Völser Weiher: Hiking to a Beautiful Swimming Hole in the Dolomites

Looking for more great easy hikes near Völser Weiher?
Hike the charming Trail of the Witches in the Alpe di Siusi, or take a stroll from Castelrotto to the lovely St. Valentin Church.

DIFFICULTY

Easy/Moderate — The hike starts off with at a fairly steep incline, but the trail is wide and well maintained. We reached the first lake in just 20 minutes. On the return trip, we took the trail through the woods. This trail follows a gentler incline, but watch for roots on the path.

WE HIKED IT

August, 2023, about two hours, including a half hour swim break

CURRENT INFO

If you’re planning a trip to Italy that includes this region of the Dolomites, I recommend the Rick Steves’ Italy guidebook. It includes many great tips and recommendations, although it doesn’t cover Völser Weiher. For more information, including a map of our route, check out the AllTrails website. The trail is well-signed, but I still recommend downloading the map ahead of time.

GOOD TO KNOW

• To reach the Völser Weiher trailhead, take Bus #170 from Bolzano, Seis, or Castelrotto. From either direction, get off at the St. Konstantin Camping bus stop. The trailhead is located along the road near the bus stop.
• To hike to Völser Weiher, we followed the loop trail recommended on the AllTrails website. From here, you can connect to many other trails in the area if you want a longer hike.
• Bikes are allowed on some trails to Völser Weiher. Some of the trails we hiked were open to bikes, while others were not, so check ahead of time to determine the best route. Local bike rental shops offer good information.
• Public toilets are available at the swimming hut at the first lake. And let me tell you, these are some restrooms! You won’t find any trailside pit toilets at Völser Weiher, no sir.
• A few fountains offer drinking water along the trail around the first lake. You can also access water at the public restroom at the swim hut.
• There are two restaurants located by the first lake, including a café next to the swim hut and an ice cream shop. There is also a hotel and parking lot near the south end of the lake.
• Swimming is only allowed in the first lake. The second lake is ideal for those looking for a more peaceful experience out of the water, and offers the best views.
• The public swimming area is located at the main dock on the east side of the lake. There are a few other smaller docks along the lakeshore, but these are private.
• Always follow Leave No Trace principles.

HIGHLIGHTS

Völser Weiher delights visitors with Dolomite views from a pair of charming lakes – one of which just happens to be a fabulous swimming hole. If the idea of swimming in a natural mountain lake with access to a dock and changing rooms appeals to you, this is the place for you. And if you need a break from the crowds lounging on the dock, a short walk through the woods leads to Lake #2. Here, no swimming is allowed, and you’ll be greeted with even more incredible views of the Schlern Mountain. Völser Weiher gives you two lakes with two unique experiences, adding up to one grand day out in the Dolomites.

THE KIDS’ TAKE

The hike to Völser Weiher may be steep, but the destination is worth the climb. My younger son, who is always up for a swim, declared this would be the perfect spot for his next birthday party… if only it were a little closer to home. The lake water is crisp, but not too cold, and the public dock makes it easy to jump right in (more cautious swimmer can opt to use the ladder).

As great as it was to get in the water, what really blew my mind were the changing rooms and restrooms. Check out this photo below and you’ll see what I mean. You’d never guess these were the restrooms of a public bathing house — and free, too! Then there’s the café next door. We didn’t try it, but from the looks of it the food was definitely a step up from the usual beachside snack shack. With ice cream for the kids and cocktails for the adults, they have the bases covered.

We were there on a cloudy day, and the looming threat of a thundershower may have kept some swimmers out of the water. It was still a happening place, however, and I can only imagine how busy it must get on a sunny summer afternoon. Fortunately, there are a number of benches around both lakes where you can enjoy a picnic if it’s too crowded by the swim hut. Come prepared for fun, and you won’t be disappointed!

WHILE YOU’RE HERE

The short hike to Völser Weiher is perfect for pairing with other hikes in the area around Seis and the Alpe di Siusi. We spent the morning hiking the Trail of the Witches before heading to Völser Weiher after lunch. You could even follow it up with an evening walk from Casterotto to St. Valentin (I recommend this option for those staying in Castelrotto).

You can also make Völser Weiher part of a longer hike, with a variety of trails from which to choose. Those with extra energy may want to try the eight-mile out-and-back hike to the top of the Schlern, the distinctive mountain flanking the southwestern edge of the Alpe di Siusi. Or maybe you just want to find a quiet bench and relax by the lake… at Völser Weiher, you get to choose your own adventure!

