The Monticolo Lakes are embedded in a vast mixed forest and pinewood near Appiano, in an area characterised by its mild climate
Image gallery: Monticolo Lakes
The two Monticolo Lakes (Montiggler Seen) form, together with the Monticolo Forest, a biotope and recreation area in a particularly favorable climate zone. Not far from the Big Monticolo Lake there is a branch that takes you to the hamlet of Monticolo in Appiano on the Wine Road. In southern direction there is the so-called Spring Valley that leads to the basin of Lake Caldaro. Most of the Big Monticolo Lake is situated in the forested basin of the Monte di Mezzo mountain. On one shore you can find a bathing establishment with lake access, whereas on the other one there are wooden walkways through the biotope to the idyllic Seeschlössl, a tiny castle in the woods.
The Small Monticolo Lake, however, lies in a smaller hollow north-east of the bigger lake and is semi-circular in shape, also with a Lido on its shores. Both lakes are very popular destinations from spring to late autumn. Tours take you through the Monticolo Forest, which can be done on foot - such as the hike to the Colle dell'Uomo hill - or by bike, e.g. during the MTB tour through the Monticolo Forest. In winter, the lakes usually freeze even here, in the south of South Tyrol.
Little Monticolo Lake:
Altitude: 514 m a.s.l.
Surface: 5.2 hectares
Depth: max. 14.8 m
Category: bathing lake
Big Monticolo Lake:
Altitude: 492 m a.s.l.
Surface: 17.8 hectares
Depth: max. 11.5 m
Category: bathing lake
