The Three Peaks and Pustertal: Pearls of the Dolomites
The Three Peaks and the Pustertal Valley are true pearls of the Dolomites. Due to their breathtaking landscapes and a vast range of leisure activities, the Three Peaks (ital. Tre Cime di Lavaredo) and the Pustertal Valley have established themselves as premier holiday destinations.
Both holiday destinations span an extensive area in South Tyrol. The "Three Peaks" (Drei Zinnen) is the name of the world-famous rock formation in the Sexten Dolomites, which has been part of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage since 2009.
The Three Peaks Nature Park belongs to this area. Both the park and the mountain massif are part of the Europe-wide Natura 2000 network of protected areas. The goal of this network is to protect the natural habitats of wild flora and fauna.
Table of Contents
- The Three Peaks: What makes them so special?
- The Three Peaks for Eternity
- Explore the Breathtaking Beauty of the Three Peaks
- Three Peaks Hiking Trails – Experience Pure Nature
- Climbing in the Three Peaks Region – Practice Makes the Mountaineer
- Messner Mountain Museum Three Peaks
- Culinary Delights of the Three Peaks and the Pustertal Valley
The Three Peaks: What makes them so special?
Three Peaks Dolomites - The Geological Formation
The majestic Three Peaks rise like giant sentinels over the breathtaking landscape of the Dolomites. But how did these imposing rock formations come to be? The answer lies in a time millions of years ago, when colossal forces collided.
Around 230 million years ago, the Earth was a truly dynamic place. Mighty seas covered vast parts of what is now Europe, including the region of today’s Dolomites. Yet, beneath these masses of water, an irrepressible force was at work: the collision of two tectonic plates created enormous tension and caused the Earth's crust to tremble.
These tectonic movements led to the formation of mighty mountain ranges—the predecessors of our beloved Dolomites. Over time, erosion gradually wore away the uppermost layers until the heart of the mountains was revealed: powerful and incomparably beautiful.
The Three Peaks - A Natural Wonder of Colossal Power
And it is precisely here that we find them: the Three Peaks, silent witnesses to ages long past. With their distinctive summits, they symbolize not only strength and permanence, but also the inexorable passage of time.
Standing at their base and truly feeling their history is an awe-inspiring experience. It makes one realize that we humans are merely guests on this planet and that nature continuously gifts us with its beauty and power. The formation of the Three Peaks and the Dolomites is a powerful example of how monumental forces have shaped our world.
An experience not to be missed—whether hiking, climbing, or simply gazing upon these imposing rock formations. Immerse yourself in the history of nature and let its incomparable power inspire you!
The Three Peaks are special! Why?
The rock they are crafted from is known as dolomite. Due to its high magnesium content, dolomite rock possesses a characteristic gray-white color, giving the summits of the Three Peaks their incomparable appearance.
The golden light at sunset, the pale rock reflecting its glow, and the unmistakable rock formations make the Three Peaks an incomparable experience for hikers and nature lovers alike. This formation is located not far from the Sexten Sundial (Sextner Sonnenuhr). This is a natural formation of five mountain peaks that reflect the sun at different times of the day, allowing this natural timepiece to reliably tell the time.
Family-friendly Holidays in the "Green Valley" – The Three Peaks in Upper Pustertal
Geographically, the Three Peaks are located in the Pustertal Valley. The Pustertal (ital. Val Pusteria) refers to the Alpine valley that runs in an east-west direction. In common parlance, it is often called the "Green Valley." The majority of the Pustertal lies in South Tyrol (Italy) and is considered an exceptionally family-friendly holiday destination.
At an altitude of 750 to 1,180 meters, you will find popular towns such as Toblach or Bruneck in the west, and Innichen or Sillian in the east. The eastern part of the Pustertal is also known as the Upper Pustertal (Hochpustertal). This is where the Three Peaks and the Glinzhof are located. The municipalities of Toblach in South Tyrol and Auronzo di Cadore in Belluno are considered the primary gateways to the Three Peaks.
The Three Peaks for Eternity
Discover the Wild Beauty of the Three Peaks – The Perfect Motif for Unique Photographs
The Three Peaks for eternity?
