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The 77.400-acre Vedrette di Ries-Aurina Natural Park was established in 1988. It is bordered to the North-West by Valle Aurina, to the East (up to Passo Stalle) by the National border, to the South-East by Anterselva valley, and to the South by Val Pusteria. Belonging to “Natura 2000” European ecological network, it borders the Hohe Tauern National Park and, together with the Zillertaler Alpen Alpine Nature Park, it forms the largest group of protected areas in Europe, with 976 square miles of surface.

Vedrette di Ries-Aurina Park features several glaciers, mainly on the northern slopes, many waterfalls (the most impressive are that of Riva, Rötbach, and Poja), as well as a multitude of small lakes. The latter are mainly found between 7.217 and 8.200 ft, such as Lake Gola, the three Maler Lakes and Kofler Lake.

To the South-East, at the bottom of the Antholz Valley, lies the lake of the same name, the third largest body of natural water in South Tyrol. It is surrounded by impenetrable coniferous forests and has long enchanted visitors from all over the world.
The Antholz Valley (Anterselva Valley) is also a popular destination for cross-country skiers.

FLORA AND FAUNA

The slopes of those valleys are covered with extensive Norway spruce forests (Picea abies), but where the wood gets sparse with better sun exposure, there are a lot of larches (Larix decidua). Norway spruces and larches, together with Swiss stone pines (Pinus cembra) make the whole treeline, between 6.233 and 6.889 ft

At lower altitudes, some broad-leaved trees can be seen, including rowans (Sorbus aucuparia). On the other hand, the mountain pastures begin beyond the limit of the wood, and are used as pasture; nearby, there are mountain huts, tourist and refreshment facilities.

The alpine pastures are a real explosion of colors thanks to several herbaceous species such as mountain arnica (Arnica montana), bearded bellflower (Campanula barbata), rough hawkbit (Leontodon hispidus), dwarf yellow cinquefoil (Potentilla aurea), and snowdrop anemone (Anemone sylvestris).

Above the alpine pastures, there are scree and rubble, with lichens, mosses, Androsace alpina, Linaria alpina, and several varieties of Saxifraga, such as Saxifraga moschata, and Saxifraga oppositifolia. In those environments chamois, ravens and European snow voles are a common sight.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)