Interpretive nature trails

Geologists from all over the world flock to Seis every year to explore the Geology Trail. What attracts them to this area is the rocks lining the shore of the Frötschbach stream. We will lead you to five spots where you can see for yourself what their excitement is all about. This is a pleasant hike taking you to the Seiser Alm plateau through magnificent landscapes. Follow geology – it will guide you to beautiful spots as well as fantastic rocks!
A brief warning: this hike takes you along the foot of former reefs to rocks that were formed in a warm, tropical sea. Be careful not to stumble over fossil limestones that slid down the reefs long ago. Geologists do more than just climb mountains. They traverse time and space, pass through volcanic landscapes populated by dinosaurs, and meander along tropical beaches!

The path begins at Bad Ratzes / Bagni di Razzes and takes you to Prossliner Schwaige / malga Prossliner and from there to Schlernbödelehütte refuge and then back to the starting point. During the hike, you’ll have the opportunity to see the various geological strata close up and gain an understanding of how the Dolomites were formed.

Trail length: 9.5 km
Pure walking time: 3.5 hours

For more information about the Geology-Trail interpretive nature trail, you can find it
- for download or
- to read on ISSUU

The Oswald von Wolkenstein Trail with its 15 stations is an exciting roundtrip trail through the Schlern-Rosengarten / Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Park. It’s especially suitable fornature-lovers and families with children – you can enjoy legends, stories, and myths in an entertaining way. The Hauenstein Forest with its two ruins is an example for the centuries-long relationship between Man and Nature and allows visitors to understand why our cultural landscape is a precious asset deserving our appreciation and protection.

It’s best to begin your hike in the parking lot of the Seis-Seiser Alm / Siusi-Alpe di Siusi cable railway, from which the path first takes you toward Hotel Saleg and then continues on from there.

Trail length: around 4.5 km
Trail altitude: 280 m
Pure walking time: around 1 hour

Attention: not suitable for strollers

Information flyer Interpretive nature trail Oswald von Wolkenstein

Texelgruppe / Gruppo di Tessa Nature Park’s interpretive nature trail "Pfossental / Val di Fosse" in Schnals / Senales enables visitors to discover the natural and man-made landscapes of the valley’s Alpine pastures.

On closer examination, this landscape, which was formed by the violent forces of nature, provides insight into a host of topic areas, 18 of which are addressed near the Alpine pastures via interpretive signs and various interactive elements. The trail’s didactic and informational elements focus on flora, fauna, geology, and Alpine pasture agriculture.

Beginning from the parking lot near Vorderkaser / Casera di Fuori, the trail takes you through Mitterkaser / Casera di Mezzo and Rableid Alms to Eishof / Maso Gelato, which is five kilometers up the valley. Beginning at Vorderkaser / Casera di Fuori, the history of Pfossental / Val di Fosse is explored. The first interpretive sign you come upon on the nature trail focuses on cheese making and in particular Vorderkaser’s cheese factory. Signs further along the path tell you about the various survival strategies and adaptive forms that the local fauna have adopted, as well as the particularities of Pfossental / Val di Fosse valley’s man-made landscape.

At Mitterkaser / Casera di Mezzo you’ll come upon a simplified replica of a butter churn that can be turned, and the accompanying interpretive signs explain how butter is made from milk. There’s also a loose-leaf binder containing excerpts from old Rableid and Mitterkaser Alms records.

A refurbished "Waal" (canal) at Mitterkaser / Caser di Mezzo and the interpretive sign there explain how this irrigation system, which was widely used in the region, works.

At Rableid Alm you can learn about the re-introduction of ibexes, and thanks to the telescope that’s installed there you can observe the ibexes deftly scampering up and down the cliffs; or if you wish you can just marvel at the superb scenery. The phenomenon known as synanthropes (animals that adapt to and use man-made structures) is also explored at Rableid, in the guise of birds that breed under building roofs rather than the sides of cliffs.

The main attractions at Eishof / Maso Gelato are the geological features there. Noteworthy in this regard are the signs and photographs that document a 1981 demonstration against the construction of a hydropower dam, which would have resulted in inundation of the entire Eishof area.