Everyone wants to capture an unforgettable holiday forever. Naturally, there are souvenirs of the Three Peaks available for this. However, many travelers are also passionate photographers who want to preserve their individual holiday experience for a lifetime. If that sounds like you, the Three Peaks region is exactly the right place. The Three Peaks are a perfect motif for eternity. Rugged cliff faces and untouched nature give photos a wild and unique atmosphere.
Photographing the Three Peaks is an experience all year round. Spring and summer offer blooming meadows that, in contrast to the rugged cliff faces, naturally create romantic and narratively rich subjects. The powerful, horizontally aligned formation of the Three Peaks combined with the sky naturally creates a new sense of drama every single day.
If you plan your trip to South Tyrol in autumn, you can expect the warm red and orange tones of the forests, while winter brings the picturesque backdrop of the snow-covered Three Peaks. However, hiking in the Three Peaks area during the winter months is subject to conditions. To find out which routes are accessible, please check with the tourist information office, ask us—your hosts—or visit Three Peaks Info.
Flora and Fauna in the Three Peaks Nature Park
The flora and fauna in the Three Peaks Nature Park offer wonderful opportunities for passionate photographers. If you are looking to capture more than just landscapes and want to get rare animal and plant species in front of your lens, you should dedicate a few days to exploring the Three Peaks Nature Park.
The protected area stretches from the northeastern corner of the Dolomites to its western natural boundary in the Höhlenstein Valley. To the north, the Three Peaks Nature Park runs through the Pustertal Valley; to the east through the Sexten Valley; to the south it follows the border to Belluno, until it finds its western limit in the Höhlenstein Valley.
The Three Peaks Nature Park encompasses the three municipalities of Innichen, Sexten, and Toblach. It covers 11,891 hectares and features an elevation gain of 1,961 meters.
Particularly rare photography subjects in this area include elusive plants such as dwarf alpine roses, gentians, Dolomite cinquefoil, and bellflowers. Those who wait patiently and quietly with their camera may be rewarded with sightings of roe deer, the black woodpecker, or the boreal owl. The most famous wildlife subject in the Three Peaks region is, of course, the majestic golden eagle.
Three Peaks Hiking Trails – Experience Pure Nature
The Three Peaks hiking trails are incredibly diverse. We recommend various tours that can lead you to your own personal "pearl." Experience unforgettable adventures on the hiking trails of the Three Peaks!
Whether you are an experienced hiker or just starting out, the Three Peaks offer something for every taste and skill level. From leisurely strolls along the alpine meadows to demanding climbing tours on the summits—there is truly something for everyone.
For the adventurous, there are also numerous opportunities for climbing the steep faces surrounding the Three Peaks. But a word of caution: these tours are reserved exclusively for experienced mountaineers!
Whichever route you choose, remember to select your equipment carefully and always carry enough water and provisions. You will find everything you need for a traditional mountain snack (Marende) in our farm shop. And of course, you should never head out without a detailed map!
Easy Hiking Trail – The Three Peaks Circular Route
An easy yet spectacular path is the 10 km Circular Route around the Three Peaks. This is a great place to test your head for heights—and also just how many kilograms a photographer's back can carry on a mountain tour. You should allow approximately 4 hours for the hike.
The Three Peaks Circular Route also serves as excellent hiking training, as the path is divided into three distinct sections. The first stage leads from the Auronzo Hut to the Lavaredo Hut, taking about 20 minutes. You will need another 70 minutes to get from the Lavaredo Hut to the Lavaredo Ridge (Paternsattel). From there, you embark on the longest stretch, which reveals the classic iconic view of the Three Peaks formation.
From this point, the trail continues to the Forcella Mezzo (Middle Ridge). The walking time for this section is roughly 140 minutes as the path runs along the north side of the Three Peaks. Particular highlights include two idyllic mountain lakes and a beautiful alpine meadow. The Rienz River originates from the smaller of the two lakes. The final stage takes just 10 minutes, leading from the Forcella Mezzo back to the Auronzo Hut parking lot. Even families who are passionate about photography can easily master this tour with camera enthusiasts both young and old.
