Three Peaks Nature Park
Three Peaks and the Sexten sundial, Dreischusterspitze and Paternkofel: These and other impressive peaks are shaping the landscape of Nature Park Three Peaks, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites. The area is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Dolomites – with leisurely valley trails, scenic high-altitude routes and challenging mountain hikes.
The famous Three Peaks in the Dolomites of Sexten
Three peaks and Paternkofel
Vincenzo De Santis / Fotolia.comThe eponymous Three Peaks are, along with Schlern, the most popular symbolic peaks of South Tyrol and of course just as the Sexten sundial (with Neuner, Zehner/Sextner Rotwand, Elfer, Zwölfer and Einser) a place of longing for climbers.
But the Nature Park Three Peaks has a lot more to offer: it encompasses the unique mountain landscape of the Dolomites of Sexten surrounding the imposing rock towers of the Three Peaks, which lie on the border between the provinces of South Tyrol and Belluno. The north faces, where history has been made since the dawn of mountaineering, are situated on the South Tyrolean side and have become one of the most popular photographic subjects in the Dolomites.
Impressive peaks & flowering meadows
The Sundial of Sexten is one of the landmarks of Sexten.
Internet Consulting - Benedikt Trojer
Mt. Dreischusterspitze is an impressive peak in the middle of two side valleys of Sexten, Innerfeldtal and Fischleintal.
Internet Consulting - Benedikt Trojer
View from Lake Dürrensee in Höhlensteintal Valley to the Cristallo Group
Tourismusverein Toblach - Strobl JosefThe Drei Zinnen Nature Park is situated in Hochpustertal, also known as the 3 Zinnen Dolomites region, and is one of the most impressive hiking areas in the Dolomites. The nature reserve covers an area of 11,891 ha and parts of the municipal areas of Sexten, Innichen and Toblach.
In addition to impressive rock formations, nature lovers are offered wonderful larch meadows in the valleys of Fischleintal or Innerfeldtal, offering wonderful flowers in spring. Not very far from them, Lake Dürrensee in Höhlensteintal is a wonderful viewpoint to the impressive Three Peaks.
The valleys of Fischleintal, Innerfeldtal and Höhlensteintal are also popular starting points for hikes in the Three Peaks Nature Park and the Dolomites of Sexten – ranging from family-friendly to challenging.
Hiking in the Nature Park around the Three Peaks
Unique fixed-rope route right next to the Three Peaks
Alpinschule Drei Zinnen - Daniel Rogger
Unique fixed-rope route right next to the Three Peaks
Alpinschule Drei Zinnen - Daniel RoggerThere are several options for those wishing to go hiking around the Three Peaks. Among the best-known routes and approaches are:
- Circular walk around the Three Peaks: the classic route offering impressive views of the famous rock faces.
- From the Fischleintal Valley to the Three Peaks: a longer and particularly scenic mountain hike starting from Sexten.
- Through the Rienztal Valley to the Three Peaks: a more challenging approach from the Höhlensteintal Valley.
The shortest route leads via the Auronzo Hut, which can be reached from Misurina via a toll road. From there, the route continues on foot along a hiking trail.
Another highlight for experienced mountaineers is the Mt. Paternkofel. The ascent takes you through tunnels and galleys dating from the First World War, as well as along a short fixed-rope route, and offers particularly impressive views of the Three Peaks.
Apart from the Three Peaks, the nature park offers many other worthwhile destinations for a hiking holiday, and mountain bikers will also find numerous options for tours and trails in the region.
Famous summit destination
Unfogettable sunset with view of the Three Peaks
Alpinschule Drei Zinnen - Daniel Rogger
The Three Peaks are an important natural sight in Hochpustertal and in the Dolomites.
Internet ConsultingThe Three Peaks rise on loose scree slopes. The Große Zinne (“big peak”) in the middle is 2,999 m high, the Westliche Zinne (“western peak”) 2,973 m and the Kleine Zinne (“small peak”) 2,857 m. Simple hikers and nature lovers frequently just watch the Three Peaks from below. Alpinists love to climb them ever since.
The first ascent of the Große Zinne was made by Paul Grohmann, Franz Innerkofler and Peter Salcher in 1869 via the normal route. Emilio Comici succeeded in the first climb of the north face in 1933. In 2008, Thomas Huber climbed all three north faces within 24 hours.
Until today, these three summits are some of the most wanted destinations in the Dolomites and the north faces continue to be a real challenge for expert climbers. Countless climbing routes with different degrees of difficulty lead to the summits – from the normal route on the south side to the Direttissima and the steep, overhanging north faces.
Open-air museums
Plätzwiese pasture in Prags is only one of the spots of the cruel mountain war in the Dolomites between 1915 and 1917.
hagenvontroja #31171700During the First World War, the frontline ran across the Dolomites. The soldiers had to create paths and fortifications and live in the mountains under the most inhospitable conditions. The Alpinisteig path dates back to this time.
The project Bellum Aquilarum offers guided tours through the outdoor museum Rotwand and barrier Mitterberg and organizes exhibitions on the theme. Also, when hiking to Monte Piana, you will get interesting insights into the mountain war in the Dolomites.
Experiences in nature for kids & adults
The building houses the Euregio Cultural Centre Toblach with the Gustav Mahler Hall, the guest house of the cultural centre, the Three Peaks Nature Park House and much more.
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Lake Toblach is located in Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park and is worth a visit at any season.
TV Toblach - Harald WisthalerThe nature park house is located in the Culture Centre Grand Hotel Toblach and houses a permanent exhibition about the UNESCO World Heritage Site Dolomites and about the special features of the Hochpustertal Dolomites. Right behind the nature park house, there is the interpretive nature trail Toblach with 3 stations: the WaldWunderWelt, the tree village Toblach and the Celtic Tree Horoscope. Moreover, the circular trail LandArt allows you to see wonderful artworks.
The second nature experience trail with 11 stations around Lake Toblach is as well a highlight for the whole family, offering beautiful viewpoints for birdwatching. The path leads to two nature parks at the same time, as the Lake is part of Nature Park Fanes-Sennes-Prags.
Nature Park House Three Peaks
Culture Centre Grand Hotel Toblach
Phone: +39 0474 973017
E-mail: info.dz@provinz.bz.it
Images
Three peaks and Paternkofel
Vincenzo De Santis / Fotolia.com
Unique fixed-rope route right next to the Three Peaks
Alpinschule Drei Zinnen - Daniel Rogger
Unfogettable sunset with view of the Three Peaks
Alpinschule Drei Zinnen - Daniel Rogger
Professional moutnain guides offer unforgettable tours in the Dolomitesq
Alpinschule Drei Zinnen - Daniel Rogger
View of Drei Zinnen hut with the eponymous peaks in the background
IDM Südtirol - Klaus Huber
The Three Peaks are an important natural sight in Hochpustertal and in the Dolomites.
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in wintertime
hagenvontroja / Fotolia.comNature Parks
Selected accommodations in Hochpustertal
- Organic farm in a sunny location
- Wonderful view of Innichen & the Dolomites
- Possibility of making friends with the farm animals
- Outdoor pool & sauna
- Excellent breakfast &dinner with local & organic produce