Day trip destination
Antholzer See lake: a jewel in the middle of the mountains
Antholzer See lake, the third-largest lake in South Tyrol, lies at the centre of Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park and enchants visitors with its intact nature and varied animal and plant life.
The story surrounding the origins of Antholzer See lake has been told in Antholzer Tal valley for centuries. Legends has it that there were three grandiose farmhouses here in the olden days that belonged to three rich farmers. One day, a beggar called asking for charity, but none of the hard-hearted farmers opened the door to him. The beggar then prophesised that a spring would rise behind the farms and destroy the houses. And water really did begin to flow out of the mountain and flood the whole area enough to sink the three farmhouses. The sources that feed Antholzer See lake are still there today.
The mountain lake lies in the district of Rasen-Antholz at the end of Antholzer Tal valley, very close to the border with Austria at the Staller Sattel ridge at 1,642 metres above sea level. Measuring 44 hectares in area, it is the third-largest lake in South Tyrol and one of the prettiest in the Alpine area. It is surrounded by the mountains of Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park, which boasts the largest area of glacier of all of the nature parks in South Tyrol.
Looking for action
The circular walk around Antholzer See lake was turned into a nature trail in 2003. A number of stopping points and display boards inform walkers about the flora and fauna in the Nature Park and the most important rocks and peaks. The path leads mainly through woodland. There are not just lots of hiking options here, but mountain bikers love the area, too. The nearly-100-kilometre-long Klammrunde route, leading from Antholz via the Staller Sattel ridge down to Defereggental valley in Austria and from there to Klammjoch in Reintal valley is a real challenge. From here, it goes downhill for a bit, first via Rein and Sand in Taufers to Bruneck, where you can take the Pustertal cycle path and then return to Antholzer Tal valley. Right near Antholzer See lake there is Südtirol Arena biathlon centre, where the famous World Cup race takes place every year.
Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park
Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park comprises an area of over 31,000 hectares and stretches across the districts of Ahrntal valley and Prettau, Sand in Taufers, Gais, Percha and Rasen-Antholz. Typical features of the Nature Park are mountain streams and lakes, and it borders on Hohe Tauern National Park to the east.
Antholzer See lake
Further information
The Lake of Antholz is situated at the end of the valley.
Dark green coniferous forests, the breathtaking mountain scenery of the Rieserferner mountain chain and, in the midst of all this, shimmering turquoise-green water. This is the dreamlike scenery of the lake called Antholzer See, one of the most beautiful lakes in the Alps! And with 44 hectares and a depth of 38 m, this idyllic pearl of our Blue Valley is the third largest mountain lake in South Tyrol. Located at the head of the valley, it is also very close to the well-known Staller Saddle mountain pass and Austria. At an altitude of approx. 1,640 m, families, nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy countless activities in the Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park all year round.