Ice holes
A natural phenomenon in the forest beneath the Mendola mountain attracts a large number of hikers.
Image gallery: Ice holes
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Enjoy the view on the village of Appiano when walking to the famous ice holes. Foto: ED, © Peer -
The ice holes located between Appiano and Caldaro are a popular destination for promenaders. Foto: ED, © Peer -
Of course there are several places where you can just stop, sit down and enjoy nature and surroundings. Foto: ED, © Peer -
Moss and brown leaves dominate the path leading to the ice holes in spring. Foto: ED, © Peer -
Fairytale-like area in the surroundings of Appiano. Foto: ED, © Peer -
No ice hole without ice, of course. And this is the proof. Foto: ED, © Peer -
Due to the allocation of porphyry rocks there is the phenomenon of cool air in warm seasons. Foto: ED, © Peer -
Temperatures are ranging from 0 to 9 degrees and the vegetation is similar to the one in the high alps. Foto: ED, © Peer -
Another proof for ice in the warm season. Foto: ED, © Peer -
The lanscape in the surroundings of the ice holes, a natural phenomenon that can be found at Appiano. Foto: ED, © Peer
The ice holes are located in the Oltradige region, so to speak in Appiano and Caldaro, and are considered to be a geologic attraction. Due to various porphyry derbis dating back to ancient times, a cold air area, which is about 200 m long and 50 m wide, has emerged on 500 m asl. The cold temperature provoked a fascinating high alpine vegetation to develop in the surroundings of this phenomenon. Even in summer icicles can be found in the caves.
And how does this work? The quartz porphy derbis at the steep walls of the Mendola mountain has of course got some holes. At the top, warm air enters, cools down and sinks, where it leaves the stones with a temperature of 0 to 9 degrees. The vegetation is characterised by a variety of 600 plants, which can normally be found in high alpine areas.