The special feature of this trail is that it allows you to observe and photograph the Three Peaks from many different perspectives. The circular route is easily accessible via a well-established starting point, whether by public transport or car. The best and most convenient starting point for this is the Auronzo Hut.
You can reach the Auronzo Hut by car from Toblach by traveling through the Höhlenstein Valley toward Lake Dürrensee and then toward Misurina. At Lake Misurina, there is a wide, paved road on the left. A toll is required at the end of this road for access to the parking lot located directly behind it. A great alternative to the toll road is the shuttle bus (Line 444), which runs from the Toblach train and bus station to the Auronzo Hut parking lot. The shuttle usually operates during the hiking season from June to October.
Moderate Hiking Trail – Ascent to the Three Peaks Hut
Another popular hiking trail in the Three Peaks area is the ascent to the Three Peaks Hut (Dreizinnenhütte). This route, however, is a bit of an adventure. Narrow paths require hiking experience and sure-footedness. Sturdy hiking boots and weatherproof clothing are highly recommended. The ascent to the Three Peaks Hut begins in the Fischleintal Valley just beyond Sexten in South Tyrol. The path is pleasant and far removed from the tourist crowds—a hike for true connoisseurs, especially since there are two mountain huts located along the way.
To begin the hike, follow the signs from the Fischleintal parking lot in the direction of the Talschlusshütte. The path is almost level and gravel-surfaced until you reach the Talschlusshütte at 1,548 m. Now is the time to eat well, because after the Talschlusshütte, you will reach a fork in the path where the trail to the right leads to the Three Peaks Hut (Dreizinnenhütte) and the trail to the left to the Zsigmondy Hut.
Now the mountain begins to steepen! To make the ascent easier, the path is designed with numerous switchbacks. At the end of the steep section, the trail follows the Altensteiner Stream, where a towering waterfall at the head of the valley serves as a scenic reward along the way. A further ascent leads to a narrow rock passage that opens up onto the Böde Alp. A deep gully separates the alpine meadows from the hikers. Once you have bypassed the gully, the Bödesee lake comes into view at 2,335 meters. The descent to the lake is pathless across the meadows to reach the southern shore. From there, it is only a 10-minute climb to reach the Three Peaks Hut (Dreizinnenhütte).
Challenging Trail – The Climbing Path to the Three Peaks Summit
Only experienced hikers and mountaineers should embark on this journey for "pearl diving" in the Dolomites. Along narrow paths, wonderful photographic compositions are revealed. The Dolomites are a UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage site, and this trail is home to attractions of both geological and cultural significance. Perseverance, stamina, and the overcoming of physical and mental boundaries are required to find the most precious of all "pearls" among the Three Peaks motifs: images from the summit of the Cima Grande and the breathtaking view over the Dolomite mountain landscape.
To begin the ascent of the Cima Grande and reach the base of the wall, walk about half a kilometer from the Auronzo Hut parking lot toward the Lavaredo Hut. Then, leave the main path to the left onto scree tracks and climb toward the notch between the Cima Grande (Große Zinne) and Cima Piccola (Kleine Zinne). The start of the climb (the " Einstieg") is located between a system of diagonal gullies and ravines.
On this path, you see the world from above, and everything you previously hiked through suddenly becomes very small. The Cima Grande (Great Peak) is truly a legend that has written mountaineering history. Its North Face, in particular, has repeatedly attracted and challenged extreme climbers. Nevertheless, there is a route known as the “Normal Route” (Normalweg). The ascent, which involves Grade III difficulty, requires immense concentration. Good route-finding skills are essential to navigate the correct path through the rugged rock faces. The most challenging sections are the “Smooth Chimney” (glatter Kamin) and the “Wicked Block” (böse Block). Once these are overcome, you can enjoy and photograph South Tyrol from 2,999 meters.
However, if you are not an experienced mountaineer, you should look for an opportunity to do this ascent with experienced mountain guides. The Three Peaks Alpine School, for example, offers such guided tours.
If these expressive mountain hikes have sparked a fire within you, you can join the local chamois and explore the High Altitude Trails of the Three Peaks region in the Dolomites.
