The Laghetto di Fie (Völser Weiher) is a small natural lake at around 1,050 metres, at the foot of the Sciliar among meadows and woodland. It's shallow, no more than three and a half metres deep, and in summer it's one of the cleanest swimming lakes in Italy, with wooden jetties for sunbathing, daily water checks and rowing boats for hire. In winter it freezes over and becomes a natural ice rink: a quiet place, away from the crowds, where the peaks reflect on the surface.

Around it, the Fie allo Sciliar basin keeps a rural feel and a few notable old landmarks. The best known is Castel Presule (Schloss Prösels), the ancestral seat of the lords of Fie and one of the best-kept castles in South Tyrol. The building you see today was finished in 1517 and is open for guided tours and events. With the water, the meadows and the castle all in one spot, you get nature and history together without wearing your legs out.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim in the Laghetto di Fie?

Yes. In summer the small natural lake is open for swimming and set up with wooden jetties. It's shallow and ranks among the cleanest swimming lakes in Italy. In winter it freezes over and becomes an ice rink.

Which castle can you visit in the area?

Castel Presule, the seat of the lords of Fie, finished in 1517, is one of the best-kept castles in South Tyrol. You can visit it on guided tours, and it hosts events through the season.