Lakes of Monticolo

The lakes of Monticolo are natural phenomenons without equal. Let’s take a closer look at the two emeralds in the forest.

Beside a welcome refreshment, the two Monticolo lakes also represent an enrichment for the recreation area of the Monticolo forest. Hiking trails stretch past these lakes and of course round about, little beaches and rocks are available for sun-bathers and water rats. Also two small wetland areas belong to the lakes, these areas are called “Purzelmoos” and “Langmoos”. The origins of the lakes date back to the Ice Age, not only for this reason the entire area is under natural protection.

An eye-catcher at the western lakeside of the larger lake of Monticolo is the so-called “Scheeschloessl”, that is to say a pretty castle-like building, located directly at the tree-covered lakeside. Constructed by the aristocrat Josef Zastrow from Germany in 1888, it seems like taken from a fairytale. It has been modelled basing on the Mediaeval style and boasts staircase-shaped gables and windows with pointed arches. Max Sparer (Termeno) and many other painters often came to this place in order to draw one’s inspiration from this beautiful spot of land. From 1902 the castle has been owned by the municipality of Appiano.

By the way, the two Monticolo lakes have been classed among the cleanest lakes of Italy by the associations Lega Ambiente and Touring Club Italia. This classification also takes into consideration the quality of accommodation, the historic centre of the village, gastronomy, the landscape of the surroundings and the offers for visitors.