark, is located in the Upper Val di Non near the Passo delle Palade
Image gallery: Lake Tret
Not far from the 1,518 m high Passo Palade mountain pass, the connection of the area of Merano and surroundings and the Val di Non valley, the 100 metres higher located Lake Tret (Felixer Weiher) can be found at the foothills of the Mendola Ridge. Its name derives from the near locality Tret in the Trentino, whereas the older German name refers to the village of San Felice (St. Felix). Today, the lake is a natural bathing pond but also a protected natural monument with very good water quality and popular destination in summer: The hike starts at the Klamm parking space in San Felice. Nearby there are the gorges of San Felice with the well-known Canyon Rio Novella.
Fish, dragonflies and water plants have their home here. Information boards tell about the flora and fauna of the area. With its little island and the surrounding nature, Lake Tret is among the most beautiful forest lakes of South Tyrol, with a nice tavern a bit above it. If you prefer the two wheels, you may combine a visit with the challenging MTB tour to Mt. Mendola and Mt. Macaion.
Altitude: 1,604 m a.s.l.
Surface: 3.84 hectares
Depth: max. 3 m
Category: mountain lake, bathing lake, biotope
