Parco Naturale Paneveggio Pale di San Martino

About

Parco Naturale Paneveggio – Pale di San Martino, situated in Trentino‐Alto Adige in the heart of the Dolomites, covers almost 20,000 ha of alpine, sub‑alpine and valley landscapes. The park’s core is the vast Paneveggio forest, a long‑living spruce stand that feeds the world‑famous violin‑wood industry, and the rugged Pale di San Martino massif, whose highest peak, Vezzana, rises to 3,192 m. Natural waterways glisten in the lower valleys while the upper reaches are blanketed by snow‑cap‑lined ridges. Its unique flora includes birch, fir, spruce and larch, while the fauna boasts red deer, roe deer, chamois and the reintroduced alpine ibex. Over 80 bird species — from capercaillie to golden eagles — find refuge here, and there are hundreds of lichen and insect species that thrive in the limestone valleys. The park is freely accessible to visitors throughout the year; no admission fee or ticket is required. Three visitor centres, in Paneveggio, San Martino di Castrozza and Val Canali, welcome guests with displays, maps and educational guides. Extensive networks of footpaths, mountain‑bike routes, and interpretive trails (including the geological and ethnographic itineraries) let hikers, cyclists and nature enthusiasts explore the park’s diverse environments at their own pace. Beyond the natural sights, the park offers a range of cultural and educational experiences: seasonal exhibitions, guided visits, workshops on lichens and woodcraft, and the lively “Ecomuseum of Vanoi.” Whether you come to hike, learn about alpine ecology, or simply admire the panoramic views from the Balcone Panoramico on the Dolomites, Paneveggio – Pale di San Martino offers an unforgettable, cost‑free encounter with one of the world’s most treasured natural landscapes.