St. Valentin on the Haide: Lake, Trails and Winter Sports
Accommodation in St. Valentin on the Haide
St. Valentin on the Haide combines a high-altitude Alpine lake with a village center rich in church history and trails leading into the mountain landscape. You can therefore explore the village according to different interests: by the water, following historical traces, while hiking and cycling, or enjoying winter sports. When choosing accommodation in St. Haide, your planned focus is particularly important.
File:Altes Schulhaus (St. Valentin a. d. Haide).jpg
Photo: ArthurMcGill via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Lake and Local History
Lake San Valentino alla Muta is a small Alpine lake at an altitude of 1,450 meters and is located in the municipality of Curon Venosta (BZ). The natural lake is approximately 2.5 kilometers long and more than 600 meters wide. It lies in San Valentino alla Muta, with the Ortler providing an impressive backdrop. In the village center, next to the parish church, is the hospice “S. Voltn,” founded in 1140. The first chapel of St. Valentin, a predecessor of today’s parish church, was consecrated on October 16, 1140. The old bell tower of the parish church has also been preserved and was only raised slightly.
Around the Water
Those who want to experience the lake on foot can take the “Giro lago di San Valentino,” a flat running or hiking circuit around the lake. The route passes protected biotopes and crosses wooden footbridges. Information boards along the trail provide details about bird and fish species found in the area around the lake. The circuit can be reached by taking the Vinschger Bahn train to Mals station and then bus route 273 to the San Valentino alla Muta (cable car) stop. This also makes it possible to plan this lake experience using public transport.
Trails into the Mountain Landscape
The “360° Alta Venosta: San Valentino a. M. – Resia” route begins in the village of San Valentino alla Muta and climbs up to Haideralm. It offers views of Lake Reschen and the surrounding mountain landscape. The snowshoe hike to Bruggeralm has a different character: It begins on the northern shore of Lake San Valentino, follows the trail along the western shore to the junction and trail no. 8 to Faulensee, and then continues north into the Zerzertal valley. Along the way, it passes the San Martino chapel.
Winter Activities
In winter, when the ice is sufficiently thick, the lake’s frozen surface is used for ice sailing. Special boats with runners are used for this purpose; the activity is mainly practiced by experienced sailors. The Belpiano–Malga San Valentino ski area reaches an altitude of 2,200 meters. Its ski slopes are directly accessible from the village of San Valentino. The ski area also includes a snow park with butter boxes and a fun slope. Sport fishing is possible at Lake Haider from the end of April to the end of October.
Cycle Path and Choosing a Location
San Valentino alla Muta is directly connected to the Via Claudia Augusta cycle path. This means that different themes are available when planning a stay: the lake with its flat circuit, the trails to Haideralm and Bruggeralm, the historic parish church, the cycle path and the ski area. Depending on whether you want to focus on culture, water, the mountain landscape, cycling or winter sports, you can choose the location of your accommodation to suit your travel plans.
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To the higher-level travel overview: Vinschgau.
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