Olanger See is an artificial lake in the Upper Puster Valley, admired for its unusually long, narrow shape and its calm, mountain-framed setting. It stretches between the villages of Valdaora di Sopra and Monguelfo, filling almost the entire width of the valley floor.

Measuring roughly 1,700 m in length but only 400 m in width, the lake has a distinctive, river-like appearance. On one side runs the main road and the Puster Valley railway line, while on the other a dedicated cycling path follows the shore, making the lake a scenic companion for anyone travelling through the valley. Surrounded by gentle slopes with views toward the Dolomites, it draws anglers and cyclists in summer, while in autumn and winter it takes on a quieter, more reflective mood as the still water mirrors the surrounding peaks.

How to get there

• Valdaora di Sopra — easy access on foot or by bike along the Puster Valley cycle path, approx. 10-15 minutes, easy route
• Monguelfo — alternative starting point, reachable from the western side of the lake, easy route

Practical information

• Fishing is allowed with a valid fishing licence

Interestingly, a natural lake once occupied this exact spot, but it was drained in 1359 by Georg von Welsperg, one of the founders of Monguelfo, opening the valley to settlement long before today's reservoir was created.