The Sciliar-Catinaccio/Schlern-Rosengarten Nature Reserve

The Sciliar-Catinaccio/Schlern-Rosengarten Nature Reserve is situated in the western part of the South Tyrolean Dolomites. With an expanse of 6,796 hectares (16,793 acres) it comprises the area encompassing the villages of Siusi/Seis, Fiè/Völs and Tires/Tiers, with the Catinaccio/Rosengarten Nature Reserve forming its eastern border.

Sciliar/Schlern is the mountain from which this nature reserve derives its name, with its highest elevation the small summit of Petz (2,563 m/8,409 ft). This rounded Dolomite massif with its free-standing towers on its western side it has become South Tyrol’s most easily recognised emblem. The Catinaccio/Rosengarten chain of Dolomite towers and pinnacles is likewise one of South Tyrol’s best-loved landmarks, famous for the way it glows crimson in the sunset, and as the site of the dwarf king Laurin’s rose garden, from which it derives its name.





The nature reserve also includes part of the Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm , Europe’s vastest expanse of Alpine pastureland, as well as the mountain forests in the areas of Siusi/Seis, Fiè/Völs and Tires/Tiers, and the unspoilt Valle di Ciamin/Tschamintal valley.

The Nature Reserve Visitor Centre in the Valle di Ciamin valley near Tires has been accommodated in an old Venetian sawmill and testifies to a long tradition of Alpine craftsmanship. The water-driven sawmill has been completely renovated and is now in perfect working order. The living quarters have likewise been restored to their original condition. A display also explains the geological composition and evolution of the Sciliar massif.

In addition to the visitor centre at Tires/Tiers there is an information point for the Sciliar-Catinaccio/Schlern-Rosengarten Nature Reserve at the popular bathing lake, the Laghetto di Fiè/Völser Weiher. Here the accent is on the flora which thrives around the small lake, the fauna found in the reed belt and the fish which live in the lake. Birdlife in the nature reserve is also given special attention focusing on a range of species with the relevant bird calls.

Hiking suggestion in the Schlern-Rosengarten Nature Park

Weißlahnbad near Tiers (1,173 m) - Tschamintal - Tierser Alpl (2,440 m) - Schlernhaus (2,450 m) - Bärenfalle - Weißlahnbad (1,173 m)

Walking time: full day
Difference in altitude: 1.275 m
Difficulty: difficult

From Tiers there is a passable road to Weißlahnbad and on to the car park near the information point "Steger Säge". This is the starting point of our hiking route (marking 3) which leads through the Tschamin Valley crossing the rivulet several times and ends at the entrance of the narrow and steep Bärenloch. We follow the trail through the Bärenloch (marking 3a) and cross the steep terrace up to Tierser-Alpl-Hütte (2,440 m). The crossing of the plateau from Tierser Alpl to Schlernhaus has already been described in suggestion 1. Around 2 hours are needed to reach Schlernhaus. From there a steep trail (marking 2) leads down in south-eastern direction to Weißlahnbach and Tiers. This trail goes along the north slope of the Tschafatsch to Bärenfalle. The descent through Bärenfalle is not very difficult, but rather steep. Finally we return to our starting point walking through the forests of the Tschamin Valley.