A combination of spectacular views, challenging trails, and the sheer beauty of the Three Peaks makes this hike an unforgettable experience, even without camera gear. However, if you do have a good digital camera and a small tripod in your pack, be sure to use a long exposure to turn the passing clouds into a dramatic visual highlight.
The Three Peaks Hut (Dreizinnenhütte) can also be reached from the Auronzo Hut parking lot and, for those in good physical condition, can be combined with the full circuit of the Three Peaks.
Climbing in the Three Peaks Region – Practice Makes the Mountaineer
To be sure: it sounds incredibly tempting to stand on the summit of the Cima Grande and recall the words of Reinhold Messner. He once said that it is only at the peak of a mountain that one can truly realize how small mankind actually is.
However, mountaineering is a true challenge that demands discipline and physical stamina. A Dolomite climbing garden is exactly the right place to acquire the fundamental expertise and climbing skills needed for a mountaineer. Of course, having the proper equipment is also essential.
Let’s Go! Hit the Rocks!
In the Three Peaks region, you will find a climbing garden for every mountaineer, such as the Military Climbing Garden, the Landro Climbing Garden, Landro Caves Three Peaks, or the Rienztal Climbing Garden.
An ideal first tour for new climbers could be the Paternkofel Via Ferrata or the Toblinger Knoten.
- The right equipment for Three Peaks mountaineers
- The Military Climbing Garden (Militärklettergarten)
- Landro Climbing Garden and Landro Caves
- Rienztal Climbing Garden
- Paternkofel Via Ferrata and Toblinger Knoten (Leiternsteig)
The Right Equipment for Three Peaks Mountaineers
Naturally, you don't need to buy expensive gear as a prerequisite for your first climbing tours. There are several places where you can rent your equipment for your Three Peaks climbing adventures, such as Cortina Dolomiti or Globo Alpin. These companies also offer tours for beginners as well as major day trips for advanced climbers.
For those with climbing experience venturing out to the Three Peaks on their own, summer equipment including an ice axe, helmet, climbing harness, crampons, and a via ferrata set is recommended.
- Helmet
- Ice axe
- Climbing harness
- Crampons
- Via ferrata set
Once properly equipped, you're ready to go. The right gear transforms a hiker into a mountaineer. Don't forget your camera! Especially the first tour is usually an experience you'll be talking about for a long time to come.
The Military Climbing Garden
The Military Climbing Garden (Militärklettergarten) was originally established for military training. This is likely why the rock slabs used for climbing are exceptionally well-maintained and secured. This climbing garden is ideal for beginners and is a very popular destination.
You can reach the climbing garden by driving to Toblach, then turning toward Cortina and following the road for about 10 kilometers. Between kilometer markers 124 and 125, where the cycle path runs below the main road, you will find the parking lot on the left-hand side.
From the parking lot, there is a short walk to reach the site: cross the road, then turn left over the bridge that spans the cycle path. After the bridge, turn right and follow the wide path toward the river.
A hundred meters further, climb over a fence and continue along the broad path. Immediately after crossing the stream, you will see a sign pointing the way to the climbing garden.
Landro Climbing Garden and Landro Caves Climbing Garden
The Landro Three Peaks Climbing Garden is well-suited for climbing families, as it offers climbing paths for beginners as well as for more ambitious family members. You will find three sections here catering to every taste and skill level.
If you are looking for more, you can ascend to the Landro Caves Climbing Garden. The unique feature of this area is the cave-like holes in the rock, which offer stunning views stretching from Monte Cristallo to Lake Dürrensee. Another benefit of these climbing gardens is the short approach time of just 20 to 30 minutes.
If you plan to visit the Landro Caves Climbing Garden, you should also set aside some time for Lake Dürrensee. It is beautiful year-round and offers one of the most stunning Alpine panoramas in the Three Peaks region. This is a view that absolutely must be captured!
Lake Dürrensee is easily accessible from Toblach by car or bus. The SS51 main road leads directly to the lake, and there is ample parking available. Alternatively, bus line 445 will take you directly to Lake Dürrensee if you prefer to enjoy a car-free holiday. The climbing garden is located just south of the lake.
