01. APRIL 2020 Summer in the Kronplatz region Summer Legendary and Fabulously Beautiful – The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the South Tyrol-Südtirol Dolomites “Highly distinctive mountain landscapes that are of exceptional natural beauty with aesthetic appeal” are worthy of being declared a world heritage site. Anyone who views the “pale peaks” glowing in the last light of the evening above dark forests understands immediately why it was that in 2009, the South Tyrol-Südtirol Dolomites were inscribed in the list of world heritage sites because of their scenic uniqueness as well as because of their geological and geomorpological particularities. kronplatz.com/en/dolomites-unesco Three Nature Parks One important aspect is also the botanical variety of more than 2,400 plant species which are especially protected in the extensive nature parks and national parks. A total of three out of South Tyrol-Südtirol’s seven nature parks lie within the territory of the Kronplatz region: the Fanes-Senes- Braies/Fanes-Sennes-Prags and Puez/Odle-Geisler in the Dolomites and the Vedrette di Ries-Aurina/Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park in the area of the Central Alps. The Visitor Centers inform visitors about dealing with nature attentively and about the special features of each region. kronplatz.com/en/nature-parks Earth Pyramids One extraordinary natural phenomenon in South Tyrol-Südtirol is the earth pyramids. They can be marveled at, for example, in Plata-Platten near Perca-Percha and in Terento-Terenten. Those in Terento came into existence most likely as a result of a violent storm in which giant masses of rubble were washed away by the Rio Terento-Terner Bach stream. A hiking trail that is also suitable for children leads from the village center of Terento directly to the earth pyramids. Since the Kronplatz region includes parts of both the Dolomites and the Central Alps, it possesses great geological variety. For those who hike through the mountains with an open mind, they are like a geological textbook that tells of an infinitely long history: about a tropical sea in which corals built enormous reefs which today tower up into the sky, and about the colliding of the continental plates of Africa and Europe, which the upward folding of the mountains has to thank for its existence. Myths and Legends Earlier generations found many fairy tale explanations for the bizarre peaks and ridges, for the mysterious places and phenomena, and these explanations have been handed down in the famous Dolomites sagas. The German name “Kronplatz” or the Ladin name “Plan de Corones” comes from this circle of legends, because it was supposedly on this mountain that Dolasilla, the invulnerable princess of the empire of the Fanes, was crowned. Breathe Deeply, Sigh with Relief The majority of the area of the Val Pusteria is higher than 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) above sea level, and a quarter of it is even above 2,000 meters (6,600 feet). From the valley floor, wooded slopes climb upward, and above them Alpine pastures, cliffs, and glacier areas rise up. The great amount of green is thanks to the good air and the pleasant high elevation climate. And the Predoi-Prettau Climate Mineshaft in the Valle Aurina-Ahrntal is a relief for people who have problems with their breathing passages, especially for children with asthma. The results have been confirmed through scientific studies. Where miners used to dig for copper, today people sit on deck chairs 500 meters (1,600 feet) beneath the surface of the earth in the former mineshafts of Predoi. The high relative humidity of nearly one hundred percent binds with the few allergenic materials that may arrive at those depths. Once this cool and, at the same time, pure air is inhaled, it warms up and removes fluid from the swollen mucous membranes. Even a stroll through the woods has positive effects, on both the body and the mind. One spruce tree that is 20 meters (66 feet) high produces as much oxygen in one day as 35 people breathe in daily. Around forty percent of the Val Pusteria is covered with forest which fulfills protective functions that are vital to life and is a treasure trove of biodiversity. Some 111 types of forest, around 2,000 species of fungi, 1,113 species of plants, 173 mosses, 49 species of trees, 23 shrubs, and 14,700 species of animals have been counted in the forests of South Tyrol-Südtirol. Hiking in a Unique Natural and Cultural Landscape Delightful valleys between the steep pinnacles of the Dolomites or the three thousand meter (ten thousand foot) peaks of the main ridge of the Alps – just the variety of the landscape alone makes hiking in the Kronplatz region an adventure. And just as