Experiencing and enjoying spring during the final weeks of winter is possible between Monticolo and Caldaro
Image gallery: Hike through the Spring Valley
Between Lake Monticolo and Lake Caldaro, there is a hollow with a very favourable climate. Early in the year, warm air from the south flows into the valley here. This allows a natural phenomenon to unfold beautifully. When everything around is still brown and the mountains are covered in snow, the Spring Valley comes into bloom. You can undertake this hike as early as the end of February - we set off on a Sunday in early March to discover Spring Valley.
The starting point is the large car park at Lake Monticolo. It charges a fee in summer, but it is still free at the end of winter (as of 2026). We walk along a short, asphalted section of the road. After passing through a stretch of forest, we arrive in Monticolo itself, a hamlet in the municipality of Appiano. Past the houses, the forest begins again. The path is fairly flat and easy to find.
Without any further detours, we hike along path no. 20 over the Monte di Mezzo to the basin of Lake Caldaro. Snowdrops, crocuses, and other spring flowers accompany us with all their beautiful colours and scents. There are places where the ground seems completely invisible, covered entirely by a vast sea of blossoms. Many flowers grow on the banks of the Angelbach stream. As soon as we reach a clearing with a fountain and a large sunbathing area, we take a break.
We decide to turn back now and save the beautiful shores of Lake Caldaro for another day. The path would lead straight to the shore, past meadows and vineyards. For the way back, we do not take the same route. Instead, we choose a loop along a field path that takes us directly back to the village of Monticolo. We enjoy a homemade cake at the Sparer inn and return after an hour and a half of pure walking time. With breaks, we were out for an entire afternoon. Please note: The Spring Valley is a protected nature reserve, and picking flowers is strictly prohibited!
Author: RB
Experienced: beginning of March 2026
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- Starting point:
- Monticolo car park
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- Overall time:
- 01:30 h
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- Total route length:
- 4,8 km
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- Altitude:
- from 435 m to 545 m
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- Altitude difference (uphill | downhill):
- +154 m | -153 m
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- Signposts:
- no. 5, 20
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- Destination:
- Lake Caldaro
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- Resting points:
- Tennis Sparer, resting points at Lake Caldaro
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- Recommended time of year:
- Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
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- Download GPX track:
- Hike through the Spring Valley
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- More information:
- The overall time shown above refers to the walking time only, not including breaks or stops.
If you want to undertake this hike, we recommend you to check the weather and trail conditions in advance and on site before setting out.