The elements at the latter end of the trail revolve around the history and sagas of Schnalstal / Val Senales and Pfossental / Val di Fosse valleys, and seating is provided for visitors who wish to peruse these materials. Visitors can of course also use the seating here to spend a little while gazing at the Pfossental / Val di Fosse valley’s mountains.

As one of the lynchpins of the educational mission of the provincial office for nature parks (today office for nature), the Alpine pasture interpretive nature trail helps to raise public awareness of the interconnection between nature and landscape, and concerning human activities in protected areas.

Overview map Interpretive nature trail "Pfossental / Val di Fosse"

Interpretive nature trail "Zans / Zannes", which is located in the far reaches of Villnöß / Funes valley, is the South Tyrols’s first wheelchair accessible interpretive nature trail and enables visitors to discover the natural and man-made landscapes of Puez-Geisler / Puez-Odle Nature Park .

The three kilometer trail takes you through (or past) farmland, virgin forests, and blossom-filled Alpine pastures, and ends at the imposing peaks of the Geisler / Odle mountains. The trail’s 17 stations, some of whose interpretive signs are in Braille, provide information concerning the history and the natural wonders of the area.

From the parking lot in Zans / Zannes, the trail leads through Piuswiese meadow to a game reserve, past a lime kiln, and then to Kelderer Wiese refuge and the forester's house, and back to the Zans / Zannes parking lot. The maximum upward slope is eight percent, and there are several rest areas along the trail.
The names of the various stations – “Please-touch mountains” and “Nature’s concert hall” being just two examples – reflect the type of information available at each stop. The stations also provide information concerning the park’s flora and fauna, and about how humans have affected the landscape in the farther reaches of Villnöß / Funes valley.

The wood sculptures at some of the trail’s stations were created by handicapped artisans at "Der Kirschbaum" workshop in Bozen / Bolzano. The Blindenzentrum, centre for the blind St. Raphael Bozen / Bolzano translated the texts into Braille.

Overview map Interpretive nature trail "Zans / Zannes"

This interpretive nature trail, which is known simply as "Lärchensteig / Sentiero dei Larici” and extends from Höfen Rüdeferia to Rü farmhouses above San Ciascian/S. Cassiano in Abtei / Badia, also forms one of the boundaries of Fanes-Sennes-Prags / Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park and features interactive stations containing information, pictures and games for visitors’ edification and entertainment. The trail can be walked in either direction, depending on which of the aforesaid farmhouses you start from. As the trail is only about one kilometers long, it is not very demanding and thus particularly suitable for families with kids. The trail has two stations offering general information and seven stations featuring more specific information.

The trail’s main theme comprises the various types of landscapes such as Larch fields/meadows that have been created through human intervention, as well as the forests and watercourses and their natural and man-made characteristics.

The trail’s main attraction is a working mill known as "mill of the farmhouse Rüdeferia", whose restoration was funded by the local tourist office, the town of Abtei / Badia and the provincial office for nature parks (today office for nature). The mill, which is now a protected landmark, works perfectly and is open to the public during the summer via the weekly guided interpretive nature trail tours that are conducted by the tourist office.

Overview map Interpretive nature trail "Lärchensteig / Sentiero dei Larici"

The interpretive nature trail "Toblacher See / Lago di Dobbiaco" comprises 11 stations and affords both young and old an excellent opportunity to discover the wonders of nature. The trail provides visitors with detailed information concerning the flora, fauna and geomorphology of the area. Some of the stations afford visitors the opportunity to test their skills. For example, at station 4 visitors are asked to identify the pillars that are camouflaged via colors, in the manner of animal camouflage. And at station 9, visitors can find out whether their broad-jumping abilities match those of the forest denizens.

As one of the last remaining wetlands in our province, lake Toblach / Dobbiaco is much frequented by birds. During the bird breeding seasons in spring and fall, some rare species are also observed at the lake. The trail is around 2.5 km long and can be hiked in just under an hour.

Overview map Interpretive nature trail "Toblacher See / Lago di Dobbiaco"

This around 1.5 km long educational trail takes you through one of our province’s most beautiful underground-spring sites – a large, flat area containing countless springs that form small streams that become pools here and there. These springs are collectively referred to as Maite-spring. On the educational trail on hiking trail 37 you will find nine information stations that touch upon various water related topics.

