Puez-Odle Nature Park: An Open-Air Geology Book
The Puez-Odle Nature Park stretches between Val Gardena, Val di Funes, and Alta Badia. Located in the heart of South Tyrol, it takes its name from the two mountain groups that define it: the Puez Group and the Odle Group.
Established in 1978 and expanded in 1999 to include the area north of Ortisei, the park covers more than 10,000 hectares and is seen as a true geological encyclopedia due to the astonishing 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 remarkable geological layering. The oldest strata, dating back around 200 million years, tell of an era when these mountains were tropical coral atolls submerged under the sea. Through erosion and tectonic movement, the rock shapes today’s extraordinary spectacle.
To the north, near the Odle Group, dolomite dominates the landscape with its pointed pinnacles, while in the Puez massif, Cretaceous and Jurassic sediments range in color from red and gray to green.
Two Mountain Groups, Two Souls
The park's name reflects two distinct mountain groups: the Odle Group and the Puez Group, each representing different faces of surreal natural beauty.
On one side, the Odle Group—"needles" in Ladin—features sharp peaks like Sass Rigais (3,025 m) and Furchetta (3,025 m), as well as Grande and Piccola Fermeda and Sass de Mesdì.
On the other side, the Puez Group offers more varied and irregular profiles, with the lunar-like Puez plateau. Notable peaks include Piz de Puez (2,918 m) and Sassongher (2,665 m).
Flora and Fauna: A Biodiverse Ecosystem
The park is not just rock and peaks: its forested areas burst with life and color, especially in spring and autumn. Common trees include larches, firs, and Swiss pines, while alpine meadows boast gentians, anemones, rhododendrons, and crocuses.
As for wildlife, you may spot chamois, marmots, owls, golden eagles, and a variety of insects, including beautiful butterflies and stag beetles.
Trails and Hikes in Puez-Odle Park
The Puez-Odle Nature Park offers trails for all levels, from easy routes to challenging hikes.
Zannes Nature Trail: South Tyrol’s first fully accessible trail, a 3 km loop with minimal elevation change. It features 14 wooden info stations and is near three alpine huts—ideal for a relaxed nature walk.
Dantercepies Route: A 15 km trail with over 500 m elevation gain leading to Rifugio Puez and offering views of the park’s lunar landscape.
Adolf Munkel Path: A scenic 9 km loop showcasing the Odle pinnacles—combining forest beauty and rocky grandeur.
The Visitor Center: Discover the Park Up Close
For deeper insight into Puez-Odle Park, the Santa Maddalena visitor center is the perfect starting point. Through thematic exhibits and interactive installations, visitors explore:
"Touch the Mountains": A sensory experience to feel different rock types native to the region.
"Wonders of Nature": An immersive path showcasing flora and fauna, with animal pelts, footprint casts, and herbal scents.
"Conquering the Mountains": A hall dedicated to hiking and mountaineering, featuring videos and stories from renowned climbers like Reinhold Messner, a native of Val di Funes.
With its unique landscapes, geological diversity, and trails suitable for all levels, Puez-Odle Nature Park is a surprising destination. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a nature lover seeking tranquility, this park will offer unforgettable experiences in any season.
For more information, visit the official Puez-Odle Nature Park website.