Holidays in Kronplatz

Kronplatz - a summer activity hub and stronghold of Ladin mountain culture, with the wilderness right on its doorstep and plenty of walking routes to explore

Kronplatz is the name of the mighty mountain that shares its name with the region beyond. Known as Plan de Corones in the local language of Ladin, there’s an array of ways to explore the valleys and peaks here, from footpaths to zip wires – as well as cable cars that put mountain walking trails and panoramic viewpoints in easy reach. The village of San Vigilio di Marebbe welcomes visitors with traditional local cuisine and cosy inns surrounded by pine woods and centuries-old farms. But, the wildest scenery lies just south, where Fanes-Senes-Braies Natural Park lays out the dramatic vistas the Dolomites are famous for – including the turquoise waters of Lago di Braies-Pragser Wildsee; this spot is particularly stunning in the summer sunshine.

Family holidays in Kronplatz 

Holidays in Kronplatz and it's surrounding towns have lots to offer for families on their summer holiday. Whether you're looking for a mountain adventure like the 40-metre-long marble run at the top of the mountain station or family friendly walks like the bread and butter trail. There's a wide array of action packed fun to be had such as the summer tubing track for those adrenaline junkies or the Kron trampoline park, ideal if you want to experience those mountain views from even higher up. Walk along alpine paths in the Dolomites, zoom down zip lines, tackle the via ferrata course, take to the skies on a paraglider, or rocket through the bike park on its dedicated (and occasionally hair-raising) trails - you'll be spoilt for choice in Kronplatz when it comes to family fun! 

Mountain huts and Space-Age museums

Walking paths lead into the rocky vistas of the Dolomites – or you can stick to walking a leisurely loop around Kronplatz, stopping at the mountain huts, enjoying some local food and drink and discovering viewpoints and museums en route. The Messner Mountain Museum is the Space-Age creation of architect Zaha Hadid and renowned local mountaineer Reinhold Messner. Duck inside the plateau-edge museum to learn all about the history of mountaineering in the Tyrol. Mountain Rifugi restaurants serve up local food and drink, with energy-boosting menus of canederli and charcuterie boards piled high with smoked speck ham and herb-crusted cheese.

Welcome to Ladinia: the hidden gem of the Dolomites

It’s a good idea to learn a little of the three local languages if planning a summer holiday in Kronplatz. German is most widely spoken after the region’s stint under Austrian rule, but you’ll also hear Italian and Ladin, the original language of these once-remote mountain valleys. In fact, Kronplatz is a stronghold of Ladin culture – best experienced by staying in a valley village such as San Vigilio di Marebbe. Here, life revolves around the cobblestone village square, where a baroque church points it's steeple to the sky. Chalet-like houses, hotels and restaurants line the streets, some adorned with wood carvings and serving Tyrolean culinary favourites like crispy feies da soni potatoes and poppy seed pasta.

Into the wild: walking in the Fanes-Sennes-Braies and Puez Odle natural parks

There’s a wild world beyond Kronplatz with Fanes-Senes-Braies Natural Park stretching out to the south-east. It’s perhaps best-known for the Alta Via 1 – one of the most famous long-distance walking trails in the Dolomites; this is a beautiful route to do in the summer. Easier routes take you rambling past sheer mountain faces, and onwards through bright green pastures grazed by hardy cows, rocky, forested valleys, and meadows awash with wildflowers. The walking opportunities here are endless, so you'll never be lacking in activities to enjoy on your summer holiday.

The neighbouring Puez Odle Natural Park is another great choice for wanderers who like their walks with a bit of drama. The unusual geology of the Italian Dolomites is on full display here, including tunnel-like cleft mountains and towering limestone karsts. Keep your eyes on the skies – you might just spy a golden eagle gliding overhead.

Why book a summer holiday in Kronplatz with Inghams?

At Inghams, we do walking holidays differently. With no fixed itinerary, you have more time in your destination and the freedom to walk as much or as little as you like, discovering some of Kronplatz best walking routes and activities at your own pace.

With over 85 years of outdoor travel experience, our holiday packages to Kronplatz include flights, transfers, and accommodation, so you can relax and leave the small details to us. Our experts can help you choose the best holiday for you, and our team in resort can give you the inside scoop on how to spend your time away with us.

