PARC NATUREL FANES-SENNES-PRAGS

The Fanes-Senes-Braies nature park, in the province of Bolzano, stretches over 25,000 hectares. It is a park in South Tyrol known for its karstic origin. There are "ponors", splayed holes where streams are swallowed up by the ground, and the famous "marmot parliament" (there must have been geologists with a sense of humour), a natural arena that seems to have been sculpted for a concerto of alpine marmot whistles. They do not hesitate to whistle in case of danger as when a golden eagle flies over them for example, and the park is known to have many of them, it is the animal symbol of the region! The peaks of Conturines, Lavanella and Croda Rossa dominate the park, which includes the high plateau Plätzwiese and the Prati dell'Armentara meadow, which is in bloom in spring and summer (hiking recommended). There are also the two beautiful lakes of Pragser Wildsee and Toblacher See with their crystal clear mountain waters. The lucky ones will be able to spot the "Venus hoof", the largest local orchid, in the pine forests. The park's visitor centre is in San Vigilio.

Hiking. A 12 km road crosses the Val di Rudo to the Pederu refuge (1,540 m), two 2-hour hikes lead respectively to the highlands of Fanes (2,060 m) and Senes (2,126 m), where there are refuges. There are other paths around San Virgilio, notably through the Val Fojedöra and the Val Foresta to Lake Braie (6 hours walk). For the more athletic, there are mountain bike routes. Ask at the park's visitor centre for information.

Not to be missed: the legendary via ferrata Alpe di Fanes (6 hours' walk, 1,000 metres ascent) in the footsteps of the Austro-Hungarian soldiers during the Great War, from the Alpe di Fanes Grande to the summit of the Furcia Rossa (the "red fur"). The military bases are still visible along the way.

Visitors' Centre. S. Vigilio at the entrance to the Val de Mareo interactive media, videos and interpretive panels on the Fanes-Sennes-Prag Natural Park, on the origins of the Dolomites; the discovery in 1987 of the Conturines cave bear; the main habitats of the park; and a three-dimensional relief showing the geomorphology of the area. The centre also includes terrariums and a children's area with games and crafts, as well as a library.