Antholzer See is a small alpine lake resting at 1642 m in the Anterselva Valley in South Tyrol. Surrounded by dense conifer forests, its turquoise waters offer a peaceful escape from the busier corners of the Dolomites.

The lake formed when landslides from the surrounding mountains dammed the Anterselva stream. In summer, it is a lovely spot for a lakeside walk, a quiet rest by the water, or a picnic beneath the spruces, while in winter the area transforms into a snowy scene well known to biathlon fans visiting the nearby sports center. The surrounding peaks of the Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park complete the atmosphere.

How to get there

• Rasun Anterselva — by road along the Anterselva Valley, accessible by car, easy
• Continue on the road toward Staller Sattel pass (border with Austria) — walking path around the lake, easy

Practical information

• The lake lies within the Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park
• Several WWII-era bunkers from the Alpine Wall defense line remain around the lake

Local legend tells that the lake formed where three stingy farmers once chased away a beggar without giving him alms — his curse caused water to burst from the ground and swallow their farms. Scenes from the film Il caso Mattei were also shot on its shores, and businessman Enrico Mattei once had a secluded retreat here.