Vedrette di Ries-Aurina Nature Park: A journey between glaciers and waterfalls
Located between the Pusteria Valley and the Tures and Aurina valleys, the Vedrette di Ries-Aurina Nature Park covers over 31,000 hectares and boasts 38 peaks exceeding 3,000 meters. It is the area with the largest number of glaciers in the region, a true natural spectacle that manifests in all seasons. Water is the absolute protagonist here: from alpine lakes to the majestic Riva waterfalls, every corner of the park offers breathtaking landscapes.
Peaks and glaciers: The power of the Alps
The park is home to imposing peaks such as Pizzo Rosso, Picco dei Tre Signori, Collalto, and Monte Nevoso, all popular destinations for hikers and climbers. In addition to its stunning peaks, another surprising feature of this protected area is the presence of numerous glaciers. In the late 1800s, a massive ice cap covered the area between Monte Nevoso and Collalto. Over time, the ice has receded, leaving behind a series of glacial formations that now attract ski mountaineers and extreme climbers from around the world.
Between Lake Anterselva and the Riva Waterfalls
Water, in its frozen form, also creates spectacular natural scenes in this park. The third-largest lake in South Tyrol, Lake Anterselva, is located here, covering over 40 hectares, surrounded by the peaks of Collaspro. In winter, competitions such as biathlon events and world championships are held near this beautiful water body, while in summer, it serves as the starting point for numerous hiking trails, also perfect for biking and MTB.
The Riva Waterfalls, on the other hand, offer a display of power and beauty: three waterfalls, with the two highest surpassing 50 meters. In winter, when the water turns into ice columns, the landscape becomes even more magical, leaving visitors breathless.
Biodiversity: From forests to the alder swamp
The nature here is expressed in all its forms, demonstrating how flora and fauna adapt to different environments. The Alder Swamp of the Aurino Valley presents a breathtaking landscape: it is a river valley with reed beds, marshy meadows, and ponds, providing a refuge for storks, cranes, kingfishers, and over 680 species of butterflies.
The forest is also rich and diverse, with red firs, mountain pines, and larches that host roe deer, red deer, and squirrels, while golden eagles and griffon vultures soar majestically in the sky.
An interactive journey at the visitor center
The park’s visitor center offers an immersive experience with a panoramic film of the area from above, a detailed model of its wonders, and multimedia installations about the formation of the glaciers and the geological evolution of the region.
For those who love the mountains and wild nature, the Vedrette di Ries-Aurina Nature Park is a must-visit destination, with landscapes that change with each season and a rich ecosystem to discover.
For more information, visit the official Vedrette di Ries-Aurina Nature Park website.