Discover the diversity of butterflies and the history of the Counts of Künigl in Chienes in the Dolomites Region Plan de Corones
First, Rio di Pusteria and Vandoies welcome you to the Lower Val Pusteria. The main road then leads you to Chienes, a small municipality on the sunny side of the Val Pusteria.
It consists of five villages, each with its own charm and history: Casteldarne with its castle and the farms on the Monghezzo, the main village of Chienes, the sunny village of Corti, and San Sigismondo. The well-known Pusterbike Cycle Path crosses the Val Pusteria on its way to Brunico, passing by these villages.
In "Zimmatn", as San Sigismondo is known in the local dialect, the Butterfly Trail is an inviting place for a walk. The municipality is situated amidst vast, flat meadows and fields that stretch up to the slopes of the Luson Mountains.
The valley paths, such as the aforementioned Butterfly Trail, are therefore easy to walk and have interesting information about the local flora and fauna ready for you. The Mountain Farm Trail, on the other hand, tells the story of the mountain farms on the slopes of the Monghezzo. The Marmot Trail takes you further uphill, ending at the Lago Verde - the Green Lake - at an altitude of over 2,000 metres, where it opens up a view of the valley.
For winter sports enthusiasts, the proximity to Mt. Plan de Corones is an advantage: The ski resort of the same name is located there, with slopes running down to San Vigilio, Valdaora, and Riscone. On the other side, towards the Isarco Valley, the vast expanse of the Rodengo Alp is ideal for cross-country skiing. The public transport links are well-developed: These journeys - which incluse the ski bus and the Val Pusteria Ski Train - are free with the Guest Pass Plan de Corones.
Notice: Due to the construction of the Riggertal loop and safety-related works, sections of the Val Pusteria Railway will be closed until January 2026. A rail replacement bus service will be in operation.
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