Added value

24/7 support & tailored advice from our local resort team

All holidays include flights from the UK and transfers

Free Guest Card allowing free use of most public buses and local trains in the Kronplatz and Alta Badia region

Walking in and around Kronplatz

On an Inghams walking holiday, you have the freedom to explore the area at your own pace. Make each day a new adventure, with as much or as little walking as you like.

Why we love walking around Kronplatz

Kronplatz and the town of San Vigilio di Marebbe is a great Dolomite location if you’re looking for a mountain holiday with some easier walking trails. It has a good mixture of flatter and more mountainous terrain. There are lots of hilly areas surrounding the valley as well as meadowland, so it doesn’t have to be strenuous, and families will be well catered for. From lakes in the Fanes-Senes-Pargs Nature Reserve to mountain museums, there’s a great combination of sights to explore.

Getting around Kronplatz

Cable Cars

In true mountain fashion, the cable cars around San Vigilio di Marebbe are the best way to get up to those sought after viewpoints. The first lifts open in mid-May, but all lifts will be open by late June, so you’ll have more choice available. Many of the lift opening times and names are listed on the Kronplatz official website.

If you want to explore the walking areas slightly further afield, the Kronplatz 2000 lift in Brunico is open from mid-May and takes about 15 minutes to the top (2,275 metres) from the valley and has fantastic views of the main town of Brunico. You can access this lift by taking a couple of public buses, your Inghams rep will be on hand to help you find your way there.

Other cable cars in the area include the Piz de Plaies cable car which opens from the end of June and the Ruis cable car which is open every day from mid-June.

Buses

The buses are a useful and affordable way of hopping from place to place in the Alta Badia region. If you use your free guest card, local buses are free (not applicable to the private Cortina Express bus), so they're a great option. To get to the main bus and train station you’ll have to head to the main town of Brunico, which you can get to on the bus. The bus from San Vigilio to Brunico has one change; take the 461 bus from San Vigilio to Zwischenwasser and change to the 460 bus to Brunico. This journey takes around 40 minutes in the daytime.

Our favourite walks in and around Kronplatz

From Lungiarü to Seres across Val di Murins-Miscì

Starting from the church in Lungiarü, passing over bridges and through forests to the town of Frëina. You’ll head through farms and the hamlet of Seres as you head towards the Val di Murins (Valley of the Mills). A really fertile piece of land, you’ll be surrounded by grass and trees with a stream rushing by. Pass the stream and you’ll head on towards the hamlet of Miscì, from which you’ll head downhill towards a very picturesque larch wood forest, with a small chapel and a nearby limestone kiln. Head back to Lungiarü along a wooded path.

  • Grade: Easy-Moderate
  • Distance: 5km
  • Duration: approx. 1 hour 30 mins
  • Ascent/Descent: 238m
  • Terrain: Meadows, asphalt, grassy terrain, woodland paths

Four Churches Trail

Walking through the Pusteral Plateau you’ll pass by the churches of St. Valentin in Grimaldo, St Cyriak in Falzes, St Nikolaus in Issengo and St.Johannes in Hassried. If you love church architecture, this is a great route to look into. The church of St.Valentin has a wonderful gothic style. From here you’ll head to church number two in Falzes, the church of St.Cyriak, where you can see the fantastic high altarpiece, by Karl von Henrici. The third church, St.Nicolas in Issengo, has a combination of Baroque and Gothic architectural features. The last church on this route, the church of Hasenreid, is dedicated to St. John the Baptist and is another example of late Gothic style architecture and was once a popular pilgrimage site. From here you’ll continue onto the Pfaffensteig trail and back to Grimaldo where the walk began.

  • Grade: Easy-Moderate
  • Distance: 6.6km
  • Duration: approx. 2 hours
  • Ascent/Descent: 184m (ascent)  107m (descent)
  • Terrain: Meadows, ascents/descents, hilly terrain, asphalt, roads, footpaths
  • Useful Information: This is a themed trail which you’ll need to travel to get to. It starts near Brunico in a small town called Grimaldo. You can get to the starting point in a taxi from San Vigilio di Marebbe which takes around 25 minutes, or take the bus to the Brunico Mobility centre and hop on the 421 or 422 bus to Grimaldo. Please note that St. Valentine's Church and St. John the Baptist Church are closed and can only be visited with a guide (on request locally).

