Parco Naturale Tre Cime: The Heart of the Dolomites
Located in the northeastern part of South Tyrol, the Tre Cime Natural Park spans an area of 11,615 hectares, two-thirds of which is dominated by majestic rocky formations. Despite its rugged landscape, the park is home to an extraordinary variety of flora and fauna.
The northern border of the park is marked by the Pusteria Valley, while to the south it extends into the province of Belluno. To the east, it borders the Fanes-Senes-Braies Natural Park, and to the west, it overlooks the Landro Valley.
Established in 1981 as the Dolomiti di Sesto Natural Park, it was renamed in 2010 to honor the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the symbol of the Dolomites and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
In addition to the municipalities of Dobbiaco, San Candido, and Sesto, the park includes legendary peaks, such as the Punte dei Tre Scarperi (3,152 m) and Croda dei Baranci (2,992 m), offering postcard landscapes and countless opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities.
Le Tre Cime di Lavaredo
The Tre Cime di Lavaredo are undoubtedly the undisputed protagonists of the park and represent one of the most iconic images of the entire Alpine range. Located on the border between South Tyrol and Veneto, they rise majestically with their three famous rock pillars: Cima Grande (2,999 m), Cima Ovest (2,973 m), and Cima Piccola (2,857 m).
Their formation is the result of millions of years of sedimentation and geological processes, giving rise to these spectacular spires, which have become a coveted destination for hikers and climbers. The first ascent of Cima Grande took place in 1869 by the mountaineer Paul Grohmann, one of the key figures in Dolomitic exploration.
Hiking in the Tre Cime Natural Park
The park is a true paradise for hiking enthusiasts, offering an extensive network of trails for all levels of experience.
Tre Cime Loop: One of the most spectacular and accessible trails is the loop around the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. With breathtaking views, this route is perfect for a relaxing day out in the mountains.
Val Fiscalina Trail: Another must-do hike starts from the Val Fiscalina and leads first to the Rifugio Fondovalle, then to the Rifugio Comici, and further up to Forcella Pian di Cengia. From here, one can enjoy spectacular views of the Tre Cime and the Dolomites of Sesto.
Alta Via delle Dolomiti n.4: For more experienced hikers, the Tre Cime Natural Park is traversed by Alta Via n.4, a multi-day trail that connects San Candido to the Marmolada, passing through the breathtaking landscapes of the Eastern Dolomites.
An Icon of Mountaineering
In addition to being a destination for hikers, the Tre Cime di Lavaredo are also a true temple for mountaineers. The vertical walls and sharp ridges have attracted climbers from around the world, giving rise to legendary feats. Among the most famous routes are Dülfer on Cima Grande, Comici-Dimai on the north face of Cima Grande, and Spigolo Giallo on Cima Piccola, all historic routes that have marked the evolution of Dolomitic mountaineering.
Thanks to their timeless beauty and the variety of routes and experiences they offer, the Tre Cime di Lavaredo remain one of the most fascinating and iconic destinations in the Dolomites.
A Paradise of Flora and Fauna Between Rocks and Forests
Despite its predominantly rocky appearance, the Tre Cime Natural Park is surprisingly rich in biodiversity. Among the most fascinating blooms are the potentilla persicina, edelweiss, yellow yarrow, and bear’s ear of the rocks, plants capable of adapting to the harshest conditions.
The less rugged areas of the park are covered by Scots pine and larch forests, whose sparse canopy allows sunlight to filter down to the ground, fostering the growth of lush alpine meadows, the perfect habitat for numerous species of insects and small mammals.
The park's avifauna is equally varied: golden eagles soar majestically in the skies, while among the trees, you can spot the black woodpecker, black grouse, and capercaillie.
Let yourself be amazed once again by the vitality of nature, which dominates the landscape of South Tyrol.
Tre Cime Visitor Center in Dobbiaco: A Journey Through Nature and History
An excellent introduction to the Tre Cime Natural Park is the Dobbiaco Visitor Center, a free interactive museum, perfect for learning more about the area before embarking on a hike.
The exhibition is divided into two thematic areas:
The Geological and Natural History, with multimedia installations that tell the story of the formation of the Dolomites and the evolution of the landscape.
The Historical Legacy of the Great War, with a focus on the battles that took place in this area during the 20th century. Specifically, visitors can see reconstructions of Forte Haideck, an Austrian fortification built to defend the area from Italian advances.
The interactive installations engage both adults and children, making the visit both educational and fun for the whole family.
Explore the Tre Cime Natural Park
If you love mountains and want to experience the magic of the Dolomites in a wild and authentic setting, the Tre Cime Natural Park is the perfect destination. From panoramic trails to alpine lakes, from vertical cliffs to lush valleys, every corner of this territory offers a unique experience.
For more information, visit the official Tre Cime Natural Park website.