Two warm, woodland-fringed lakes (the Large and Small Montiggler See) near Appiano on the Wine Road. Warm water, forest shade and a relaxed lido make them a popular, peaceful swimming spot south of Bolzano.
The Montiggler See, or Laghi di Monticolo, are a pair of small, warm woodland lakes set in the forested hills near Appiano (Eppan) on the South Tyrolean Wine Road, a short distance south-west of Bolzano. Comprising the larger Großer Montiggler See and the smaller Kleiner Montiggler See, they are among the warmest natural bathing lakes in South Tyrol, sheltered in a basin of mixed woodland that keeps the water comfortably warm through the summer. The larger lake has the main organised lido, with grassy lawns sloping to a gentle swimming entry, pedalo hire, a bar and toilets, and lifeguards in season, while the smaller lake is quieter and more natural. The wooded setting is the great charm: the lakes are ringed by walking and cycling trails through the forest, offering shade and easy strolls between swims, and the surrounding Wine Road villages, castles and vineyards add interest beyond the water. The mild climate and warm, calm water make the Montiggler lakes a popular family choice, peaceful and green rather than glamorous, and a pleasant contrast to the busier Kalterer See nearby. Because they sit just off the Wine Road, a swim combines naturally with a vineyard walk or a tasting in Appiano, one of South Tyrol's leading wine villages. In peak summer the main lido can fill on hot weekends, but the forest trails and the second lake provide quieter alternatives. For warm, shaded, family-friendly bathing in a tranquil woodland setting close to Bolzano, the Montiggler See are a rewarding choice.
Good to know
- Best for
- families, swimmers, walkers, sunbathers
- Facilities
- Lido with lawns and swimming area, Pedalo hire, Bar and toilets, Forest walking trails
Location
46.4153, 11.3239 View on map
Highlights
- Two warm, woodland-fringed lakes near Appiano on the Wine Road
- Among the warmest natural bathing lakes in South Tyrol
- Organised lido on the larger lake with lawns and pedalo hire
- Forest trails for shaded walks between swims
Tips for visiting
- The Large Lake (Großer Montiggler See) has the main lido
- Combine with a Wine Road walk from Appiano
When to visit
June to September offers warm, calm water; the larger lake's lido is busiest on hot weekends, when the quieter smaller lake and forest trails provide a peaceful alternative.
Accessibility
The main lido on the larger lake has nearby parking, level lawns and a gentle entry, making it relatively accessible, though grassy and wooded surfaces and the lack of guaranteed beach wheelchairs may challenge visitors with limited mobility.
Frequently asked questions
How many lakes are there at Monticolo?
There are two: the larger Großer Montiggler See, which has the main lido, and the smaller, quieter Kleiner Montiggler See, both set in forested hills near Appiano on the Wine Road.
Is the water warm?
Yes. Sheltered in a wooded basin, the Montiggler lakes are among the warmest natural bathing lakes in South Tyrol and stay comfortably warm through the summer.
What else can you do there?
The lakes are ringed by forest walking and cycling trails, and a swim combines easily with a Wine Road vineyard walk or a tasting in nearby Appiano (Eppan).