UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites Excursion: The Formation of the Dolomites

Together with geologists Corrado Morelli and Daniel Costantini (Office for Geology and Building Materials Testing) and Elisabeth Berger (Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Coordination), we will explore part of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage in South Tyrol.

Our circular hike begins in Ortisei and leads into the Puez-Odle Nature Park. Accompanied by Leo Hilpold, Director of the Nature Office, we will first take the Resciesa funicular and then hike to Brogles Hut. From there, we will continue to the entrance of Forcella Pana before returning to the hut and descending through the scenic Val d’Anna back to Ortisei.

Along the route, participants will gain insights into the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site. The geological formation of the Dolomites will be explained, highlighting why geology is one of the key reasons for their inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List. We will also learn about South Tyrol’s nature parks, which form the foundation of this World Heritage Site.

During the excursion, we will discover volcanic rocks more than 280 million years old that form the “foundation of the Dolomites” (Porphyry). We will then pass through an ancient tropical floodplain (Val Gardena Sandstone) and a former coastal seabed (Bellerophon Formation, Werfen Formation and Richthofen Conglomerate), before exploring the formation of tropical coral reefs preserved in the Schlern/Sciliar Formation.

SPEAKERS:
Corrado Morelli (Geologist)
Daniel Costantini (Geologist)
Elisabeth Berger (Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Leo Hilpold (Nature Office)

TARGET GROUP:
Local residents

REGISTRATION:
Registration required by 24 August through the Puez-Odle Nature Park Visitor Centre, by phone, e-mail or online.

MEETING POINT:
8:00 a.m. at the Resciesa Funicular Valley Station in Ortisei, Val Gardena

COST:
€10.00 (special rate) for the ascent with the Resciesa Funicular. The fee will be collected on site in cash only. Please bring the exact amount or suitable change.

LANGUAGES:
Only German and Italian alternately (no translation provided).

TECHNICAL DATA:
Walking time: 5 hours
Distance: 15 km
Ascent: 470 m
Descent: 1,310 m
Highest point: 2,254 m a.s.l.

DIFFICULTY:
Moderate hike. A good level of fitness is required.

RETURN:
Approximately 6:00 p.m., Resciesa Funicular Valley Station.

This hike is part of the RESPECT campaign. The initiative highlights South Tyrol’s unique natural and cultural landscape, a precious heritage that has been preserved for generations through responsibility, care, and respect. Together, we will discover this special landscape and show how even small gestures can make a big difference.