Puez-Geisler Nature Park

Geology in time-lapse

Back to the origins of the Dolomites and eye to eye with astounding rock formations

Named after the Villnöss Geisler peaks and the Puez Group, the Puez-Geisler Nature Park encompasses the areas from Val Gardena into Villnöss/ Val di Funes to Alta Badia. With a history spanning nearly 600 million years, the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site fascinates with its rock formations: the Sass Rigais , the Peitlerkofel, Cirspitze mountains and the Gardenacia high plateau are in effect, geological wonders. The Puez-Geisler Nature Park is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites. The area has all the rock types, sedimentary layers and weathering forms typical of the Dolomites.

IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Andreas Mierswa

IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Alex Moling

IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Dolorama/Thomas Monsorno

IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Alex Moling

A scenery of rock giants

Between the Würzjoch in the north and the Grödner Joch in the south, Alta Badia in the east and Val Gardena in the west, the nature park spreads over an area of 10.722 hectars. The Villnösser Geisler range, home to famous peaks such as the Sass Rigais or the La Furchëta mountains, dominate the north of the nature park together with the Aferer Geisler range and the striking Pütia/Peitlerkofel mountain. The Villnösser Geisler range is also called the Geislerspitzen peaks. However, the Ladin name “Odles” best captures the character of this mountain range. After all, Odles means needles.

Between the jagged mountain peaks, things bloom and grow in lush green on Alpine pastures and meadows such as the Gampenalm Alpine farm and the Pra de Pütia/Peitlerwiesen meadows. The southern part of the park is dominated by the mighty Puez Group mountain range. The Gardenacia high plateau, reminiscent of a lunar landscape, is particularly impressive. So too are the Puezkofel, the Sassongher and the Cirspitzen peaks.

IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Alex Filz

In the realm of chamois

Chamois feel right at home in the mountain pine forests interspersed with grass heaths, where they nibble on the young shoots of the Alpine rose. Maybe you'll catch a glimpse of these four-legged mountain climbers on a hiking or biking trip.

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The Adolf Munkel Trail

The family-friendly Adolf Munkel Trail leads up and down through larch forests, dwarf shrub heaths, meadows and Alpine pastures at the foot of the Villnöss Geislerspitzen peaks through the Alpine mountain world.

Around the Geisler peaks

Where people come together

Jagged mountain peaks, flowering meadows and quiet farming villages. Events taking place at the nature park are an invitation to discover picturesque places and settings, in addition to warm encounters with the people who live here.

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Off to the mountains

Mountain meadows and Alpine pastures are characteristic of the landscape. The Puez-Geisler Nature Park offers great opportunities for nature and sports lovers all year round.

The accommodations around the nature park

When mountains like the Sassongher, Peitlerkofel and the Villnöss Geisler tower over you, it means you have arrived at your destination: your accommodation at the foot of mind-blowing rock giants. Book your holiday here.

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The mysterious flora and fauna of the Dolomites in the Puez-Geisler Nature Park

Many mountain meadows in the nature park are still mown regularly. Even the rare black vanilla orchid grows here. The mostly dark purple flowers of this wild orchid smell intensely of vanilla. In addition, the dotted gentian with its bright yellow, dark spotted flowers in the shape of a bell is an eye-catcher in these species-rich mountain meadows, as are the chamois, which are native to the Puez-Geisler Nature Park.

Parents and children ages 7 to 12 can explore this mysterious plant & animal world in a playful way as part of the "Dolomiti Ranger" programme. During the two adventure tours per week, the young rangers discover the secrets of nature under the guidance of experts. The most eager sleuths who participate in both themed tours will be awarded a medal.

To the ranger offer

IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Wild Zoo Entertainment

Sustainable Al Plan/San Vigilio - San Martin/San Martino

The Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site characterizes the holiday alpine location Al Plan-San Martin in the Dolomites region Plan de Corones at the opening to Val Badia. The protection of natural environments, the cultivation of their cultural heritage and the preservation of the oldest tongue in the region - Ladin - and the traditional cuisine have been close to the hearts of local people for a long time. Moreover, local cycles are steadily promoted through socio-economic projects like AgricolArt. The mountain water will be at guests' disposal - in restored centuries-old wells scattered across villages where bottles can be refilled anytime and for free. The certification with the highest sustainability label is a milestone for the next steps toward a more sustainable future.

To the village

IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Alex Filz

Alex Moling

IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige

Inspiring nature worlds

Are hikes across Alpine pastures and mountain meadows just what you're looking for? Get to know the immediate surroundings of the Puez Geisler Nature Park and explore the mountain world of the Dolomites.