Rienztal Climbing Garden
The Rienztal Climbing Garden offers two sectors on a vertically overhanging wall within the Rienz Valley, allowing you to climb while enjoying incredibly beautiful views of the legendary nature of the Three Peaks and the Upper Pustertal.
The lower sector features easier, well-secured routes that allow beginners to test their limits and gain vital experience on the rock face. The upper sector is characterized by climbing routes of moderate to high difficulty. In total, there are over 50 routes to discover.
The Rienztal Climbing Garden is for fit mountaineers! To reach it, take your car via Toblach into the Höhlenstein Valley. You can park your car at the Gasthof Zinnenblick (Three Peaks View Inn). The path to the climbing garden begins here! When the trail toward the Three Peaks Hut begins to level out after about 45 minutes, you will reach an ascent after 100 meters that leads via switchbacks to the start of the climb.
Well? Has your Three Peaks climbing training really got you into the swing of things? Then you simply must take the plunge: your first tours into the history-steeped walls of the Three Peaks. Your next vacation photo will document mountain heroes in the making!
Paternkofel Via Ferrata and Toblinger Knoten
The time has come! Your first steps into the wild nature of the Three Peaks. For starters, we recommend two via ferratas: the Paternkofel via ferrata and the Toblinger Knoten. You may have already read about the many fantastic options for via ferratas in the Dolomites.
The Paternkofel sits at 2,744 m and is a historic tour in its own right. One section leads through dark wartime tunnels, making it clear why a military climbing garden exists for the training of mountain soldiers.
To reach the Paternkofel, a hike from the starting point at the Auronzo Hut to the Three Peaks Hut is required. At an outbuilding, you will find a signpost marked „Patern Gallerie und Kriegssteige“ (Patern Tunnels and War Trails). The via ferrata begins with an ascent onto a steep rocky ridge. For inexperienced climbers, we highly recommend booking a guided tour.
The Toblinger Knoten or Leiternsteig is a moderately difficult trail and well-suited for newly minted climbers. The ascent also starts from the Three Peaks Hut and is one of the region's historic via ferratas. During World War I, 17 ladders were installed on the northern flank of the Toblinger Knoten to reach combat positions unseen by the enemy. Remnants of these original ladders are still visible today.
Explore the Breathtaking Beauty of the Three Peaks
The Three Peaks Nature Park House
The Three Peaks Nature Park House in Toblach features a permanent exhibition documenting the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage site. Housed in an underground building, the exhibition on the Three Peaks Nature Park is divided into two parts. The first part describes various areas that have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
In addition to the Three Peaks Nature Park in the Dolomites, these include sites such as the Grand Canyon in the United States, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and the Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia. This first room whisks curious visitors away into the world of how the Dolomites were formed and highlights significant events from the Sexten Dolomites and the Prags Dolomites.
For those who cannot decide which of the enchanting Dolomite landscapes are most worth seeing, the second room offers a video installation that allows you to immerse yourself in the breathtaking world of the Three Peaks and its surroundings.
The Right Path to the Perfect Three Peaks Photo
The right path to the perfect Three Peaks photo requires careful research and planning. After all, a shell containing the perfect pearl is never easy to find. What equipment do you need? Gear choices vary greatly from one photographer to the next. Someone trekking with a tripod, wide-angle lens, telephoto lens, multiple batteries, and spare memory cards will likely choose different paths than a photo enthusiast carrying a professional yet lightweight digital camera.
The Three Peaks region is now exceptionally well-developed, boasting a first-class tourism infrastructure. You can reach the perfect path for your photo on foot, by horse, by bus, by car, or via the mountain cable cars.
Be sure to check with the local tourist information office or your accommodation regarding transport and travel options to the Three Peaks. We would be delighted to help you find the best route to the Three Peaks tailored to your needs.
Messner Mountain Museum Three Peaks
The Messner Mountain Museum Is Coming!
And now, finally, it has arrived at the Three Peaks. Reinhold Messner, one of the world's most famous mountaineers, has created a lasting legacy with this renowned series of museums in South Tyrol. So, once you have found your own "Three Peaks pearl," let Reinhold Messner offer you even more treasures.
