UNESCO

World Heritage Site

Reinhold Messner is not alone in thinking that these are the most beautiful mountains in the world.

A location has to be extremely special to even think about appearing on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. It has to present a unique, unspoiled natural landscape and be safeguarded by outstanding environmental laws.

In terms of uniqueness, the Dolomites have outclassed any other place in the world for their beauty, the diversity in natural landscapes and their geological and geomorphological significance.

The Dolomites

simply splendid

The Dolomites, also known by their other moniker, Pale Mountains, with their fine beauty are the most beautiful mountains in the world. Everyone knows of the unusual splash of colours lighting up their peaks, and the contrast between the soft lines of the rolling hills and the jagged, powerful peaks reaching for the sky.

The uniqueness

of the Dolomites

The Dolomites are one of the most imposing mountain landscapes on the planet: the range of mountain formations is mind-numbing. Geologists made their way to these mountain massifs quite some time ago and the numerous paintings, letters and pictures are all witness to the fact that these mountains have always been a unique attraction.

The geology and geomorphology of the Dolomites: of great historical significance.

Important role

on the international geomorphological scene

The Dolomites have also played an important role on the international geomorphological scene, as this is where scientists can observe how mountains originated. The area has different formations which are the product of weathering, plate tectonics and glaciation. This location is thus of great significance. The Dolomites have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 26th June 2009. This is not only a very important recognitions, it also serves as a reminder of our duty to the Dolomites: to protect and sustainably develop this mountain area. They are a natural and cultural heritage which humanity as a whole should benefit from. Val Gardena is up for this task and is strongly engaged in protecting the region by supporting environmental laws- this is the only way we can protect these treasures of nature.

Puez-Odle

Nature Park

This nature park extends from Val Gardena to Alta Badia.

Right at the heart of the Dolomites you will find a second nature park, the so-called Puez-Odle Nature Park, also known as “Naturpark Puez-Geisler” in German. Covering an area of 10,703 hectares it reaches an average height of 2,500 metres and features an outstanding nautral scenery.

Outstanding

nautral scenery

Moreover it boasts all those kinds of stones, sediments and weatherings that are oh-so typical for the Dolomites.

In the so called “quiet zones” there are various rules one must adhere to in order to maintain and preserve the nature park also for future generations:

public traffic is forbidden;

picking flowers and mushrooms is strictly forbidden;

collecting minerals and fossils is against the law.