Truden / Trodena is a village that has such a rich tradition of legends that teachers decided to set up a legend trail on the village’s “Forchwaldegg”. The teachers and pupils at Truden’s Leonhard von Liebener elementary school committed the legends to paper, made artworks related to them and elaborated the legend trail with lots of skill and imagination.

The legend trail is around two kilometers long, not a demanding walk, and is particularly suitable for families with children. The trail, which was a joint project of Leonhard von Liebener elementary school and the provincial office for nature parks (today office for nature), was supported by Raiffeisenkasse Deutschnofen-Aldein / Cassa Raiffeisen Nova Ponente - Aldino bank, the village of Truden im Naturpark / Trodena nel parco naturale, and the forestry department.

Overview map Legend trail "Truden / Trodena"

Have you ever heard of the Wätscha Hex, Morèl-Weibelen or Carlin de Nantarù legends? Well, you can find out all about them at the eight stations of Altrei’s / Anterivo’s legend trail for young and old alike. The Altrei / Anterivo legend trail takes you on an round 2.5 km walk from “Lärchenheim” in Altrei / Anterivo to the “Ebnerrast” sports area. The legend trail was realized cooperatively by pupils’ parents, local artisans, many volunteers, the village of Altrei / Anterivo, Raiffeisenkasse Deutschnofen-Aldein / Cassa Raiffeisen Nova Ponente-Aldino bank, the forestry authority and the provincial office for nature parks (today office for nature). Altrei / Anterivo elementary school looks forward to your visit.

Overview map Legend trail "Altrei / Anterivo"

Since the summer of 2010, the idyllic mountain hamlet of Altrei / Anterivo has been enabling visitors to benefit from the healing powers of Kneipp hydrotherapy, which was invented by a priest named Sebastian Kneipp (1821-1897), who was a native of Stephansried, Germany. Father Kneipp developed a therapeutic concept that is based on the interplay between the five pillars inner balance, water, herbs, movement, and nutrition.

The Kneipp hydrotherapy center in Altrei / Anterivo is only ten minutes from the center of the village. To get there, take the street that leads to Padil. Just past Hotel Waldheim, you’ll see the facility on the hill Sandegg on trail 3, which leads to Trudner Horn / Monte Corno. The center is in an extremely tranquil location, set in the landscape under massive Larch trees. A traditional rustic picket fence makes the center feel like an oasis for rest and relaxation, a place of healing for body and soul through the wonders of water, and a viable alternative to mainstream therapies. The key to the Kneipp health program is self awareness that allows the various application domains and durations to be tailored to the physical response of each individual person.

Just behind Drei Zinnen / Tre Cime Nature Park Visitor Center is a wonderful nature trail with three exciting stations named The magnificent world of the forest, Celtic tree horoscope and Tree village. The trail, which starts at the visitors center, is suitable for hikers of all ages and is available at all times at no charge. The trail is best reached from the visitors center, where there is plenty of parking. 

The magnificent world of the forest

The magnificent world of forest (WaldWunderWelt / Il Mondo Magico delle Foreste) is a terrific place for all visitors who love to play, climb, and jump – and learn something into the bargain. At this station, visitors become better acquainted with the many facets of forest habitats in an enjoyable and interactive manner. The core element of the station is a wood platform which root lines extend into the surrounding terrain, like the roots of a tree stump. On the platform itself you can have a rest or try out the bird riddle. Kids love to play beneath the platform, in the "fox hole.” Along the roots there are many opportunities to play: an otter slide, climbing trees, a large woodpecker tree to slide into and a barefoot trail and a high-jump pit where visitors can measure their jumping abilities relative to those of various forest creatures.
The roots lead to other stations that explore various forest related topics such as forest soil types, mushrooms, and traces of forest wildlife. There’s also a birds nest that can be climbed up to, and at the geology station the key types of rocks at the Magnificent world of the forest station and around Toblach / Dobbiaco are on display.

