Antholzer See, Natural lake in Rasen-Antholz, Italy.
Antholzer See is a natural lake in Rasen-Antholz situated at roughly 1,600 meters (5,250 feet) elevation, ringed by peaks of the Rieserferner massif. The water body spans about 44 hectares and is framed by forested slopes and alpine meadows.
The lake came into being through geological processes during the last ice age, when glaciers carved out the current basin in the Anterselva Valley. Thousands of years of glacier movement shaped the landscape into the depression that holds water today.
The lake carries two names reflecting the blend of Italian and German cultures in the area: Lago di Anterselva and Antholzer See. You'll notice this duality on signs and in conversation throughout the region.
A walking path of roughly 2.7 kilometers circles the lake and is easy to follow. Along the way you'll find stations that explain local bird species and regional plant life.
A biathlon stadium nearby will host Olympic competitions in 2026, making this region South Tyrol's first Olympic venue. This special status has drawn international attention to what is otherwise a quiet mountain valley.
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