varied as the landscape are the options for hikes, from a family stroll to a high Alpine tour. Many paths provide access to life in the rural world of earlier generations, such as the Mill Paths in the Valle dei Mulini-Mühlental. In Terento-Terenten and Longiarü-Campill, hiking trails lead to a visit to old restored mills. In the Valle Aurina-Ahrntal, the Sentiero del sole-Sunnsatweg trail on the sunny side of the valley connects several villages and mountain farms higher than 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) above sea level with each other. It guarantees not only lovely panoramas, but also insights into the life of a bygone era. Four thematic paths in the Valle di Selva dei Mulini-Mühlwaldertal show the power of water which cuts gorges into the rock, turns waterwheels, and generates electricity. kronplatz.com/en/summer/hiking Sunrise and Inn Refreshments on the Mountain Anyone who wants to experience sunrise on a mountain peak has to get up early. Just for those hikers, the ski lifts on the Speikboden start operation at 6:00 A.M., and starting in September, guided sunrise hikes are offered. A proper trip to an inn or an Alpine refuge is the culmination of every hike, especially when the innkeeper brings Val Pusteria specialties to the table. With the influence of South Tyrol-Südtirol, Ladin, and Italian cuisines, some excellent enjoyment is in store. The Malga Moarhof-Moarhofalm above the village of Chienes-Kiens/Masi-Hofern, for example, is a lovely destination for a family hike. For children, the petting zoo and the playground are the main attraction, while the grownups will enjoy a Puschtra Speckbrettl (cutting board of Val Pusteria Speck farmer’s bacon) and a good glass of red wine. kronplatz.com/en/speikboden/summer/hiking Leisure Biking on the Val Pusteria Bike Path Among the hundreds of miles of bicycle routes, the Val Pusteria bike path is one of the tourist high points in the Kronplatz region. It leads between the Alps and the Dolomites, constantly accompanied by the Rienza-Rienz or Drava-Drau rivers, through a green high valley. It starts near the city of Bressanone-Brixen and ends on the other side of the border of South Tyrol-Südtirol in Austria – some 65 km (40 miles) among potato fields, farmhouses, forests, and mountains. The bicycle paths, some of which are paved, are easy to reach for everyone. The railway line, which traverses the valley from Bressanone to San Candido-Innichen, allows passengers to take bicycles on board, thus offering tremendous flexibility. Anyone for whom the route is too strenuous can rent an electric bicycle or make use of the bike shuttle. kronplatz.com/en/summer/mtb The Val Pusteria distinguishes itself through many traditions, customs, and a blossoming rural culture. Along the bicycle route are interesting points at which cyclists can make a rest stop and experience the various special features of this valley. From the production of wine and grappa to a sheep’s wool museum to a cheesemaking dairy open to the public, there is a huge amount to see, and taste, here. For cheese lovers, a detour to the Gatscher cheesemaking farm in Chienes-Kiens is recommended. This is a perfect place to taste delicious raw milk cheese varieties, such as an outstanding juniper berry cheese. kronplatz.com/en/summer/biking/pustertal-valley-bike-route Starting in 2015, the long-distance Munich to Venice bicycle route leads through the Val Pusteria, which is certainly one of the most beautiful sections of the 560 km (348 mile) route from Bavaria to the Adriatic Sea. muenchen-venezia.info/en/ Italy’s Most Livable City Right on the bicycle path, at the foot of the Plan de Corones-Kronplatz, lies the pearl of the region: the city of Brunico-Bruneck. The main city in the Val Pusteria is famous for its enchanting historic city center, and in 2014 and also in 2015, it was honored as the most livable city in Italy. The historical via Centrale-Stadtgasse is among the loveliest shopping streets in all of South Tyrol-Südtirol, while the entire heart of the city is an inviting place for strolling, gazing, and shopping in many very particular specialty shops. From the trendy to the traditional, there are extraordinary things to be found, including high-quality products from local handicraft suppliers. bit.ly/2bkAjqi A Variety of Routes for Mountain Bikers Tall, steep mountains promise exciting challenges for mountain bikers. One of them is the Sentiero dei Signori-Herrnsteig freeride trail from the peak of the Plan de Corones-Kronplatz, which runs from 2,225 meters (7,300 feet) above sea level down into the valley, representing a change in elevation of over 1,400 meters (4,600 feet). With numerous chicanes, the demanding route is a thrill for every biking fan.