Lake Kalterer See is the largest natural lake in South Tyrol. The entire wetland is a natural paradise, so much so that has been made part of the Natura 2002 European network of protected areas. The belt of reeds at the southern end of the lake has been placed under natural biotope protection by the regional South Tyrolean government. It offers food, shelter and refuge to numerous species of fish, amphibians, water insects and birds; it also provide a safe spawning ground, breeding place and resting stop.