The Dolomites – a place of longing for mountain fans. If you want to explore the rugged and striking mountain ranges in South Tyrol, you will quickly realise that the valleys are very extensive after all. In our search for the perfect starting point for a holiday in the Dolomites, we came across Kronplatz, which we would like to recommend to you in this article. Nearby are a few of the well-known Dolomite classics, but also a few adrenaline-packed insider tips. Remember these highlights for your next summer holiday in the Dolomites.
A mix of hiking holiday and wellness and maybe trying something new – that was our intention for our short holiday at the Falkensteiner Hotel Kronplatz in the Dolomites. We were there for a total of 4 days and spoke to René right at the beginning. As Experience Concierge, he has a damn cool job: he advises hotel guests on the coolest mountain and bike tours and is happy to come along himself on request.
We followed his recommendations and had a really great time at Kronplatz. We would like to share our highlights with you, so here we go:
E-BIKE TOUR TO THE KRONPLATZ
All skiers are probably familiar with the Kronplatz. It is rumoured to be the most beautiful panoramic mountain in the Dolomites. Without a doubt, the 360-degree view stretches from the Lienz Dolomites to the Marmolata. Instead of simply taking the train to the top, we would recommend that you jet up on an e-bike, even in turbo mode if necessary. We simply rented the e-bikes at the Falkensteiner Hotel Kronplatz, which is only 2 minutes away from the valley station. From the valley station up to the summit, you have to climb about 1,300 metres, which you can do quite comfortably in about an hour on an e-bike (information about the tour). Once you have reached the top, there are many things to experience at Kronplatz: Have a leisurely coffee, enjoy the view, visit museums or feel the adrenaline – but more on that in a moment. Tip: The short e-bike tour is also highly recommended at sunset when the surrounding mountain scenery is bathed in orange light. You can either plan this experience on your own or book it directly at the hotel with René, in which case he will come with you and also pack you a small summit snack.
LUMEN: MUSEUM OF MOUNTAIN PHOTOGRAPHY
LUMEN is a museum for mountain photography. You couldn’t have found a better place to exhibit the great photographs and works of art. There is also a café with a panoramic view in the same building.MMS CORONES: MESSNER MOUNTAIN MUSEUM
A rather inconspicuous yet very futuristic-looking building is located only a few hundred metres away from LUMEN. In the Messner Mountain Museum at the Kronplatz summit, you can immerse yourself in the world of Reinhold Messner. Here in the Dolomites, where Messner discovered mountain sports for himself, he wanted to build a museum. In keeping with his motto, “At Kronplatz you bring people to the mountains with the cable cars, at the summit I bring the mountains to the people”, everything here revolves around the life of the mountaineers.
SUNRISE HIKE TO THE PEITLERKOFEL
The Peitlerkofel is a popular hiking destination in the Dolomites. With almost 12 kilometres and 1,000 metres of altitude gain, the hike requires a bit of fitness and, in any case, sure-footedness and a head for heights on the last rope-secured section to the summit. But the climb is worth it because you can enjoy a fantastic view throughout. René recommended that we climb the summit at sunrise, and yes, what can we say, this play of light left us speechless. Such a summit moment in the morning drives away sorrow and worries, believe us! Tip: You can find more information about this hike here. On request, René will accompany you; he knows the way very well, even in the dark.
HIKE TO THE DREIZINNEN HUT
The Three Peaks are probably known to everyone and every Dolomite fan will agree with us when we advise you to see these imposing rocks with your own eyes. A relaxed 1.5-hour hike leads from the Auronzo Hut (directly at the car park) to the Three Peaks Hut. The best way to get there is by car via the toll road (€30) to the starting point of the hike and take a leisurely walk there. However, the tour is very popular and always well attended. Photo tip 1: It is worthwhile to hike up a bit from the Dreizinnenhütte to the “caves”. In the holes, which today serve as a popular photo motif, soldiers took up positions during the First World War. (Save photo point in Google Maps) Photo tip 2: Another very easy-to-reach photo point is only a 20-minute walk from the car park, but in the opposite direction to the 3 Peaks. On a small rocky outcrop, you have a brilliant view of the Cadini group. (Open photo point in Google Maps)
PATERNKOFEL VIA FERRATA
If you want a bit more action, you can also try the Paternkofel via Ferrata (difficulty: B/C, more information on the tour). It is often referred to as the “Kriegssteig” because half of the route leads through old war tunnels from the First World War. In addition to the via Ferrata equipment, you should also pack a headlamp.
PRAGS WILD LAKE
We wanted to know whether the hype around the Pragser Wildsee is really justified. The idyllic blue-green mountain lake reflects the mountain range with the Seekofel peak behind it. You can walk around the lake or rent a rowing boat. Photographers should definitely come at sunrise because you can only see the reflection when there is no wind and no rowers are out yet. Tip: If you want to see the Pragser Wildsee from above, you can hike up to the Seekofel.
HERB HIKE IN GAIS
At the summer programme of the tourist office at Kronplatz, you can take part in a guided herb hike. You can easily register for free as a guest with the Premium Holiday Pass at kronaktiv.com. On a herb hike in Gaiß you will not only collect medicinal plants but also a great deal of knowledge about a holistic health concept. If you are interested in the world of herbs, then take a look here.
BRUNECK
Bruneck is the main town of the Pustertal and is perfect for a little stroll through town. How about a delicious Italian café, a scoop of ice cream or an Aperol Spritz in the historic old town centre? While the ladies stroll through the pretty boutiques, the gentlemen can also visit the Speck Museum, for example.
INDOOR FITNESS
Unfortunately, the danger of thunderstorms and unstable weather is not uncommon in the Dolomites in summer, which is why we would recommend a hotel with a good fitness programme at Kronplatz. No matter what the weather, you can satisfy your urge to move. An indoor climbing hall with self-securing equipment like at the Falkensteiner Hotel Kronplatz is of course especially cool.
WELLNESS
What could be better than relaxing in the wellness area after a strenuous activity at Kronplatz or in the surrounding area? Go for a swim in the pool, take a sauna or simply read a good book. To fully recharge your energy reserves, a good multi-course meal is a must at the end of the day. Whether South Tyrolean specialities or international delicacies – enjoy your holiday in the Dolomites. Perhaps these activities will inspire you to collect a UNIQUE.MOUNTAIN.EXPERIENCE here at Kronplatz in the Falkensteiner Hotel. Have fun!
