Puez-Geisler Nature Park: How to get there & Zans car park
The Puez-Geisler Nature Park is one of the most impressive natural landscapes in the Dolomites, with green alpine pastures, clear streams and the famous Geisler peaks as a backdrop. The Villnöss Valley in particular attracts visitors who are looking for unspoilt nature, tranquillity and spectacular natural experiences. To ensure that your journey is relaxed, you will find all the important information about how to get there and parking options in Villnöss here.
The Zans car park is a central starting point for numerous hikes and discovery tours in the Puez-Geisler Nature Park. It can be reached in various ways. Especially in the summer months, increased traffic and jams are to be expected on the way there.
Why use the Zans car park to get to the Geisleralm?
The Zans car park in Villnösstal is the main starting point for hikes to the popular Geisleralm, as direct access is not possible. From the car park, a well-marked hiking trail leads to the alpine pasture at an altitude of 1,996 m in about 1 hour and 20 minutes. An alternative route runs via Raschötz in the Gröden Valley, but is considerably longer and more demanding. For most visitors, the Zans car park therefore remains the most practical option for a trip to the Geisleralm.
Arriving by car
The fastest route is via the Brenner motorway (A22) to the Klausen exit. From there, continue for approx. 2 km on the road towards Brixen and then turn right into the Villnöss valley. Follow the signs via St. Peter and St. Magdalena to the Zans car park.
Parking in the Villnöss valley: Zans car park
The bizarre peaks of Puez Geisler are an impressive mountain ridge, which you can see in Villnöss.
Internet ConsultingThe Zans car park is located at the end of the Villnöss valley, directly connected to several hiking trails. It is accessible all year round, offers a limited number of parking spaces and is subject to a fee. If the car park is full, access may be closed.
Traffic lights regulate access
A traffic light system at Ranui (approx. 5.5 km before Zans) provides information about the current occupancy of the car park:
- Green: access is possible
- Red: car park is full – If necessary, you can use the alternative car parks in St. Magdalena (Ranui, Putzen, Filler) and continue by bus.
Online reservation
Some car parking spaces in Zans are also made available for online reservation in advance. If you have booked a parking space, you can continue to Zans even if the traffic light is red on that day and park in your reserved parking space.
Zans car park rates
- Daily rate for online bookings: €12 for cars (discount with Südtirol Guest Pass DolomitiCard)
- Daily rate when paying on site: €10 for cars, €16 for campers
- Night rate: €40 for all vehicles from 9 pm to 7 am
Buses can also travel to Zans, but parking is limited. There are public toilets and two alpine huts offering refrehsments in the immediate vicinity of the car park.
The Geisler Group in Villnöss is located in the heart of Puez Geisler Nature Park in the Dolomites. It is a wonderful hiking area for the whole family.
Internet Consulting - Fabian AuerGetting there by public transport
Environmentally friendly mobility is a top priority in the Villnöss valley. The Puez-Geisler Nature Park is easily accessible even without a car. A combination of train and bus allows an environmentally friendly and relaxed journey to Villnöss.
The nearest train stations are in Klausen and Brixen. From there, there are bus connections to the Villnöss valley. Bus line 330 takes visitors to the Zans car park every hour (except in November and April).
It is not necessary to reserve a seat on the bus. Current timetables can always be found on südtirolmobil: simply enter your starting point and select St. Magdalena (Villnöss), Zanser Alm as your destination.
Bike tour in Villnöss in the Dolomites with view of the Geisler Peaks
IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Alex MolingOn foot or by bike
Those who enjoy being close to nature can also explore the Puez-Geisler Nature Park on foot or by bike. A well-marked hiking trail leads from Ranui near St. Magdalena in about 1 to 1.5 hours, mostly through shady forest sections, steadily uphill to the Zans car park. With an elevation gain of around 300 metres, the route is pleasant for active hikers, even with older children.
Cyclists can also cover the route – the continuous climb is particularly easy to manage with an e-bike. Bicycles are permitted on the hiking trail, but consideration for pedestrians is strongly recommended. Simple parking facilities for bicycles are available at the Zans car park. Transport into the hiking area beyond this point is only possible to a limited extent.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to the Villnöss valley?
The best way to get to Villnöss is to take the Brenner motorway (A22) to the Klausen exit. From there, follow the signs towards Brixen (approx. 2 km) and then turn right into the Villnöss valley.
Can you drive to the Geisleralm?
Direct access to the Geisleralm is not possible. You can park at the Zans car park in the Villnöss valley. From there, a leisurely hiking trail leads to the Geisleralm – duration approx. 1 hour 20 minutes.
Can I reserve a parking space at Zans?
Yes, online reservations are possible and recommended during the high season, as the number of parking spaces is limited.
