Lake Varna

Notice: Due to intense dives by special forces of the Italian navy also the circular path around the lake will be completely closed from mid-April 2024 to the year 2026. Administrative penalties apply in case of unauthorized entering. (updated: May 2026)

Near Varna village in the Valle Isarco a popular excursion destination is located. Surrounded by woods and mountain sides, it offers quiet and relaxation although its vicinity to main roads such as the Brennero Motorway. In former times, there were two lakes - in 1825 one of them was transformed into meadows. The remains of the bigger lake today are called Lake Varna.

Due to its low depth, it has an enjoyable temperature already in early summer. Swimming used to be permitted in the northern part, but for the past few years, salvage operations involving wartime relics have been taking place and all activities in the water are prohibited. The southern part is a protected biotope since 1977 and houses dragonflies, frogs, toads, salamanders and newts.

Lake Varna (Vahrner See) is fed only by a little spring but due to extensive remediation measures, the water quality is excellent. Near the shore there are a restaurant and a campsite with 70 pitches. It can also be rounded, the 45 minutes' walk proceeds partly through shady woods. If you want continue hiking, you may take path no. 3B - it proceeds to the impressive Fortezza Fortress.

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Altitude: 712 m a.s.l.
Surface: 1.5 hectares
Depth: max. 3.5 m
Category: bathing lake, biotope

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