The Peak 'Monte Sella di Senes'

Walking up to the summit of the Monte Sella de Senes at 2787m you’ll find yourself in the middle of the Fanes Senes Braies Natural park with incredible views of the Ampezzo mountains around you. The walk starts at the Senes hut and passes through meadows and by mountain huts before you come to a path which leads to the top of the mountain. At the top take advantage of the views of the Croda Rossa (3146m) and the Punta Sorapiss peaks (3205m).

  • Grade: Moderate-Challenging
  • Distance: 4.5km
  • Duration: approx. 2.5 hours
  • Ascent/Descent: 693m (ascent) 50m (descent)
  • Terrain: some loose rocky terrain, ascents, meadows, mountain paths
  • Getting there: 25 mins in a taxi transfer or 35 minutes on the 461 and 460 buses (change at Zwischenwasser) to Brunico
Useful Information & Guidelines

Recommended equipment

Suitable walking shoes with good grip, appropriate clothing, rain jacket, sun cream, insect repellent, sun glasses, rucksack, at least a litre of water, a re-usable water bottle, a snack and cash. You may find walking poles useful.

Walking maps

If you’re looking for a paper map, we’d recommend using the Kompass Bruneck, Kronplatz 1:25 000 map.

Hiking guidelines

The mountains are a natural paradise, with lots to explore and discover. To help them stay that way, and remain an enjoyable and safe place for everyone, we recommend following our little list of do's and don'ts:

  • Plan your route well and don't over-estimate yourself
  • Check the weather forecast
  • Tell someone where you're planning to walk and what time you're expecting to be back
  • Take all the recommended equipment
  • Make a note of emergency numbers:
    • Italian Emergency Services: 112
  • Don't leave the marked trails without a guide
  • Let nature stay wild by not picking flowers (it's illegal in some places) or getting close to/making contact with wild animals
  • Always leave gates as you found them and don't climb over fences
  • Leave no trace

Check out our Responsible Walking insider guide if you want more tips for your summer walking holiday.

  • from£739pp
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Italy_Dolomites_Plan_De_Corones_Kronplatz_hotel-teresa_bedroom2.jpg

Hotel Teresa is a great choice if you're looking to connect with nature and relax this summer. Set in the stunning Kronplatz area and close to the walking lifts, you'll be in a prime position for exploring, walking and cycling. The owners even offer free excursions into the Fanes UNESCO national park.  

  • from£1099pp
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  • 40 rooms
Dining Room, Summer Holidays in the Dolomites

Hotel Monte Sella is a fantastic base for a summer holiday in the mountains - you can rest assured you'll be looked after when you get back from walking, cycling or sightseeing in the San Vigilio di Marebbe area and beyond. With fantastic spa facilities and delicious food you'll have everything you need after long day exploring the area. 

  • from£859pp
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Hotel Monte Paraccia, Kronplatz, Dolomite Mountains

Hotel Monte Paraccia's in a fantastic location for walking out the door in the morning and heading straight into the mountains. There are some woodland areas nearby and you're not far from the Piz de Plaies gondola, which will take you to some stunning Dolomite viewpoints.

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Hotel Mareo, Lounge, Dolomites

Hotel Mareo has a panoramic position overlooking the village of San Vigilio di Marebbe, just a five minute walk from town. It's a stylish family run hotel with fantastic spa facilities. Ideal for a summer walking and wellness getaway in the mountains.

Dolomiti SuperSummer Card

The Dolomiti SuperSummer card is useful if you’re looking to really take advantage of the walking trails and use several ski lifts throughout the Dolomite area. It gives you access to 120 lifts in the region. The card can be purchased in resort; ask your resort representative for advice on the best version of the card to suit your needs. For more information visit the Dolomiti Supersummer official website.

The card includes access to:

  • 120 lifts in the Dolomites area
  • Included bike transport on lifts

For a 3 day card the cost is:

  • €120 per adult
  • €84 for children under 16 years

For a 5 day card the cost is:

  • €160 per adult
  • €112 for children under 16 years

Concessions

  • Children under 8 years can access the card for free if accompanied by an adult who has purchased the pass

Prices are accurate at the time of publishing, for up to date pricings visit the Dolomiti Supersummer official website.

Guest Card

When staying in any of our hotels in San Vigilio di Marebbe in the Kronplatz region you'll have access to a free Guest Card.

The Guest Card includes:

  • Free use of most public buses in the Kronplatz and Alta Badia region (not applicable to the private Cortina Express bus)
  • Free use of most local trains in the Kronplatz and Alta Badia region

For more information on the card and how to access it, please ask your local representative in resort.

