Plan de Corones — Kronplatz in German — is the mountain that dominates Val Pusteria: a rounded summit at 2,275 metres reachable by cable car from several sides, from Brunico and Riscone to Valdaora. In winter it is one of the flagship ski areas of South Tyrol, while in summer the summit becomes a 360-degree panoramic terrace opening onto the Dolomites and the surrounding Alps. The presence of the lifts makes it accessible even to those with no intention of hiking.
What sets it apart, however, are its altitude museums. At the summit stands the Messner Mountain Museum Corones, the last of the six museums conceived by Reinhold Messner, opened in 2015 and dedicated to mountaineering: it was designed by architect Zaha Hadid, with a structure largely excavated into the mountain and looking out over the peaks through broad windows — the highest museum in South Tyrol. A short distance away, LUMEN tells the history of mountain photography. From the summit, numerous hiking trails also lead back down into the valley for those who want to make their own way down on foot.
Frequently asked questions
How do you reach the summit of Plan de Corones?
The summit is served by cable cars from several sides, including Brunico, Riscone and Valdaora, making it accessible even to non-hikers.
Which museums are on Plan de Corones?
At the summit you find the Messner Mountain Museum Corones, designed by Zaha Hadid and dedicated to mountaineering, and LUMEN, a museum dedicated to mountain photography.