Due to its contrasting harsh climate in the north-east and the sub-Mediterranean climate in the south-western part of the territory, the Trudner Horn Nature Park is home to the most diverse flora and fauna among South Tyrol’s nature reserves. Walking trails criss-cross the nature park, leading hikers through open larch forests, wetlands and moorlands.
Geologically, the Trudner Horn Nature Park is split into two distinct parts. The slope facing the Etschtal valley predominantly consists of dolomite, while the central and eastern areas are characterized by red-brown quartz porphyry. It's this latter rock that forms the eponymous Trudner Horn mountain.
This division can be clearly observed in the twin mountains of Schwarzhorn and Weisshorn. These two most southerly peaks of the Dolomites are similar in their conical shape, but very distinct in terms of their geology and colour – the Schwarzhorn mountain consists of Bolzano quartz porphyry, the Weisshorn of white sarl dolomite.