Code of Conduct for the Nature Parks

Unauthorised motorised vehicles are strictly prohibited in the nature parks. Any road-use exceptions are governed by Provincial Law No. 10 of 8 May 1990 and relevant park protection decrees. Driving permits are only granted in certain exceptional cases and can be applied for online. After careful document assessment, the forestry department or nature conservation office issues the permit.

Camping in the nature parks is not allowed, with one exception: alpine bivouacking. This is defined as “a temporary outdoor stay by mountaineers.” Key characteristics include its temporary nature and the extraordinary, unforeseeable circumstances necessitating it.

Disposing or depositing any kind of waste, including organic and garden waste, is strictly forbidden.

Disposing or depositing any kind of waste, including organic and garden waste, is strictly forbidden.

All wild plant species in the nature parks and Natura 2000 areas are fully protected. Collecting, picking, destroying or damaging plants is strictly forbidden (see the Department of Nature Protection of Flora homepage). Exceptions are regulated by the provincial Nature Conservation Act 06/2010.

Collecting mushrooms in the nature parks is prohibited, except for landowners and residents of municipalities, who are subject to certain restrictions. Detailed guidelines are available on the forestry service’s website.

In some nature parks, some trails are closed to bikes and e-bikes. Narrow paths are generally not suitable for bicycles and e-bikes and should be avoided. Official mountain bike routes can be viewed here.

Dogs of all breeds and sizes are only permitted in the nature parks under strict supervision. They must be kept on a lead at all times and should not disturb or harm the park’s wildlife, in accordance with Decree No. 19 of 8 July 2013 by the Governor of the Province of Bozen-Bolzano.

Lighting fires in the nature parks is strictly prohibited, except for those lit by forestry and agricultural personnel during their work. However, fires may be allowed during traditional festivals, provided all residues are removed.

Collecting minerals or fossils in the nature parks requires a special permit (learn more here), issued only for scientific and educational purposes or in collaboration with the Natural History Museum. The director of the nature conservation office is responsible for issuing these authorisations. For more details, refer to Art. 23 and 24 of the Provincial Law of 12 May 2010, No. 6 – Nature Conservation Act.

Using remote-controlled aircraft, including drones, is strictly prohibited in nature parks. The only exceptions to this are when these devices are used on behalf of or in collaboration with the nature park administration or to carry out activities that are in the public interest. The activities must be in line with the protection goals of the protected area and must not harm the area’s condition in any way.

An exemption may be granted for scientific research or technical surveys. Learn more here.