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 everything in easy reach. The village of San Vigilio di Marebbe welcomes visitors with mountain cuisine and cosy inns surrounded by pine woods, centuries-old farms and mountains. 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.
The legendary Kronplatz
The mountain of Kronplatz – or Plan de Corones – is the “crowning place” of Dolasilla, the warrior princess of the national epic of the Ladin people who have lived in the Dolomites for thousands of years. Hop in a cable car up to the crowning plateau, where you can explore the mountains with all the fearlessness of Dolasilla. Hike alpine paths, 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.
Mountain huts and mountain museums
Hiking paths lead into the rocky vistas of the Dolomites – or you can stick to a leisurely loop around Kronplatz, stopping at the mountain huts, viewpoints and museums en route. Messner Mountain Museum, Corones 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. Rifugio restaurants serve up mountain fare nearby, with energy-boosting menus of canederli bread dumplings and charcuterie boards piled high with smoked speck ham and herb-crusted cheese.
Welcome to Ladinia
It’s a good idea to learn a little of the three local languages if planning a holiday to 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 its steeple to the sky. Chalet-like houses, hotels and restaurants line the streets, some adorned with wood carvings and serving Tyrolean 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. Fanes-Senes-Braies Natural Park stretches out to the south-east. It’s perhaps best-known for the Alta Via 1 – one of the most famous long-distance hikes in the Dolomites. Easier routes take you rambling past sheer mountain faces, and onwards through bright green pastures grazed by hardy cows, rocky, forested valleys, and mountain meadows awash with wildflowers.
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 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.
