They rise up forcefully. Formed from bold grey main dolomite stone, sometimes gleaming red, dazzled by the heat of the setting sun. A paradise for nature fans, a trademark for the area. The magic of The Three Peaks merits a trip to the Upper Pustertal valley.
The dream trio of the Dolomites
The 'Große Zinne' (great peak) scrapes the 3,000 metre mark with its 2,999 metre-high peak, while the 'Westliche' (occidental) and the 'Kleine Zinne' (small peak) complete the magical sight of the north faces. They lend the threesome of summits its grace and fame. It took a long time for them to find the attention they deserve: there are no sagas about The Three Peaks. It wasn't until 1869 that the Viennese Dolomites enthusiast, Paul Grohmann, was taken with the 'boldness of their construction' and, together with local mountaineers Franz Innerkofler and Peter Salcher, he achieved the first successful ascent of the 'Große Zinne' in less than three hours.
The lure of the (im)possible
A good 100 years later and modern sport climbers are drawn to the north faces as if by magic. New routes are accessed and climbed, mercilessly banishing the 'im' from 'impossible'. Adrenalin junkies take on daring challenges and toast great successes. The magic and lure of these majestic rock faces is now stronger than ever. It's not just climbers that have been unable to resist their charm. At the traditional
Drei Zinnen Alpine Run, mountain runners sweat it out whilst enjoying the fantastic views: there are 17.5 km and 1,350 metres of elevation gain to overcome. The 18th edition takes place on 12th September and once again pushes runners to their limits. And beyond.
A gift from Mother Nature
The mystical threesome also attracts more leisurely admirers of the scenery. A variety of walks around the peaks and lakes with the stony giants in view are easy to reach and make a good starting point for family excursions or mountain bike tours. Any kind of activity becomes an experience here thanks to the unparalleled views to be had. They really are the pride of the Upper Pustertal valley and a trademark for the whole area. Deservedly so, as UNESCO will agree. Along with other Dolomite peaks, The Three Peaks are a World Natural Heritage Site that protects a work by the most ingenious architect of all time.
While on holiday with a
private landlord or landlady in the Pustertal valley a circular walk around the Three Peaks is a virtual must in order to fully appreciate the splendour of the Sexten Dolomites and taste a little bit of the wonderful magic that lingers in the air there.