Hike to the Covolo Lakes

We start on a fine summer day in Pracupola in the Val d'Ultimo and drive to the Steinrast Hut at an altitude of around 1,720 metres. We park our car on the left in front of the mountain restaurant - on the right, the first signs already point the way into the forest. The well-marked path starts off somewhat steeply, but it does not take long to find a comfortable walking pace and cover the 20-minute stretch over rough terrain. A half-ruined alpine hut with a resting place comes into view.

Following path no. 4/4A, we walk through the meadows and forests of the Val d'Ultimo. In an hour, we climb 300 metres in altitude and stand before the Kühberg Hut at 2,064 metres. It not only invites hikers to take a rest but also has overnight accommodation available upon request.

Here, a fence marks the alpine pastures for the cows. We now walk cross-country past resting or grazing cattle. After another 45 minutes, the valley spreads out below us. In front of us is a mountain stream with stepping stones and the unmanaged Covolo Hut (2,313 m a.s.l.). From a distance, you can hear the typical whistling of marmots. It is not far now.

A short, steep ascent still separates us from the two beautiful Covolo Lakes (Kofelraster Seen) in the Gioveretto Group. To the left towers Mt. Gran Ladro (literally: Big Thief). The ascent rewards hikers with a sweeping panoramic view stretching from the mountains of the Val d'Ultimo to the Texel Group and the Dolomites, but it would take us an extra hour and 300 metres of altitude gain in each direction. We decide against it and tackle the final stony section up to the lakes, walking past "Stone Men" and grazing sheep. Once at the top, we take a deep breath.

The first lake, with cotton grass on its shores, lies idyllically before us as the cloud cover breaks. We enjoy our provisions - Speck, cheese, and Schüttelbrot (traditional crispbread) - and then begin our journey back. The descent follows the same path. Alternatively, you can walk back via the managed Marcenel, or Marschnell. Hut at 2,213 metres, the highest alpine pasture in the valley. After 3.5 hours, we reach our car again. Please remember to take your rubbish back down with you!

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Author: MS

Experienced: August 2018
Last updated: 2026

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