 

Things to do in Kronplatz

Cultural days out: museums in Kronplatz

Plan de Corones sits below Mount Kronplatz. The unique flat top mountain is perfect for a family day out walking around the area. Keep an eye out for wildlife on the way up in the gondola; see if you can spot one of the Tibetan highland yaks posing for photos. A visit to the Messner Mountain Museum, designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid is a hidden gem in the Dolomites and a must visit on your summer holiday. At this space-like building which is carved into the rock-side you can learn all about Reinhold Messner, the extreme climber and mountaineer. Exhibits include the science of glaciers and the history of the local people. 

Food & drink in the mountains

The Kronplatz region is famous for it's food, with influences from Italy, Austria and Switzerland. Be sure to try delicious local dishes such as canederli (dumplings) with local speck (Italian ham) and alpine cheese. Huts, or rifugi, are dotted around the mountains and are some of the best places to immerse yourself in the local food scene. You can't beat that summer feeling of sitting on the outside after a good walk, with a cool beer or refreshing glass of Italian wine, breathing in the fresh mountain air.

Summer activities: from biking to high ropes

Mountain biking is massive in the area with loads of trails to be explored. Every level of walker or cyclist is welcome, with a range of routes and trails to try out. Enjoy the sweeping flow-lines that run down the mountain on your own, or speak to the bike school in resort, an Inghams rep for expert advice. The activities in the summer are abundant; have a go at archery, take to the high ropes course or hurl yourself down a zip wire - it’s all possible. The latest attraction found at the top of Mount Kronplatz is the Skyscraper. Strap into your harness and let gravity do the rest on this giant swing. Will you be brave enough to keep your eyes open and embrace the incredible views?

Family activities in Kronplatz

There are so many fun activities for families with children of all ages in Kronplatz and surrounding areas. Check out a selection of summertime family fun on offer below.

Endless summer activities

Kron trampoline park is the perfect place to burn off some extra energy on your family holiday and take in some mountain views from even higher up. Or, check out the summer tubing track for some high-speed fun. For those warm summer days, cool off at the Cron4 indoor swimming pool where you'll find five pools to splash around in, plus an impressive 75 metre long water slide. Younger children will enjoy the playparks on offer, head to the pes-pesc playground in the town of San Vigilio di Marebbe. Or visit kids world Olang/Valdaora which has several 100 square metres of forest playgrounds, a water world, climbing areas and a super slide. Other activities in the area include cycling on the many bike trails, taking part in a high ropes course, or trying a game of 3D archery.

Family adventures in the mountains

If you’re looking for a walking trail that the whole family will enjoy, take part in the local, bread-and-butter themed trail. A family friendly walk where you can learn about alpine farming and how bread and butter is made – yum! Head to the middle station Olang 1 and 2 for the start of the trail.

Have you ever seen a 40-metre-long marble run? The wooden ball track Kronplatz starts from the mountain station Olang 1 & 2 and finishes at the Kron restaurant where you can enjoy a bite to eat after a busy morning. Will your marble be the quickest? Take part in the Kronplatz treasure hunt by purchasing a junior or children’s ticket. Take your stamp card, map, and instructions to nine stations across the Dolomites. Once you’ve completed the task of collecting all the stamps – collect your treasure.

Good to know

Walking trails: 400km of walking trails and easy access to other valleys and mountains in the Dolomites

Terrain: Varied terrain from mountain climbs to flat, grassy meadows, hilly terrain, asphalt surfaces and mountain paths

Best time to go: mid-June to mid-September. It can get hot in August but the high-altitude walks are a great way to cool off. All cable cars will be open by late June, so this will give you more options for walking areas to explore.

Best for: All walking abilities, nature, activities, food & drink

Fly into: Innsbruck or Bolzano S24, Venice or Verona S25 (approx. 2 hours) 

Fly from: Manchester, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Newcastle (S25 only) 

Transfer time: approx. 2 hours 30 mins from Innsbruck, 3 hours 45 mins from Venice, 3 hours 15 mins from Verona, 1 hour from Bolzano by coach

Resort Card: Free Guest Card allowing free use of most public buses and local trains in the San Vigilio di Marebbe and Kronplatz region

24/7 Support and advice: In person or over the phone from our local resort team

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