Monte Corno Nature Park: A treasure of biodiversity in South Tyrol
Located south of Bolzano, in the Lower Atesina region, the Monte Corno Nature Park spans 6,600 hectares, making it the smallest of South Tyrol's nature parks. But don't be deceived by its size: this reserve is a true gem of biodiversity, featuring an extraordinary variety of flora and fauna. The park's climate is unique: while the southwestern side enjoys a sub-Mediterranean microclimate, mild and humid, the northeastern side is more rugged and typically alpine.
Monte Corno and its dual geology
The uniqueness of Monte Corno is not just in its climate, but also in its geology, which is divided into two distinct areas. The side facing the Adige Valley is characterized by light dolomite, with crevices and limestone rocks, while the eastern part is dominated by quartz porphyry, with brown and reddish hues. This geological difference, combined with the varied climate, has created unique conditions for the development of a remarkably diverse flora.
Colorful vegetation: From meadows to forests
As you walk through the park, you can observe various natural environments blending harmoniously. In the milder areas, flower-filled meadows brighten the landscape with the vibrant colors of wild lilies and soldanelles, while the coppice forests are home to beeches, firs, chestnuts, and Scots pines.
Moving into drier areas, red firs, larches, and poplars appear, typical of the Dolomites. This mosaic of vegetation makes the park a paradise for nature lovers, offering constantly changing landscapes depending on the chosen trail.
Fauna: A rich and surprising ecosystem
The Monte Corno Nature Park is a perfect place for wildlife watching. Here, different animal species coexist depending on the habitat: rocky areas are home to badgers and wild mice, while the Scots pine forests are populated by red ants and small reptiles like the eastern green lizard, easily recognizable by its bright green color.
As you ascend to higher elevations, you might spot imperial ravens and variable hares, while woodpeckers, owls, and tits nest in the wooded areas. One of the most surprising experiences is perhaps hearing the song of the cicadas, which populate the milder climate zones and accompany hikers as they walk through the broadleaf forests.
The park’s trails: Nature and legends
The Monte Corno Nature Park offers numerous hiking trails, perfect for immersing yourself in its biodiversity. One of the most scenic is the Legend Trail, a 2 km path enriched with ten installations that tell myths and stories related to the area, taking about 1 hour to walk. Created by the municipality of Trodena, this trail is a perfect family experience, with panels written by local schoolchildren narrating local fables and legends.
A historical crossroads of trade and travelers
The municipalities that make up the Monte Corno Nature Park include Anterivo, Egna, Montagna, Salorno, and Trodena, with the latter hosting 80% of the park’s territory.
But this area hasn’t always been a peaceful nature reserve: for centuries, it was an important crossroads for trade, crossed by merchants and travelers on routes between Central and Southern Europe.
Today, walking through its unspoiled trails makes you reflect on how a place once bustling with so many people is now a protected oasis for nature.
Trodena Visitor Center
To deepen your understanding of the park, a must-visit is the Trodena Visitor Center, a three-story facility offering interactive exhibits about the area’s biodiversity. Here, you can observe pollen and insects, discover how animal species have adapted to the environment, and even admire a live ant nest. For children, the center offers creative workshops and educational activities to engage with the natural world in a fun way.
If you want to explore an authentic and wild corner of South Tyrol, the Monte Corno Nature Park is the perfect destination: a unique mix of alpine and Mediterranean landscapes, panoramic hikes, and close encounters with local wildlife.
For more information, visit the official Monte Corno Nature Park website.