
Costalovara Wolfsgruben
A serene alpine lake offering winter ice skating, summer swims, and beautiful autumn walks, easily reached from Bolzano.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Crisp air, perfect ice conditions

Costalovara Wolfsgruben
Best Time
Crisp air, perfect ice conditions
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene alpine lake offering winter ice skating, summer swims, and beautiful autumn walks, easily reached from Bolzano.
"Enchanting and very quiet place, the walk around the lake is beautiful."

Check Ice Thickness 🧊
Always verify ice thickness before skating; safety first!
Scenic Journey 🚠🚂
Enjoy the cable car and train ride from Bolzano; it's part of the experience.

Quick Facts
Rating
4.3 · 183 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Natural Ice Rink
Wolfsgrubener See
Experience the thrill of skating on a frozen alpine lake, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery.

Lakeside Stroll
Perimeter of Wolfsgrubener See
Enjoy a peaceful walk around the lake, especially enchanting in autumn with vibrant foliage.

Menhir di Wolfsgruben
Near the lake
Discover ancient standing stones, a unique historical marker with intriguing inscriptions.

Family Fun
Lakefront playground and canoe rentals
A calm and slow-paced afternoon with a playground and canoes available for rent.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Ice Skating
Getting to the Lake
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Ice Thickness 🧊
Always verify ice thickness before skating; safety first!
Scenic Journey 🚠🚂
Enjoy the cable car and train ride from Bolzano; it's part of the experience.
Swim Safely 🏊♀️
The lake is great for swimming in summer; two pontoons available.
Autumn Beauty 🍁
Visit in autumn for stunning colors and a tranquil ambiance.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Ice Thickness 🧊
Always verify ice thickness before skating; safety first!
Scenic Journey 🚠🚂
Enjoy the cable car and train ride from Bolzano; it's part of the experience.
Swim Safely 🏊♀️
The lake is great for swimming in summer; two pontoons available.
Autumn Beauty 🍁
Visit in autumn for stunning colors and a tranquil ambiance.
Kiosk Snacks 🍦
Grab a bite or a cold drink from the small kiosk on the southeast side.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Costalovara Wolfsgruben is praised as a beautiful and tranquil alpine lake, easily accessible from Bolzano via a scenic public transport route. Visitors enjoy its natural charm, especially for autumn walks and winter ice skating. While the facilities are basic, the peaceful atmosphere and stunning scenery make it a worthwhile visit for relaxation and outdoor activities.
"A very nice little lake. You can easily get here from Bolzano via the Ritten cable car close to the bus station in Central Bolzano, then take the train to Wolfsgruber/Costalovara (careful not to miss the station). From the train stop it's a 15-20min walk downhill to the lake. From the parking space at the north end of the lake you follow the lake clockwise to the southeast side where there's a small kiosk and grassy area. Entrance is €3 for adults (you can also follow the path past the fenced place and get to the water from the forest).
The water is a bit murky, but perfectly fine to swim in. During the summers the water is refreshing, but not cold. There are two floating pontoons to rest on.
The kiosk has a small number of food items, hot and cold beverages, and ice cream."
Per Enström
"Great lake for an open water training swim."
SportsTribe SportsTribe
"nice place to walk and relax"
Mevlüt Akdağ
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Take the Ritten cable car from Bolzano to Soprabolzano, then board the scenic Renon Railway (Renner) to the Wolfsgruber/Costalovara station. From there, it's a pleasant 15-20 minute downhill walk to the lake.
Yes, there is a parking space available at the north end of the lake. From there, you can follow the path around the lake.
The Renon Railway (Renner) is a historic narrow-gauge railway that connects various villages on the Renon plateau, offering stunning views as it winds its way through the landscape.
The journey from Bolzano, including the cable car and train ride, takes just over half an hour, making it an easily accessible day trip.
While the primary public transport route involves the cable car and train, local bus services might be available depending on the season and specific routes on the Renon plateau. It's best to check local transport schedules.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a small entrance fee of €3 for adults to access the main swimming and relaxation areas. You can also access the water from the forest by following paths past the fenced area.
As a natural lake, Costalovara Wolfsgruben is generally accessible year-round. However, specific facilities like the kiosk or rental services will have seasonal operating hours. The hotel nearby closes for periods, so check their schedule if planning around them.
Information on ice skate rentals is not widely available. It's advisable to bring your own skates if you plan to ice skate during the winter months.
During summer, the lake is suitable for swimming and is refreshing but not cold. There are two floating pontoons for resting. Always be mindful of water conditions and personal safety.
For general access to the lake and its natural surroundings, advance booking is typically not required. The entrance fee is usually paid on-site.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include ice skating in winter, swimming and open-water training in summer, walking and relaxing around the lake, and enjoying the lakeside playground. Canoe rentals are also available.
Yes, it's a great spot for families with a playground by the lake and opportunities for gentle walks and canoe rides. The calm atmosphere makes it enjoyable for all ages.
The water can be a bit murky but is perfectly fine for swimming during the summer. It's refreshing and not overly cold.
Basic facilities like a small kiosk are available on the southeast side of the lake, offering food and beverages. Restroom availability might be limited to these areas or nearby establishments.
The Menhir di Wolfsgruben is a historical standing stone monument near the lake, featuring ancient crosses and other carvings. It's an impressive sight, with the larger stone measuring about two meters in height.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a small kiosk on the southeast side of the lake that offers a limited selection of food items, hot and cold beverages, and ice cream.
Picnicking is generally allowed in natural areas. You can bring your own food and enjoy it by the lake, especially in designated relaxation spots.
The kiosk typically serves snacks, hot and cold drinks, and ice cream, making it convenient for a quick bite during your visit.
The Hotel Am Wolfsgrubener See offers dining, including Italian antipasti and other cuisine. However, the hotel does close for periods, so it's best to check their operational status.
While the kiosk is basic, enjoying a snack or drink there offers views of the lake. For more formal dining, you might need to explore options in nearby villages or at the hotel if it's open.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the lake reflecting the sky, especially during sunrise or sunset. The surrounding mountains, autumn foliage, and the winter ice rink offer diverse photographic subjects.
Absolutely. The combination of the alpine lake, mountains, and changing seasons provides a picturesque backdrop for landscape photography year-round.
Early mornings offer serene light and fewer crowds, perfect for capturing the tranquility of the lake. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also provide beautiful lighting for dramatic shots.
The Menhir di Wolfsgruben offers a unique historical element for photos. The floating pontoons in summer and the vast ice surface in winter are also iconic subjects.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. If visiting in winter, ensure your camera is protected from the cold. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or capturing reflections.







Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit