Lake Valdurna circular walk and Christmas Market

On this cold December day shortly before Christmas, we want to combine two special things: a simple winter walk and the magic of Christmas. We find both in the Val Sarentino: For time reasons, we opt for the car (a 40-minute drive from Bolzano), even though Sarentino is easily accessible by bus from Bolzano. We drive to Valdurna, in a side valley, and park our car in the last car park before Lake Valdurna. The lake is partially frozen, and snow is still somewhat lacking - that can be found in the nearby ski resort of San Martino (Reinswald).

Here, in the heart of the Sarentino Alps, we walk up from the paid car park on the road to the lake - watch out for oncoming cars! - and then follow the left bank to the far end of the lake. It is a narrow road - mountain farms and the peaks above them tower before us. Before reaching the end of the lake, signs point out hiking options that already have us thinking of the warmer months and hut-to-hut tours. We follow the "Seerundweg" sign around the lake, which gleams and looks mystical in the afternoon light. Having reached the right bank, the path now leads into the forest.

The trail is icy but easy to walk on. Good hiking boots are recommended, although it is otherwise more of a stroll than a hike. The path continues through the forest along the lakeshore - with a view of the ducks sharing the small, unfrozen patch of water - back towards the end of the lake. We also admire the beautiful moss, which glows green against the grey and beige surroundings: It used to be used to decorate Christmas nativity scenes.

After just over an hour, we arrive back at the car park and make our way to the nearby village of Sarentino, where the last weekend of the Alpine Advent in the Sarentino Valley (Alpenadvent Sarntal) is being held. We get out at the car park by the bus station and shortly afterwards find what we are looking for: a mulled wine and a meatloaf roll. Afterwards, we stroll past the small stalls selling homemade items, including farmhouse bread, sheep's wool products and wooden earrings. Beautiful sounds brighten the night. The festive spirit has reached us too!

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Author: MS

Experienced in: December 2025

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