This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)

The Fanes-Senes-Braies Natural Park was created in 1980 within a protected area including the municipalities of Badia, Dobbiaco, Braies, La Valle, Marebbe, and Valdaora. Extending over some 63.000 acres, it is part of the Natura 2000 European ecological network, aimed at protecting natural and semi-natural habitats, their flora and fauna.

Inside the park, there’s the typical Dolomite mountain environment, with high-pasture huts and plateaus quite different from each other, both in terms of morphology and landscape. The presence of lakes also plays an important role: take for instance the beautiful Braies lake, which mirrors the rocky walls of the Croda del Beco, and Dobbiaco lake, the perfect habitat for many species of water birds.

The whole area is characterized by karstic phenomena, and mainly features “young” rock formations, between 225 and 190 million years old. There is also Dachstein and grey limestone which date back to the Jurassic period.

FLORA AND FAUNA

Mixed coniferous forests, plateaus, rocky walls, crystal-clear streams, mountain pastures, steep scree, wetlands and lakes dominate the valleys inside the park. The wooded area – growing between 2.952 and 6.562 ft – is mostly made of thick forests of Norway spruce (Picea abies). Between 6.562 and 9.186 ft above sea level, there are meadows of different sizes all the way up to the barren, rocky areas above 9.842 ft.

The rich fauna includes marmots (the mascot of the park), roe deers, foxes, badgers, stone martens (which go hunting at night among the forests and the meadows), squirrels, black francolins and capercaillies.

USEFUL TIPS FOR THE VISITORS

The park should be enjoyed at its very best from spring to autumn, when colours and scents blend together, while the meadows and the woods come to life with spectacular flower blooming.

Mountain enthusiasts and casual trekkers can enjoy this enchanted place while taking tons of wonderful pictures. Several sports activities can be enjoyed throughout the park, including leisure walking and trekking.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)