Barbara's hiking recommendation
From Prato Piazza to the Strudelkopf
Start in Villabassa with the public bus (line 443) to Prato Piazza and from there the path leads to the Plätzwiese alpine hut. Take trail no. 40 A past the hut and continue along trail no. 34 to the saddle and over easy terrain to the summit of the Strudelkopf (2,307 m). The ascent is already characterised by the breathtaking panorama of the great peaks of the Braies Dolomites such as the Hohe Gaisl or the Seekofel. The Strudelkopf offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views in the Dolomites and of the splendour of the World Heritage Site with the peaks of the Three Peaks, the Cadini group, Monte Cristallo, the Tofana and the Marmolada. The Homecoming Cross and the World Heritage Terrace on the summit invite you to linger. The way back is via the Dürrenstein hut (2,040 m) a. We return to the starting point via the track (no. 37).
5 mountains ready to be explored: off to the mountain train!
In no time at all you arrive at the mountain railways * of the 3 Peaks Dolomites area with various areas to be explored, divided on five mountains, Helm, Stiergarten, Rotwand, Haunold and Comelico.
*There's a lovely surprise for guests staying in Alta Pusteria! The "3 Zinnen Mountain Card" is a pass valid for several days, allowing unlimited use of all the ski lifts in the Three Peaks Dolomites area. The pass is also great for MTB enthusiasts, who can take their bikes with them in the cable car and start their adventures up in the peaks.
- Haunold: made for families …
kids big and small, and those who are still kids at heart will love the giant Haunold. Highlights: the circular trail of the giant, the FunBob summer toboggan run, the “Zwergenparcours” ropes course, a lake for wading barefoot, a tubing run, and much more.
- Stiergarten: for hiking and exploring
… put on your hiking shoes or climb onto your bike – at Stiergarten we are off into the open! Highlights: the Sextner alpine meadow hike, the Karnische Höhenweg, Giro Enduro Bike Tour and much more.
- Helm: for photographers
… just don't forget your camera when you are on the way to the Helm mountain, because such a view deserves to be immortalised! Highlights: Oplerls mountain world, gorgeous sunrises and sunsets and much more.
- Rotwand: for fans of reindeer
… we admit it is not the only attraction on Rotwand, but it is the sweetest: the only reindeer herd in the Alps is looking forward to your visit! Highlights: the surroundings are seeped in history, with stations from World War I, via ferrata and much more.
- Col d’la Tenda (Dolomiti del Comelico): for sports lovers
… in nearby Belluno, the hiking trails on the mountain tempt you with adrenaline, enjoyment and challenging hikes. Highlights: a wide selection of hikes for all levels of difficulty, two challenging single trails and much more.
5 absolute classic attractions: off into nature!
- The Three Peaks: UNESCO World Heritage Site
Observe them from afar, watch them from the sky, hike to them, walk around them, climb up them – the Three Peaks can be admired from different perspectives. Which one will be your favourite?
- The Three Peaks View: peaking through the keyhole
For those who first only want to have a brief look of the imposing trio, they can do that about 7 km from Toblach in Höhlensteintal in Landro. A wood platform shows you which way to look and a free telescope is available. On a clear day you can see the north faces of the Three Peaks also with the naked eye.
- Fischleintal: picture-postcard views in Sexten
It is only 4.5 km long, but every metre is decked out with scenic beauty. You simply can't get enough of the panoramic view all around you, therefore you might need a little bit longer to get back.
- Plätzwiese: so close to the sky
The high pasture in the Fanes Sennes Prags Natural Park is at an altitude of 2,000 m and provides beautiful views. The high pasture does not only tempt you to go for a hike, but also mountain biking. If you hike to Dürrenstein or Strudelköpfen, on a clear day you can admire the imposing Three Peaks.
- Lake Braies: the most famous lake in the Alps
It is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites and is an eye-catcher in every season. We recommend going to Lake Braies during off-peak periods so that you can admire this corner of the earth in peace and quiet.
DO YOU WANT TO DISCOVER THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAIN LAKES IN PUSTERTAL?
Imagine you are standing by a crystal-clear mountain lake surrounded by the beauty of the Dolomites. Our list takes you to the most beautiful lakes, the ideal photo spots and provides valuable tips for nature lovers and adventurers.
- Lake Braies - the jewel among the mountain lakes
Lake Braies is naturally at the top of our list. With a lake surface area of 31 hectares, it is one of the largest and deepest natural lakes in the Dolomites. The water is actually crystal clear, but lime particles get into the lake and as soon as the sun shines into the water at the right angle, these particles reflect the rays and turn it into the familiar turquoise-green colour.
Small pebble beaches invite you to linger and take a refreshing dip. However, you should not be sensitive to the cold. Due to the altitude of around 1500 metres above sea level, the water temperature is around 15°C. The lake is also accessible in winter and offers a very special challenge for the hardy, namely ice bathing.
- 2-lake view hike: to Lake Antholz and Lake Obernsee
Two lakes, two valleys and even two countries can be explored on this varied and scenically beautiful hike. The Staller Sattel connects the Antholz Valley in Italy with the Defereggen Valley in East Tyrol. The leisurely hike starts at the Staller Sattel and leads from there (the same way there and back) to a wonderful vantage point with views of the two lakes and the 3,000 metre peaks of the Rieserferner Group. A longer variant is possible from the biathlon centre in Antholz.
- Lake Toblach and the picturesque Lake Dürrensee
Created by a rockslide, Lake Dobbiaco is picturesquely nestled between the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park and the Tre Cime Nature Park. The Dobbiaco Lake nature trail meanders along the shoreline and various information boards provide information about the flora and fauna.
- Lake Sorapis - the jewel among the Dolomite lakes
The intense turquoise-blue colour is unique. The lake owes its colour to the dust deposited on the bottom by the melting glacier. The beautiful lake can be reached via a scenic route from the Tre Croci Pass.