It is the trend sport of the last years and is not only healthy, but also heaps of fun: Nordic Walking.
Nordic walking classes are provided in many South Tyrolean villages, as right walking must be accurately learned. The term Nordic Walking comes from the English language, the sports itself from Finland, which is implied by "Nordic": It means literally "fast Nordic walking". And Finland is where this sports used to be a summer training method for cross-country skiers and biathletes.
The basic principle is rather easy: Contrary to normal walking, it additionally involves the arms and works your upper body. So you can exercise most of your muscles, also with the help of special Nordic Walking poles. In the Val Pusteria valley, in the surroundings of Mt. Plan de Corones, a special trail network has been established: This "Nature.Fitness.Park.Kronplatz.Dolomiti" includes 285 km of Nordic Walking trails with a series of exercising stations.
However, also in other South Tyrolean regions and valleys there are special trails. These include the NaturAktivPark on the Naz-Sciaves high plateau, the Nordic Walking Park in the Val di Funes valley and the Nordic Walking Eco Trail on the Alpe di Siusi, as well as the DSV Nordic Aktiv Park in the Vallelunga in the Val Gardena valley and the Nordic Walking Trail San Genesio - Avigna.
