Lake Vernago is located in Val Senales at 1,689 m a.s.l. and covers an area of 100 hectares
Image gallery: Lake Vernago
Lake Vernago (Vernagt Stausee in German) is an artificial lake located in the west of Merano in the beautiful Val Senales valley. This lake was created in the 1950s, when a 65 m high dam wall was built. When the water level is low, you can still see the bell tower of the ancient church rising out of the lake. When the artificial lake was established, eight farmsteads disappeared in the floods.
The emerald green lake covers a surface of about 100 hectares and is fed by the Senales river. You can surround the lake on foot on a pleasant circular trail, which takes you about 2 hours. Little waterfalls, llamas and great views can be enjoyed. By the way, starting from the lake you can walk to the Passo di Tisa mountain pass (Hauslabjoch in German, 3,200 m a.s.l.), where the famous Iceman mummy was found.
Also those who love fishing are warmly welcome at Lake Vernago, as it is habitat for river trout, rainbow trout as well as pike. You can fish with two fishing poles and up to four fish can be fished from May to October (3 days a week). The day tickets are available in the tavern in Vernago, but be aware that the Italian state licence for fishing is required. This licence is available at the town administration Kurverwaltung in the town of Merano.
