The Anterselva Valley (Antholzer Tal) is a side valley of the Puster Valley in South Tyrol, famous for its turquoise Lake Anterselva and dramatic views of the Rieserferner mountain range. It offers a perfect mix of easy accessibility and genuine alpine scenery, making it a favorite for both families and hikers.

Stretching 21 kilometers from Olang to the Staller Sattel pass (2052 m) — the gateway to the Defereggen Valley in East Tyrol — the valley shifts from a broad valley floor to steep slopes dominated by the Rieserferner mountains to the west and north, and the Villgraten Mountains to the east. In summer, dense spruce and Swiss pine forests frame the lake's bright waters, while winter transforms the valley into a renowned biathlon and cross-country skiing destination. Spring and autumn bring quiet trails and a chance to spot alpine flora, including the round-leaved sundew growing in the valley's peat bogs.

How to get there

• Olang — turn off from the Puster Valley road, then drive along the valley road, easy access by car
• Antholz Mittertal — starting point for hiking trails around the lake and toward Staller Sattel, time and difficulty vary by route

Good to know

• Much of the valley's right-hand slopes lie within the Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park
• The Rasner Möser is a protected peat bog wetland covering about 35 hectares

Lake Anterselva, the third-largest natural lake in South Tyrol, was formed by massive debris cones damming the valley on both sides — a striking example of the powerful natural forces that shaped this landscape.