Lago di Costalovara (Wolfsgrubner See) - Image 1
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Costalovara Wolfsgruben

4.3
·183 reviews·, Italy

A serene alpine lake offering winter ice skating, summer swims, and beautiful autumn walks, easily reached from Bolzano.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Winter mornings

Crisp air, perfect ice conditions

CrowdLow
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Lago di Costalovara (Wolfsgrubner See) - Image 1

Costalovara Wolfsgruben

Best Time

Winter mornings

Crisp air, perfect ice conditions

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene alpine lake offering winter ice skating, summer swims, and beautiful autumn walks, easily reached from Bolzano.

4.3
(183 reviews)

"Enchanting and very quiet place, the walk around the lake is beautiful."

Vertical photo
TIP

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.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.3 · 183 reviews

Type

Natural Feature

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Natural Ice Rink

Natural Ice Rink

Wolfsgrubener See

Experience the thrill of skating on a frozen alpine lake, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery.

Instagram+2
Lakeside Stroll

Lakeside Stroll

Perimeter of Wolfsgrubener See

Enjoy a peaceful walk around the lake, especially enchanting in autumn with vibrant foliage.

Reddit
Menhir di Wolfsgruben

Menhir di Wolfsgruben

Near the lake

Discover ancient standing stones, a unique historical marker with intriguing inscriptions.

Instagram
Family Fun

Family Fun

Lakefront playground and canoe rentals

A calm and slow-paced afternoon with a playground and canoes available for rent.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Best Time for Ice Skating

Winter brings a magical transformation to Costalovara Wolfsgruben, turning it into a natural ice rink. Check local conditions and ice thickness before you go, as safety is paramount for enjoying this unique experience. Instagram

Getting to the Lake

Reaching Costalovara Wolfsgruben is an adventure in itself, involving a scenic cable car and train ride from Bolzano. Allow ample time for this journey, as the picturesque route is part of the charm. Reddit

Best Times

When
Winter mornings
Why
Crisp air, perfect ice conditions
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Vibrant foliage, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Summer days
Why
Refreshing swims, lakeside activities
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Karl preparing the ice for the holidays #hotelamwolfsgrubenersee #wolfsgruben #costalovara #wolfsgrubenersee #lagodicostalovara #eislaufen #iceskating #pattinaggio
hotelamwolfsgrubenersee
45 likes • 3.2K views

Check Ice Thickness 🧊

Always verify ice thickness before skating; safety first! Instagram

Scenic Journey 🚠🚂

Enjoy the cable car and train ride from Bolzano; it's part of the experience. Reddit

H236.12 Menhir di Wolfsgruben/Costalovara. Il monumento è recente ma comunque desta impressione per la sua imponente grandezza. Sulle pietre si possono osservare delle croci e altre incisioni. Le due pietre una volta sovrapooste attualmente sono a terra, una affiancata all'altra. La pietra più grande misura circa due metri in altezza. 💪🗿 📌 Maggiori informazioni su questo e altri momumenti in p...
archeologya
40 likes • 590 views
[DE] 𝐄𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐟𝐞𝐧: ⛸ Eislaufen in klarer Bergluft bei Sonnenschein ist etwas ganz Besonderes! 😍 ❗️Achtung: Bevor du die Kufen schwingst, solltest du dich vor Ort informieren, ob die Eisschicht auch genügend dick ist! ➡️ 📽 Das neue Video zum Eislaufen in Südtirol findest du bald auf Peer.tv Südtirol, im Fernsehen auf Kanal 12 und online in der Mediathek unter www.peer.tv! • [IT] 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐠𝐢𝐨 𝐬𝐮 ...
peer.tv
40 likes • 2.6K views

Swim Safely 🏊‍♀️

The lake is great for swimming in summer; two pontoons available. Reddit

Autumn Beauty 🍁

Visit in autumn for stunning colors and a tranquil ambiance. Reddit

🌲Un sabato pomeriggio semplicemente speciale 🌈 calmo, lento, immerso nella natura, con il parco giochi in riva al lago e le canoe a noleggio. Se hai domande, ti aspettiamo nei commenti ❤️ #Costalovara #wolfsgruben #Renon #Ritten #AltoAdige #Südtirol #altoadigeperfamiglie #südtirolfürfamilien #bimbinelbosco
bimbinelbosco
17 likes • 1.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Ice Thickness 🧊

Always verify ice thickness before skating; safety first! Instagram

Scenic Journey 🚠🚂

Enjoy the cable car and train ride from Bolzano; it's part of the experience. Reddit

Swim Safely 🏊‍♀️

The lake is great for swimming in summer; two pontoons available. Reddit

Autumn Beauty 🍁

Visit in autumn for stunning colors and a tranquil ambiance. Reddit

Kiosk Snacks 🍦

Grab a bite or a cold drink from the small kiosk on the southeast side. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(183 reviews)

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

Scenic journey
Peaceful atmosphere
Autumn colors

What People Dislike

Murky water
Limited kiosk options

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. Reddit

Yes, there is a parking space available at the north end of the lake. From there, you can follow the path around the lake. Reddit

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. Reddit

The journey from Bolzano, including the cable car and train ride, takes just over half an hour, making it an easily accessible day trip. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Instagram+1

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. Reddit

For general access to the lake and its natural surroundings, advance booking is typically not required. The entrance fee is usually paid on-site. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ 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. InstagramReddit+1

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. Instagram

The water can be a bit murky but is perfectly fine for swimming during the summer. It's refreshing and not overly cold. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

Picnicking is generally allowed in natural areas. You can bring your own food and enjoy it by the lake, especially in designated relaxation spots. Reddit

The kiosk typically serves snacks, hot and cold drinks, and ice cream, making it convenient for a quick bite during your visit. Reddit

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. Instagram+1

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Instagram+1

Absolutely. The combination of the alpine lake, mountains, and changing seasons provides a picturesque backdrop for landscape photography year-round. Instagram+2

Early mornings offer serene light and fewer crowds, perfect for capturing the tranquility of the lake. Instagram Golden hour in the late afternoon can also provide beautiful lighting for dramatic shots. Instagram

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

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