In total, there are now six of these museums. The museum on the Helm, a mountain in the Three Peaks region, will be the seventh established by the mountaineer Reinhold Messner. It is named “Roca” and opened in 2024.
Stoneman Hike Dolomiti
Each of these fascinating museums is situated in an exposed, breathtaking location in South Tyrol and follows its own unique thematic focus. All of them can be reached via cable cars, among other means, and each one truly deserves its own photographic coffee-table book.
| MMM Corones | Traditional Adventure Alpinism |
| MMM Firmian | The encounter between man and mountain |
| MMM Dolomites | The history of the discovery of the Dolomites |
| MMM Juval | The Myth of the Mountain |
| MMM RIPA | The Heritage of the Mountains |
| MMM Ortles | The terrors of ice and darkness |
| MMM Roca | Rock / Opened in 2024 |
Culinary Delights from the Three Peaks and the Pustertal Valley
Culinary delights from the Three Peaks and the Pustertal Valley are, of course, a must-have during and after strenuous photo tours. It’s fair to say: the Three Peaks and the Pustertal Valley are a true "El Dorado" for food bloggers. "Agriturismo" is the keyword and a major trend for travelers. Rustic mountain huts and snack stations are as much a part of a South Tyrolean holiday as the mountains themselves.
Agriturismo in the Pustertal: Authentic Cuisine and Culinary Discoveries on the Farm
South Tyrolean cuisine is a shared cultural asset: language, history, and way of life combine to create an incomparable culinary experience.
Ladin, German, and Italian cuisines have all thrown their best ingredients into the mixing bowl. The Pustertal Valley is the melting pot for the flavors of this cuisine, which has evolved over many centuries.
Bavarian "migratory birds" traveled over the Dolomites as early as the 6th century, bringing the art of dumpling-making to South Tyrol. To this day, dumplings (Knödel) remain a South Tyrolean national treasure and are a staple of local cuisine in countless variations.
The Franks introduced "Maultaschen" (filled pasta), while Italian travelers contributed the Mediterranean component as they journeyed from the south to the north.
Schlutzkrapfen, Tirtlan, and Schüttelbrot: Delicacies from Simple Ingredients
The foundation of all these dishes is the so-called "poor man's cuisine." The ingredients sourced from the sparse mountain valleys were, and still are, potatoes, beets (Rohnen), cabbage, kale, poppy seeds, turnips, barley, and rye. Masterful compositions created from this list of ingredients include, for example, Schlutzkrapfen (stuffed pasta), Tirtlan (fried pastries), and Schüttelbrot (crunchy flatbread).
- Tirtlan: Deep-fried, round dough pastries (Krapfen) traditionally filled with sauerkraut, spinach, potatoes, and curd cheese (Topfen). They are also a favorite dessert when served with jam, poppy seeds, or nut fillings.
- Barley Soup (Gerstsuppe): A hearty, savory soup made with pearl barley, smoked bacon (Speck), smoked meat, and vegetables.
- Schlutzkrapfen: The dish with a thousand names. Whether you call them Schlutzer, mezzelune, or ravioli tirolesi, these are crescent-shaped pasta pockets similar to ravioli that can be prepared with a variety of fillings.
- Schwarzplenten Riebl: Similar to Kaiserschmarrn, but made with buckwheat flour. This rustic shredded pancake is typically served with plum, cherry, or apple compote, or lingonberry jam.
- Schüttelbrot: A very thin, crunchy sourdough flatbread. Because of its long shelf life, it was once a vital food source for people in remote valleys and remains the perfect snack for hikers today.
- Local Delicacies: Not to be forgotten are the fine regional wines, the famous South Tyrolean smoked Speck, and the exquisite artisanal cheeses from the Three Peaks, the Pustertal Valley, and across South Tyrol.
If this little excursion to the Three Peaks and the Pustertal Valley has piqued your curiosity, we are certain that we will have the pleasure of welcoming you and your family to our enchanting Dolomites region many more times. There are "pearls" to be discovered everywhere here—and not just for photographers.
Just ask us quickly and easily via our contact form and we will contact you as soon as possible!
