Puez-Geisler Nature Park

The Puez-Geisler Nature Park (Italian: "Parco Naturale Puez Odle") is bordered by the Passo delle Erbe (Würzjoch), the Val Badia, the Passo Gardena and the Val di Funes or Val Gardena. It covers an area of 10,772 ha and extends over the areas of Rasciesa, Seceda, Odle, Vallunga, Cir Peaks and the Val Chedul. The Puez-Geisler Nature Park is famous for its geological diversity: here you can find all the types of rocks found in the Dolomites.

The flora of the Puez-Geisler Nature Park is characterised by a magnificent forest of stone pines, spruces and larches in the peripheral areas. The mountain meadows delight in spring and summer with a colourful floral splendour with furry anemones, mealy primrose, the dotted gentian, the blue monkshood, lady's slipper and many other flowers. The animal world also has interesting things to offer: in the Vallunga Valley, among other places, there is a good chance that you will see chamois deer or the local eagle. The open meadows in the nature park are a paradise for deer. Marmots and the eagle owl are also frequently seen here. Numerous other bird species and an incredible variety of insects delight the heart of every nature lover.

Facts: Puez-Geisler Nature Park

• Founded: 1978
• Area: 10,722 ha
• Altitude difference: 1,499 m
• Valleys:Val Gardena, Val di Funes, Alta Badia
• Region: South Tyrol, Italy

Municipalities

• Ortisei: 4698 inhabitants, area of 2425 hectares. Share in the nature park 985 hectares
• Santa Cristina: 1898 inhabitants, area of 3183 hectares. Share in the nature park 881 hectares
• Selva: 2664 inhabitants, area of 5327 hectares. Share of the nature park 2101 hectares
• Funes: 2584 inhabitants, area of 8106 hectares. Share of the nature park 2166 hectares
• Corvara: 1333 inhabitants, area of 4213 hectares. Share of the nature park 1097 hectares

Val Gardena and its three villages, Santa Cristina, Ortisei and Selva, are the ideal starting point for exploring the Puez-Geisler Nature Park. Here you will find hotels, guesthouses and holiday flats in every price range suitable for different target groups. The mountain hotels and hiking hotels of the valley provide accommodation close to nature and are ideal for wonderful excursions. In motorcycle hotels, guests find the ideal conditions for a motorbike holiday with tours through a uniquely beautiful landscape. If you are on holiday with your mountain bike, you can also spend a wonderful stay in the mountains in an MTB hotel or a bike-friendly guesthouse.

If you want to familiarise yourself with the flora and fauna as well as the impressive rock diversity of the Puez-Geisler Nature Park, you should definitely plan a trip to the Nature Park House in Santa Magdalena. The modern visitor centre provides interesting information about the nature park across two floors. Get a bird's eye view of the nature park with the walk-through aerial photograph or find out what distinguishes the rock layers in the nature park in the "Touch the mountains" area. In the "Chamber of Wonders" you can take a close look at antlers, feathers, birds' nests and many other finds. The Nature Park House is family-friendly and admission is free.

Opening hours

Tuesday to Saturday 9:30 - 12:30, 14:30 - 18:00. Also open on Sundays in July and August. Closed on all official holidays except 15/08.

Information

• Nature Park House Puez-Geisler: Santa Magdalena, Trebich 1, 39040 Funes; Tel.: +39 0472 842523, E-Mail: info.pg@provinz.bz.it
• Information point Zannes/Zans: at the head of the Val di Funes, tel.: +39 0472 840180, e-mail: info@villnoess.info

The fauna and flora in the Puez-Geisler Nature Park invite you to relax and observe and take photographs. Swiss stone pine, larches and spruces dominate the tree population of the area. If you love flowers, the wide meadows in the nature park will amaze you: crocuses, furry anemones and mealy primroses, among others, herald the arrival of spring, while the blue monkshood, black cabbage anemone or whorled lousewort and dotted gentian form a sea of bright blue hues in summer.

Whether chamois deer, shy roe deer, marmots or eagle owls – chances are good that you will come across numerous animals during your tour through the nature park. Colourful butterflies and beetles bear witness to the rich world of insects that call this area home. With a bit of luck, you can see golden eagles flying over the rocks of the Odle Group, in the Vallunga or around the Furcella Mont da L'Ega (Wasserscharte).

The Puez-Geisler Nature Park is a habitat that you can actively explore during your holiday. Whether by mountain bike, on a hike with the family or in winter with snowshoes – there are many ways to dive deep into the nature of the region and enjoy it. The Nature Experience Trail on Zannes/Zans at the head of the Val di Funes is packed with exciting information about the flora and fauna of the nature park. But climbers and friends of longer hikes also get their money's worth here.

Hiking in the Puez-Geisler Nature Park

Hiking is perhaps the most beautiful way to explore the Puez-Geisler Nature Park. When you roam through the magnificent landscape alone, with friends or with the whole family, wonderful views, inviting huts and a unique experience await you. Among others, the Dolomites High Trail No. 2, the High Trail of Legends, leads through the middle of the nature park. Lace up your hiking boots and look forward to well-signposted paths.

Via Ferratas in the Puez-Geisler Nature Park

The Dolomites, with their rugged rocks and characteristic peaks, are among the most fascinating mountains in the world. In the Puez-Geisler Nature Park, there are several via ferratas that take you up close to the famous rocks. On the via ferratas, follow fixed routes that challenge you physically and reward you again and again with unique views that you will never forget.

Snowshoeing in the Puez-Geisler Nature Park

Away from the hustle and bustle of the slopes, the Puez-Geisler Nature Park offers you the opportunity to get active in winter. Snowshoeing is an almost meditative way to immerse yourself in the enchanted world of the Dolomites and you have the chance to experience unforgettable nature and the magic of winter huts. Whether as a guided tour or as a discovery tour with friends – explore the snow-covered Puez-Geisler Nature Park on wonderful routes.

Climbing in the Puez-Geisler Nature Reserve

The Dolomites have become a popular destination for climbers in recent years. If you love alpine climbing, the Puez-Geisler Nature Park is an ideal climbing area for you. With the Sassongher (2665 m), Stevia (2555 m), Sass de Putia (2875 m), mountain range Aferer Geiseln, Col dala Soné (2633 m) and Col de Puez (2725 m) there are several interesting peaks to conquer. At 3025 m each, Sass Rigais and Furchetta are the two highest mountains in the nature park. Also worth a trip are the climbing gardens in the nature park, where athletes of all levels get their money's worth.

Out and about in the Nature Park on your MTB

Enjoy being active on two wheels in the mountains? In the Puez-Geisler Nature Park mountain bikers can let off steam on specially signposted trails. You can rent the right bike from one of the bike rental shops in the region. And if you want to take it a little easier on the sometimes steep climbs, we recommend using an e-mountain bike for your tours.