Parco Naturale Puez-Odle: A Geological Book Under the Sky
The Puez-Odle Nature Park stretches between Val Gardena, Val di Funes, and Alta Badia. Situated in the heart of South Tyrol, it is named after the two mountain ranges that characterize it: the Puez Group and the Odle Group.
Established in 1978 and expanded in 1999 to include the northern area of Ortisei, the park covers more than 10,000 hectares and is considered a true geological encyclopedia, thanks to the extraordinary variety of rocks and sediments visible along its trails.
A Journey Through Geological History
The protected area of Puez-Odle offers a unique opportunity to observe all the main rock formations of the Dolomites, thanks to its extraordinary geological stratification. The oldest layers, dating back about 200 million years, tell of a time when these mountains were tropical coral atolls and reefs submerged by the sea. Through erosion and tectonic movements, the rock has been shaped over millennia, leading to the spectacular landscape we see today.
To the north, near the Odle Group, dolomite dominates the landscape with its pointed spires, while in the Puez massif, Cretaceous and Jurassic sediments are found, with colors ranging from red to gray and green.
Two Mountain Groups, Two Souls
The park is named after two distinct mountain groups: the Odle Group and the Puez Group, which represent two faces of the same coin, different souls of nature with breathtaking beauty.
On one side, the Odle Group, whose name in Ladin means "spires," presents sharp, spectacular peaks, such as Sass Rigais (3,025 m) and Furchetta (3,025 m), along with smaller ones like Grande and Piccola Fermeda and Sass de Mesdì.
On the other side, the Puez Group is characterized by more varied and irregular mountain profiles, with the Puez plateau taking on an almost lunar appearance. Among the most famous peaks are Piz de Puez (2,918 m) and Sassongher (2,665 m).
Flora and Fauna: A Biodiverse Ecosystem
The park is not just about rock and mountains: its forested areas are rich with life and color, especially in spring and autumn. The most common trees include larches, firs, and Swiss pines, while in the meadows, flowers like gentians, anemones, rhododendrons, and crocuses stand out.
As for the fauna, you can spot chamois, marmots, owls, golden eagles, and a variety of insects, including beautiful butterflies and beetles.
Hiking Trails in the Puez-Odle Park
The Puez-Odle Nature Park offers trails for all levels of experience, from easy walks to more challenging treks.
Nature Trail at Zannes: the first fully accessible trail in South Tyrol for people with reduced mobility. This 3 km loop, with minimal elevation gain, is equipped with 14 wooden information stations and is located near three restaurants, offering a relaxing nature experience.
Dantercepies Path: a 15 km trail with over 500 meters of elevation gain, leading to the Puez Refuge and offering views of the fascinating lunar landscape of the mountain group.
Adolf Munkel Path: a simple 9 km loop offering spectacular views of the Odle spires, blending the beauty of the forest with the majesty of the rock formations.
The Visitor Center: Discover the Park Up Close
For those wishing to learn more about the Puez-Odle Park, the visitor center in Santa Maddalena di Funes is the ideal starting point. Here, through thematic exhibitions and interactive installations, visitors can explore various aspects of the park:
"Touch the Mountains": a sensory experience to feel with your hands the different types of rock that characterize the territory.
"Wonders of Nature": an immersive path that allows you to discover the local flora and fauna, with animal furs, footprints casts, and scents of medicinal herbs.
"Conquering the Mountains": a room dedicated to hiking and mountaineering, featuring videos and testimonies from great climbers like Reinhold Messner, originally from the Val di Funes.
With its unique landscapes, geological variety, and abundance of trails suited to every level of experience, the Puez-Odle Nature Park is a surprising destination. Whether you are an experienced hiker or a nature lover seeking tranquility, this park will offer you unforgettable emotions in every season.
For more information, visit the official Puez-Odle Nature Park website.