Lake Vahrn

Once considered the larger of the two Vahrn lakes, until the smaller one, located a little further down, was drained and transformed into a meadow landscape. This is also the reason why the present-day Vahrn lake was referred to as Obersee in older documents.

Although this small lake northeast of Vahrn is now privately owned, bathing is still permitted here and is also free of charge. However, there is one restriction - and it is particularly important to adhere to: swimming is only allowed in the northern part of the lake. The southern part with the adjacent biotope was placed under nature protection as early as the late 1970s. Frogs, toads, newts, salamanders, and dragonflies have made their home in the reed belt, and rare plant species have also taken root here. Thanks to the protective measures, the water quality is very high, and efforts are being made to ensure that it remains so.

The large sunbathing lawn has recently been enclosed by a fence, but the northern shore area still offers a few resting places with sunbathing opportunities. With a depth of only 3.5 meters, pleasant bathing temperatures can be expected in the summer months.

Don't be surprised if you come across the remains of a historic shooting range on the eastern shore. This was used for training purposes by soldiers from a nearby barracks in the mid-19th century. In order to avoid major risks of injury, an isolated area - namely the lake - was chosen for this purpose.

Not far away, the tempting scent of regional delicacies wafts into the nose - this comes from the kitchen of the Gasthaus zum Vahrner See, which is ideal for a stopover and serves popular Schlutzkrapfen. A campsite with around 70 pitches and a biological toilet facility complete the infrastructure around the lake. Near the campsite, you will also find a parking lot where you can park your vehicle.

The impressive mixed forest around the lake invites you to go for walks and strolls. The circular path around the Vahrn lake is not a difficult physical challenge and is also suitable for families with small children and strollers. There are always opportunities to take a break and recharge your energy with a picnic. In total, the round trip covers two kilometers, and at a leisurely pace, 45 minutes should be sufficient.

Another - slightly longer - hiking trail leads to the Franzensfeste north of the lake, built under Emperor Ferdinand I and named after Emperor Franz I of Austria. Although the fortress was never completely finished, the gray walls are still impressive when you stand directly in front of them and inhale the dark breath of history. Even a military train station was planned inside. Today, the Franzensfeste is considered the largest historical complex in South Tyrol and is open to interested visitors as part of guided tours.