September is one of the most gorgeous months for outdoor adventures. At this time of year, the trees transform into beautiful warm hues, the temperatures decrease, and access to enchanting high-altitude locations becomes easier. Here are the most stunning lakes in Plan de Corones to visit in the autumn.
Where are the lakes in Plan de Corones?
Plan de Corones is a mountain in the southeastern Alps. It is located in the province of Bolzano, Trentino-Alto Adige, and is part of the Braies Dolomites. The summit, located a few kilometers from Brunico, rises to 7,464 feet and divides the Pusteria Valley from the Marebbe Valley. Spitzhörnle is the common name for its panettone-shaped peak. This mountain has natural things to discover, such as the Plan de Corones Lakes.
However, it is not all. In reality, reaching Plan de Corones provides an outstanding panoramic perspective of the surrounding Dolomite peaks. Brunico, San Vigilio, and Valdaora are among the area’s unique and well-known winter sports and trekking destinations. In fall, the lakes of Plan de Corones provide a stunning spectacle as the trees change color, enveloping the surrounding landscape in warm hues. This is the best time of year to go on excursions and treks to Plan de Corones’ five lakes.
Explore the five lakes of Plan de Corones.
Lake Anterselva, known for its turquoise waters, is one of the most picturesque lakes in the Alps. It is located at the end of the Anterselva Valley, near Passo Stalle, and on the Austrian border. The area is located at an elevation of around 3,380 feet and allows you to go for walks along the lake’s route, surrounded by distinctive vegetation and wildlife. It is a fantastic location for nature, outdoor, and trekking enthusiasts, who will also discover plenty of outdoor activities during autumn.
You can either walk from San Vigilio and Valdaora to the Colli Alti lake or take the Via Ferrata Piz da Peres. The Via Ferrata Piz da Peres divides into three sections, each with a varying degree of difficulty. During the ascent, you can enjoy spectacular views of the neighboring peaks. The Colli Alti lake provides one of the most picturesque views in the Dolomites. Reed beds grow along its banks, providing opportunities for birdwatching.
The Green Lake and the Other Lakes
A stunning natural setting surrounds the Green Lake of Fanes. A walk around the lake allows you to appreciate its beauty and the peacefulness of an uncontaminated environment. Mountains with vertical walls and peaks surround the lake, creating a spectacular scene. You can get to the Green Lake by climbing from the Pederù refuge at San Vigilio di Marebbe.
Furthermore, you may reach the Limo Lake from Pederü by taking trail 7 up to the Fanes refuge. Here, you can pause to savor authentic, simple-to-make traditional cuisine. In addition, the shuttle runs every 20 minutes from San Vigilio. Alternatively, you can reach the Lavarella refuge, which also houses Europe’s tallest brewery. You will enjoy authentic artisan beer as well as a variety of gourmet delicacies.
Finally, you arrive at Lake Issengo from the village of Chienes. After a few kilometers, you will come upon an exquisite environment with streams and spruce trees. There are several playspaces available for youngsters. As you continue east, you will encounter a high-ropes course that offers a variety of adrenaline-fueled itineraries suitable for both beginners and specialists.
Other Plan de Corones attractions
In addition to the lakes of Plan de Corones, there are many more sites in the vicinity that are well worth visiting.
The trails
The nature reserves of Fanes-Senes-Braies, Puez-Odle, and Vedrette di Ries-Aurina surround this area, offering visitors three natural parks to enjoy. You can see wide green meadows and gorgeous side valleys, verdant forests and alpine pastures, waterfalls, and crystal clear lakes. The “Egger Waterfall” trail in the Anterselva Valley leads to the Egger Farms and the picturesque waterfall, making it accessible to all.
However, once you arrive at Egger Farms, you can take the road on the right to reach the Klammbach waterfall, a 45-minute walk away. Instead, the Concordia 360° circular trail ascends to 7,463 feet and rounds the summit of Plan de Corones, beginning at the Concordia bell. Along the route, you’ll encounter the Messner Mountain Museum Corones, honoring legendary climbers, and the LUMEN Museum, emphasizing the history of mountain photography.
The monuments
On the summit of Plan de Corones, you can see the Concordia 2000 peace bell, the second-largest bell in the Alpine range. At the top, there is also the Schützenkapelle, a chapel dedicated to Saint Sebastian and housing a relic of the last Austrian monarch, Charles I.
Instead, Skyscraper is a massive swing. A winch hauls you to a height of 15 meters, releases the rope, and launches you into the void while hanging on two steel wires. The attraction is open till the end of October.
The nearby settlements
Excursions to the lakes of Plan de Corones frequently begin in the nearby villages. They represent additional things to see in the neighborhood.
Brunico
Brunico is the main town in the Pusteria Valley. In its historic center stands a castle from the mid-thirteenth century. The Church of Santa Maria Assunta comes from the following century. The Church of Santa Maria Assunta features two bell towers and showcases a Neo-Romanesque design. The city’s admission gates, as well as the Via Centrale, the historic center’s main street, are worth viewing. It shows typical residences with windows adorned with crenellated gables in medieval style.
San Vigilio
San Vigilio is a hamlet in the Marebbe municipality, nestled in a broad and lovely valley between the Plan de Corones and other mountains. San Vigilio is a popular winter ski and mountaineering resort that also offers trails and a variety of outdoor sports throughout the summer. The historic center houses the Church of San Vigilio, a baroque-style building from the late 18th century. The structure boasts lavish interior decoration.
Valdaora
Valdaora is a municipality in the Pusteria valley near Plan de Corones. The territory contains the municipalities of Valdaora di sopra (Oberolang), di sotto (Niederolang), and di mezzo (Mitterolang). The municipality bordered the Fanes-Sennes e Braies Natural Park. The town has medieval origins. Built in the 15th century, the church of Santa Maria Assunta in Valdaora di Sopra is worth seeing in its current baroque form.
Lakes of Plan de Corones Gallery
Video Lakes of Plan de Corones
Lakes of Plan de Corones map
Brunico weather
Meteo Brunico
Tourist information offices near the Plan de Corones lakes
The tourist information offices near Plan de Corones can be found at:
- Tourist Association Anterselva, Rasun di Sotto 60. Contact details: Tel: +39 0474 492 116. E-mail: info@antholzertal.com
- Brunico Kronplatz Tourism, Town Hall Square 7. Contact details: Tel: +39 0474 555 722. E-mail: info@bruneck.com
- Tourist Association Val Casies-Monguelfo-Tesido-SSan Martino 10a, Val Casies. Contact details: Tel: +39 0474 978 436. E-mail: info@gsieser-tal.com
- Tourist Association Chienes—Via Chienes 4, Chienes. Contacts: Tel: +39 0474 565 245. E-mail: info@kiens.bz
- Tourist Association Valdaora—Piazza Floriani 19. Contacts: Tel: +39 0474 496 277. E-mail: info@olang.com
- Tourist Association San Martino in Badia, Paese 10. Contacts: Tel: +39 0474 523 175. E-mail: info@sanmartin.it
- Tourist Association San Vigilio di Marebbe, Strada Catarina Lanz 14/3. Contacts: Tel: +39 0474 501 037. E-mail: info@sanvigilio.com.
