Sulfner Weiher Pond

Locals refer to the pond above Hafling/Avelengo either as Sulfner Weiher, which means 'pond' or Sulfner See, which means 'lake'. Whether the body of water classifies as a pond or a lake, it was created many years ago as an artificial water reservoir to irrigate Sulfner's lower lying pastures. Over time, many animal and plant species settled in and around the pond.

The pond is at its loveliest in summer. White water lilies cover the pond while yellow irises, floating water plantains, marsh horsetails, bulrushes, bur-reed, and a host of other plants thrive at the shoreline. Higher up on the banks of the pond, Alpine roses bloom in June - a colourful juxtaposition to forests of spruce, larch and Scots pine. In spring, common toads mate by the hundreds in the water: in the months that follow, naturally, you can see myriad tadpoles and small frogs in the water, surrounded by dragonflies.

The Sulfner Weiher Pond is easy to reach in a short walk from St. Kathrein/S. Caterina.

Approach
Coming from both directions of the freeway Meran/Merano - Bolzano/Bozen (MEBO), take the exit of Meran Süd/Merano Sud and follow directions towards Meran first, to then turn right towards Hafling/Avelengo. Shortly before Hafling Dorf/Avelengo Paese turn left towards S. Kathrein/S. Caterina.

Parking
Small parking area in St. Kathrein

Public transportation
With the bus until the bus stop "Tankstelle Hafling", follow the way no. 2 until St. Kathrein (15 min.):

- Bus no. 225 "Meran - Hafling - Falzeben"

- Bus no. 204 "Hafling - Vöran - Mölten - Terlan - Bozen" (until Hafling Dorf, than change to busline no. 225)

You'll find the time table on the site: www.suedtirolmobil.info/en/