Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park is the largest protected area in South Tyrol and part of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its heart is formed by the broad plateaux of Fanes and Senes, encircled by Dolomite walls and marked by spectacular karst phenomena: limestone pavements, sinkholes, swallow holes and caves. Surrounding them are alpine lakes, high-altitude pastures and silent valleys, an environment of great natural value where pale rock holds sway.
What makes this corner of the Dolomites unique is also its mythical dimension. The Fanes area is the setting of the Ladin legends that tell of a mysterious people and its princesses — a story that intertwines even with nearby Lake Braies, from which, according to the tale, a passage opens down to the underground refuge of the Fanes. On a practical level, the park is crossed by a dense trail network and dotted with refuges that enable multi-day traverses, such as those along Alta Via number one. The most famous gateway is Lake Braies, but the interior holds solitary landscapes beloved by those in search of authentic mountain wilderness.
Frequently asked questions
What makes Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park special?
It is the largest protected area in South Tyrol, with karst plateaux, alpine lakes and refuges, and it is bound to the ancient Ladin legends of the kingdom of Fanes, which intertwine with the story of nearby Lake Braies.
How do you access the park?
The best-known access point is Lake Braies, but the park is served by numerous trails and refuges reachable from other valleys in the Pusteria area and Alta Badia.