Around the Big Monticolo (Montiggl) Lake

Our favorite seasons for this hike are spring and autumn because summer can be hot and crowded with swimmers. We leave the car at the parking lot right next to Big Monticolo Lake (there’s also an option to park further up, just after the roundabout, and hike down through the forest).
We follow trail number 16, which starts with charming little wooden footbridges leading through the Monticolo Biotope before we finally enter the forest. Along the circular trail around the lake, we take occasional detours to the small beaches, where, in warm weather, you can dip your feet in the water or even go for a swim.
On the northern shore, you’ll reach the distinctive rocks that offer a stunning view of the shimmering waters of Big Monticolo Lake. Be careful with small children here, as some sections have steep drop-offs.
Shortly after the rocky viewpoint, you could take a right turn to hike to Small Monticolo Lake, but we prefer a more relaxed approach and continue along the lakeside path back to the starting point.
You can hike around the lake in either direction—we always decide based on our mood, the position of the sun, and whether we’d rather walk with the sun on our faces or at our backs.