FLORA & FAUNA
TEXELGRUPPE NATURE PARK - THE LARGEST OF ITS KIND IN SOUTH TYROL (33,430 HECTAR)
The Texel Group Nature Park extends over parts of eight local council areas and is known for its thick pine woods, sun-lit meadows, high moorland, lonely Alpine pastures and little farms,
steep rock faces, tumbling streams, crystal-clear lakes and imposing mountain peaks. The Merano High Path is 100 km in length an runs all around the sides od the entire Mountain Group.
The very interesting Texel Group Nature Park visitor centre is 5 km from the Residence Gerold.
NATURAL MARVEL WATERFALL - HELP REFRESH AND REVITALISE BODY AN SOUL
Considered one of the most spectacular in the Alps, the Parcines waterfall cascades down the rock face from a height of almost 100 m. It is particularly impressive in early spring with the melting of snow (or in the summer after heavy rains), when as many as 6,000 liters of water per second flow into the Zielbach torrent. The family hike from Rablà to the waterfall takes about an hour and a half on foot and there is also a shuttle bus. A scenic family walk leads from the Texelbahn Cable Car mountain station down to the base of the waterfall.
NATURAL MARVEL WATERFALL - HELP REFRESH AND REVITALISE BODY AN SOUL
Considered one of the most spectacular in the Alps, the Parcines waterfall cascades down the rock face from a height of almost 100 m. It is particularly impressive in early spring with the melting of snow (or in the summer after heavy rains), when as many as 6,000 liters of water per second flow into the Zielbach torrent. The family hike from Rablà to the waterfall takes about an hour and a half on foot and there is also a shuttle bus. A scenic family walk leads from the Texelbahn Cable Car mountain station down to the base of the waterfall.
Not far from the Residence Gerold and the railway station on the Etschtalradweg cycle track along the ancient Via Claudia Augusta, there is a picturesque pond with a rest stop in the
Rablà biotope, a natural habitat for numerous species of animals and plants. During the so-called Daksys Days, park rangers take groups of junior explorers
aged between 7 – 12 years on an adventure trip into this natural habitat near. Equipped with magnifying glasses and microscopes, the mini-rangers learn about the vital role of water essential
for the survival of flora and fauna.
WAALWEGE TRAILS - WALKING ALONG THE ANCIENT IRRIGATION CHANNELS
Waalweg is the German name for the paths alongside the water channels formerly used to irrigate the fields in the valley. These ancient
trails along the gentle slopes have been adapted into popular pathways for leisurely walks, especially popular with families in recent years. Along a still
functioning irrigation channel above the center of Parcines, the Partschinser Waalweg trail leads past religious sites with spectacular views overlooking the Merano
basin. The Rablander Waalweg trail (500 m from the Residence Gerold) shows how important the old
irrigation channels were to agriculture in bygone days. The system of the waterways in Partcines, Rablà and Tel is part of the 80 km Meraner Waalrunde Circuit Trail running
across the Merano basin.
SPRONSERSEEN LAKES - CRYSTAL-CLEAR REFLECTIONS IN THE SPRONSERTAL VALLEY
Approximately 15 kilometers north of Rablà, ten Spronserseen lakes nestle at varying altitudes between 2,120m and 2,590m a.s.l. on a high mountain plateau in the heart of the Texelgruppe Nature Park. The largest of these lakes, the Langsee and the Grünsee lakes, together with the other eight lakes, form part of what is the most extensive high altitude lake system in Europe. The Merano High Mountain Trail leads from Parcines to the Spronserseen lakes. From June to October, there are weekly guided-tours to these stunning mountain lakes.
Approximately 15 kilometers north of Rablà, ten Spronserseen lakes nestle at varying altitudes between 2,120m and 2,590m a.s.l. on a high mountain plateau in the heart of the Texelgruppe Nature Park. The largest of these lakes, the Langsee and the Grünsee lakes, together with the other eight lakes, form part of what is the most extensive high altitude lake system in Europe. The Merano High Mountain Trail leads from Parcines to the Spronserseen lakes. From June to October, there are weekly guided-tours to these stunning mountain lakes.