Tree village "Toblach / Dobbiaco"

On the way back from the magnificent world of the forest station to the visitors center you will come upon three large tree houses that can be entered. With its small village square, comfortable benches, and small information trees, the station (Baumdorf Toblach / Il Villaggio degli Alberi) is like a hamlet in the middle of the forest, which we call Toblach / Dobbiaco tree village. At this station, visitors can find out why the forest is so important for life and survival in the mountains. The first tree house provides information concerning "Achievement of the forest" such as the importance of the forest for oxygen production. The station also contains a forest quiz and a photosynthesis game, and has household products on display whose cellulose components are not evident at first glance. The second tree house is devoted to forestry methods and woodworking from the past up until today. The third tree house is called "Art in the forest – becoming and passing away". The Pustertal / Pusteria valley school district and its pupils will design the tree house and use it for after-school activities.

Celtic tree horoscope

This, the third station (Keltisches Baumhoroskop/ Orologio Celtico degli Alberi) on the nature trail behind the visitors center, is aimed at adults rather than kids and is based on the concept of the Celtic tree horoscope as described by authors such as Bertram Wallrath.* According to Wallrath, 21 trees with typical characteristics were assigned to the annual cycle, whereby these characteristics supposedly also corresponded to those exhibited by the individuals under the various tree symbols. When walking through the tree horoscope, each visitor can find their birth date and ask themselves whether the characteristics of the tree and tree symbol match up with their own personal traits. This unconventional way of dealing with trees is highly effective when it comes to awakening interest in and conveying knowledge concerning environmental topics. The horoscope is also of interest to visitors who may not be enthusiasts of natural studies.

LandArt Toblach / Dobbiaco

In June 2008 the nature trail next to Drei Zinnen / Tre Cime Nature Park Visitor Center acquired a new attraction. At the behest of the Puster valley school district, a number of artists from the Kunstmyst collective created land art installations such as a forest harp, a paradise tree, and other more or less fading objects, all made of natural materials. This outdoor art studio will be used for educationally oriented land art installations in the coming years by pupils, teachers and interested parties.

The interpretive nature trail "Toblacher See / Lago di Dobbiaco" comprises 11 stations and affords both young and old an excellent opportunity to discover the wonders of nature. This loop trail provides visitors with detailed information concerning the flora, fauna and geomorphology of the area. Some of the stations afford visitors the opportunity to test their skills. For example, at station 4 visitors are asked to identify the pillars that are camouflaged via colours, in the manner of animal camouflage, while at station 9 visitors can find out whether their broad-jumping abilities match those of the forest denizens.

As one of the last remaining wetlands in our province, lake Toblach is much frequented by birds. During the bird breeding seasons in spring and fall, some rare species are also observed at the lake. The trail can be hiked in around two hours.

Overview map Interpretive nature trail "Toblacher See / Lago di Dobbiaco"

In the summer of 2003 the hiking trail around Antholz lake was converted into a nature trail containing 16 stations that provide information concerning the natural beauty of, and other information of interest about, South Tyrol’s third largest lake.

Right at the beginning of the trail, the legend of the origin of Antholzer See is recounted. At the adjoining small wetlands, visitors will be amazed to learn that among the lake’s flora species are carnivorous plants. Hopping over rivulet rocks tests the visitor’s balance and is particularly popular among kids. The two listening tubes are intended to arouse visitors’ curiosity concerning the denizens of the forest, who are particularly vocal in spring.
The remaining stations concern the regions’ fish, tree roots, and rocks such as Rieserferner / Vedrette di Ries tonalite, which was formed some 30 million years ago, making it the “youngest” rock in Antholz / Valle Anterselva valley. The bird station offers information of interest concerning selected bird species that inhabit the area around the lake. The various tree species are described on the south side of the lake in such a way that the visitor gains an understanding them. Old rivulet names are referenced and a panoramic image enables the visitor to learn the names of the various mountain peaks from Hochgall to Ohrenspitze. The final station features a cone-throwing game that involves throwing accuracy that adults will undoubtedly also enjoy.

The loop trail is around 3 km long and can be hiked in around 90 minutes.

Overview map Interpretive nature trail "Antholzer See / Lago d’Anterselva"

In search of traces of the past. Interpretive nature trail "Mühlbacher Talele / Valle di Rio Mollino" in Rieserferner-Ahrn / Vedrette di Ries-Aurina Nature Park is closely related to the history of the village of Mühlbach / Rio Mollino above Gais. The trail aims to evoke the past with the goal of helping to preserve the relevant existing elements.