Regions & hotspots
South Tyrol
Parco Naturale Puez-Odle

Parco Naturale Puez-Odle

Located in the heart of the Dolomites, Parco Naturale Puez-Odle is a scenic paradise that offers breathtaking landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and a wealth of activities for nature enthusiasts. We provide comprehensive information for those planning to explore this enchanting nature park.

Regional park in the Dolomites

First snow on mountains and woods, small church on a meadow

Interesting facts

Parco Naturale Puez-Odle, also known as the Puez-Odle Nature Park, spans over 10,000 hectares of protected land. Established in 1978, it is one of the seven nature parks in South Tyrol and is renowned for its stunning geological formations, rich biodiversity, and scenic beauty. The nature park is part of the Europe-wide Natura 2000 network of protected areas, which primarily aims to protect habitats and wild animal and plant species.

Importance of Parco Naturale Puez-Odle in the Dolomites

The park plays a crucial role in the conservation of the unique geological and ecological characteristics of the Dolomites. Its diverse habitats support numerous plant and animal species, making it a vital area for biodiversity preservation.

Flora, fauna & geology of Puez-Odle

Mountain huts with trees and mountains in the background

Unique plant species

The park boasts a variety of plant species, including alpine meadows, coniferous forests, and rare flowers. Visitors can find edelweiss, mountain pine, and various types of mosses and lichens.

Wildlife in the park

Wildlife enthusiasts will be delighted by the presence of numerous animal species. The park is home to chamois, marmots and eagles. Birdwatchers can also spot a range of bird species, from the majestic golden eagle to the colourful alpine chough.

Geological features

The Puez-Odle Nature Park is a geologist's paradise. Its landscapes showcase a variety of geological formations, including dolomite rock structures, fossil-rich areas, and karst landscapes. The Puez-Odle massif itself is a significant geological feature, formed over millions of years.

Scenic landscapes and viewpoints

The park offers some of the most picturesque landscapes in the Dolomites. Notable viewpoints include the panoramic vistas from Seceda, the rugged peaks of the Odle group, and the serene beauty of the Vallunga valley.

Activities and attractions

Walking path with fence, snow-covered mountains

Popular hiking Trails

Parco Naturale Puez-Odle is a hiker's paradise, with trails catering to all levels of experience., such as:

Adolf Munkel Trail: it offers stunning views of the Odle peaks.
Dolomites high-altitude trail no. 2: it traverses the entire park, going from Bressanone to Feltre in Veneto.

Climbing and mountaineering

For those seeking more adventurous activities, the park provides excellent opportunities for climbing and mountaineering. The Odle peaks are particularly popular among climbers and via ferrata fans.

Winter sports and activities

In winter, the park transforms into a wonderland for snow sports. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking are popular activities that allow visitors to experience the park's beauty in a different season.

Visiting Parco Naturale Puez-Odle

Green meadows, forest, peaks and cloudy sky

How to get there

The park is accessible by various means. The nearest major town is Bolzano, from where visitors can take public transport or drive to the park's access points. Detailed information on routes and transportation options is available at the park's visitor centres.

Best times to visit

While the park is open year-round, the best times to visit are late spring to early autumn (May to October). During these months, the weather is ideal for outdoor activities, and the flora and fauna are most vibrant.

Visitor centre and information

The park has a visitor centre in S. Maddalena in Val di Funes that provides valuable information, maps, and exhibits about the park's natural and cultural heritage. This centre is great starting points for exploring the park.