After a morning hike on the Trail of the Witches and a glorious lunch at Huber Schwaige in Compatsch, it was time to try something new. We caught the #170 bus across the road from the Seiser Alm Bergbahn (aka the Alpe di Siusi cable car station), then hopped off a few stops later at St. Konstantin Camping. Across the road, a wooden sign post helpfully pointed out the way to our destination: Völser Weiher. Now if only those darkening storm clouds could hold off just a little longer…

Fortunately, the clouds weren’t blocking our view of the magnificent Schlern Mountain. Home of the fabled Schlern Witch, this imposing stone giant watched over us as we began the climb up the trail.

And by up the trail, I do mean up the trail. You will climb steadily upwards the entire way to the lakes. This was a bit of a surprise, only because when we hear the words “easy hike” we tend to envision a flat, level trail. This is not that hike. Still, the hike was not difficult, even if we did huff and puff a little as we climbed. We were soon rewarded when we reached the first lake after only 20 minutes of steady hiking.

But let’s not jump ahead without providing some more details about the trail. The first section was relatively narrow, but well maintained, while the second half followed a wide gravel path open to bikers as well as hikers. We encountered a handful of others out on the trail, but it was far from crowded.

It was a bit of a surprise, therefore, when we reached Völser Weiher, and hey! There are people here — a lot of them, actually! Most of them were across the water at what appeared to be an immensely popular swimming dock. Others strolled the trail, or enjoyed the view from one of the wooden benches situated along the shore. A charming mountain chalet restaurant was only steps away from where we stood.

Luck was with us, and thus far the rain had passed us by. In the mountains, the weather can change in an instant, so we knew we had to seize the moment if we wanted to swim. We headed for the swimming dock, where I was astonished to find the cleanest, classiest restrooms and changing rooms I have ever encountered at a public park. And wait, these are free to use? What sorcery is this?!

No surprise to us, my younger son, T, was the first to take to the water, leaping without hesitation into the deep. I was more reserved as I cautiously tested the waters. It was a pleasant surprise to find the lake was refreshingly cool, not the frigid glacial water I’m used to encountering in the mountains.

“This is my favorite swimming lake ever!” T crowed from the water as he paddled to shore and prepared for another plunge.

Our time was limited, however, if we wanted to see the second lake. Needless to say, T was not ready to leave the water, and our friends graciously agreed to keep an eye on him while Michael and I, along with the older boys, headed to the second lake at Völser Weiher. Yes, as far as I can tell, both lakes share the same name. And yes, it’s confusing. To keep things simple, let’s call this first one Lake #1 and the next one Lake #2.

On the opposite side of the café, we found a dirt trail leading through the woods. The path is fairly level, but there are some rocks and roots along the trail. For an easier route, you can head further up Lake #1 where a wide gravel path connects it to Lake #2.

We soon arrived at Lake #2, and I immediately knew we had made the right decision in coming here. While Lake #1 was bustling, Lake #2 was calm and serene, with stunning views of the Dolomites rising above the trees. No swimming is allowed at Lake #2, making it the perfect option for those who simply want to be surrounded by nature.

Michael and I strolled around the lake with our older son, J, then followed the main path back to Lake #1. After convincing T he really did have to leave the water (parting is such sweet sorrow), our group continued on the loop trail around Lake #1. At the far end of the lake, we discovered a drinking fountain and eagerly refilled our water bottles. There’s nothing better than cold, clear mountain water to quench your thirst.

We also discovered a sizeable hotel and parking lot near this end of the lake. Ah, so that’s where all the people came from! You don’t have to hike here, you can drive.

After completing the loop around Völser Weiher, we continued past the turnoff for the trail that had led us to the lakes. About 50 feet past this point, we came to another trail branching off into the woods to our left, offering us a different option for our return hike.

Unlike the first trail, this one is open to hikers only. It’s also not quite as steep, and meanders through the forest along dirt paths and boardwalks before crossing into an open meadow. In the meadow, we turned left at the trail intersection, which led us back to our original route. At the next intersection, we turned right and followed the trail downhill to the main road.

Sunshine dappled the forests and farmland, and the dark clouds were now only a lingering memory. We had made it to Völser Weiher and back with scarcely a drop of rain, and even managed to squeeze in a quick swim. What luck! And what a way to wrap up a day of amazing adventures in the Dolomites.