GEOPARC Bletterbach

20 million years of earth history at a glance - that awaits you at Redagno (Radein) and Aldino (Aldein), near the Wine Road and the Monte Corno Nature Park. There, more precisely at the foot of Mt. Corno Bianco, a 2,316 m high peak of the Fiemme Dolomites, extends the Bletterbach Canyon (Bletterbachschlucht, in German - Rio delle Foglie, in Italian). In 2009, the "Grand Canyon of South Tyrol", together with the Dolomites, was declared World Natural Heritage site.

The gorge tells the history of earth without saying a word. It provides an insight into the innards of mountains and has steadily been undercut for a period of about 15,000 years by the Rio Bletterbach stream. Due to the fact that the rock layers are still intact, it is possible to draw conclusions regarding the period of time of 150 million years ago, the climate and its impact on the environment. The fossil findings as well as various imprints of dinosaurs, however, are exhibited at the visitor centre in Aldino and at the GeoMuseum in Redagno.

The Bletterbach Canyon can also be explored by foot: A forest nature trail leads into the woods and explains the local fauna, whereas the Geologic Trail takes you into the gorge and informs about the single rock layers, among them Dolomite limestone, the Bellerophon strata and the Werfener strata. The necessary safety helmet can be rented for free at the visitor centre - there you can also pay the entrance fee for the circular walk. The "Grand Canyon of South Tyrol" stays open from the beginning of May to the end of October, guided tours are offered upon request.