In the Val Senales valley, where Oetzi, the Ice Man, was discovered on the glacier, there is the Vernago Reservoir or Vernagt See
Image gallery: Lake Vernago
Lake Vernago lies in the middle of the Val Senales in the west of Merano at 1,689 m a.s.l. It is fed by the Rio Senales brook. The reservoir originated in the 1950s, when a 65 metres high dam wall was built and eight farms as well as a church were flooded. Sometimes still today the steeple can be seen at low water. The lake, the proximity to the place of discovery of Oetzi, the Gruppo di Tessa Nature Park and the skiing area on the Val Senales Glacier attract a large number of people.
The small village of Vernago al Lago is situated at the lakeside. Numerous fish species spash about in the waters, e.g. brown trouts, rainbow trouts and pikes, which are very popular with fishermen. Therefor you need an Italian state licence (available at the Merano Tourist Office) as well as a day ticket (available in the tavern in Vernago al Lago). The 2-hour hike around Lake Vernago, however, features waterfalls, beautiful spots and great views. Above the lake - and reachable from the path - you can find the Oetzi High-Rope Park, a real challenge for people of all ages. If you want to hike further, you can continue to the place of discovery of Oetzi at the Giogo di Tisa mountain pass.
Altitude: 1,689 m a.s.l.
Surface: 100 hectares
Depth: max. 56 m
Category: reservoir
