Antholzer Lake South Tyrol

The Antholzer Lake in South Tyrol in Winter

Snow-covered forests, surrounded by the mountains of the Rieserferner Ahrn Group, a frozen layer of ice at an altitude of 1,642 meters, that's the Antholzer Lake in winter. If you forget your gloves, you will freeze just like the lake, as temperatures of up to -25 degrees are not uncommon here. But the great thing is that you can even walk on the water in winter, which may sound strange but is really no joke. In this season, the Antholzer Lake in South Tyrol is frozen, so even cross-country skiing over the lake is possible. If you don't believe this, the international elite of biathlon will confirm it, as they come here every year for the Biathlon World Cup in Antholz, the largest sports event in South Tyrol.

Where is the Antholzer Lake in South Tyrol located

From the Pustertal road, turn into the Antholz Valley at Olang. Passing through the villages of Rasen Antholz, Antholz Niedertal, Antholz Mittertal and Antholz Obertal, continue until the end of the valley, where the Biathlon Stadium of Antholz is located on the left. Just a few more steps on foot and you will reach the 3rd largest mountain lake in South Tyrol, the Antholzer Lake.

Cross-country skiing and walking on the Antholzer Lake

In winter, the Antholz Valley is the ideal place in Pustertal for cross-country skiing and biathlon enthusiasts. From Rasen Antholz to the Antholzer Lake, there is a perfectly groomed cross-country ski trail that allows you to practice this sport in all its glory. Even cross-country ski trails are created on the Antholzer Lake annually, if the ice layer of the lake is thick enough. It's truly a spectacular feeling to walk on a frozen lake, considering what this Antholzer Lake looks like in the summer.

For those who do not yet master this sport and would like to learn it, the Antholz Valley is the perfect place. Because here is the Cross-country and Biathlon School in South Tyrol, which offers cross-country skiing courses for young and old, whether in the freestyle or skating technique.

But the Antholzer Lake in winter is not only a unique experience on skis, but also walking or taking a walk on the ice layer of the approximately 38 meter deep mountain lake in South Tyrol is a real adventure. For this, all you need is good footwear and warm clothing. You can leave your life jackets at home, as there is no concern that this Antholzer Lake will break. Numerous tests are carried out every year using state-of-the-art technology to check how much weight the ice layer can withstand. Only when it is thick enough, crossing the lake is allowed.

My Conclusion:

What a great feeling to walk on a lake. Where you enjoy the sun at the Antholzer Lake in summer, you can easily walk across it with cross-country skis in winter. It's hard to believe that an ice layer can withstand so much. In January, things are always buzzing at the Antholzer Lake because the largest sports event in South Tyrol takes place here, the Biathlon World Cup in Antholz Valley. If you want to enjoy the tranquility of the Antholz Valley, you should stay away from this time, as around 20,000 people come here every year on this weekend to cheer on their biathlon idols. Those who love sports and entertainment should not miss this event.