How to reach the Sarentino Alps
Like a horseshoe, the mountain chain of the Sarentino Alps surrounds the Val Sarentino valley in the heart of South Tyrol – it can be explored on the Horseshoe High Route within seven days.
Really high mountains can only be found in the northern part, an area which nearly resembles a high mountain region. Towards south the mountains of the Sarentino Alps bottom out and form large plateaus, like the Monte Zoccolo in the west, the Villandro Alp in the east and the Renon High Plateau in the south, characterised by the famous Mt. Corno del Renon. The highest mountains are Mt. Corno Bianco (2,705 m a.s.l.), Mt. Corno di Tramin (2,708 m a.s.l.), Mt. Cima di San Cassiano and Mt. Grande Ivigna (both 2,581 m a.s.l.).
The boundaries of the Sarentino Alps are the Adige and Isarco rivers, the Val Passiria valley near Merano and the Passo Giovo mountain pass. The street leading from Vipiteno to Bolzano via the Passo di Pennes mountain pass, however, devides the Sarentino Alps into an eastern and a western part. Worth mentioning are particularly two highlights: the Earth Pyramids on the Renon as well as the Holy Cross Pilgrimage Church of Lazfons, situated at notable 2,311 m a.s.l. and therefore one of the highest located pilgrimage sites of South Tyrol.
With 40,000 hectares, the Sarentino Alps would be the largest nature park in South Tyrol, which might include the localities of Sarentino, Renon, Avelengo, Verano, Meltina, San Genesio, Racines, Campo di Trens, Fortezza, Varna, Bressanone, Velturno, Chiusa, Villandro and Barbiano. All requirements have already been fulfilled – a protected area has been planned.
Highest peak: Punta Cervina (2,781 m a.s.l.)
Major mountains: Mt. Corno Bianco, Mt. