Naturpark Puez-Geisler (in German) or Puez/ Odle Nature Park

This must definitely be my favourite place around here. Then again, so far I've only seen a handful of places in Trentino and South Tyrol.

One grey morning we set off to visit this magnificent park. How right we were in going in spite of the weather because it later cleared and we had plenty of sunshine. But that's how it is with the mountain weather. It's full of surprises. As long as you have a warm jumper and a raincoat in your backpack you should be all right.

You can see deers right next to the car park at Malga Zannes.

We left our car at the Malga Zannes  (Zanseralm)  huge camper and car park. (3 euros per day but the proceeds go to the park maintenance.) From there we followed the signs to Malga Geisler or Geisleralm. They have a great website with many route options and a map.


(http://www.geisleralm.com/geislerkino_it.htm) 

It's a superb malga in an amazing setting of the Odle Mountains. It's particularly well equipped to welcome the children as it has a large playground and it also has animals (rabbits, horses and cows). We had a nice meal there including great cakes and Strauben!

We were supposed to walk a shorter way from Malga Zannes to Malga Geisler but there was a sign missing and we followed a different route. It all turned out for the best, though. It was a more difficult path but much more picturesque. We found out later that we did  the much recommended the Adolf Munkel Trail. We were supposed to follow the old Hay Trail Nr. 6 to St. Zenon,  then continue to the right until we reached the Adolf-Munkel Trail.

On our return we chose the easy forest path down back to Malga Zannes and it took us only 1 hour this time. 

Indeed, you can reach the Malga Geisler with a stroller, although be warned, the path obviously goes up. Use the forest road which leads from the Zanser Alm to the Dusler Alm and Geisler Alm. When you come to the intersection at the Jägerhütte ("Hunters' Hut"), take a left to the Geisler Alm. Walking time: approx. 1.5 h.

Useful websites:

http://www.suedtirol.info/South_Tyrol/_doctype_BasicArticle_Detail_Natural_Parks_en/D-6032-en-The_Puez_Odle_Puez_Geisler_Nature_Reserve.html

Toilets and refreshments:

Malga Zannes and Geisler, changing facilities available

How to get there:

By car from Trento: follow the Autostrada del Brennero A22, take the Klausen/Chiusa exit and continue towards Brixen/Bressanone for approx. 2 km.Tturn right into the Villnöss Valley/Val di Funes (Villnöss-Teis/Tiso) and continue  for approx.14 km to St. Magdalena. From there, follow the signs for the Malga Zannes car park.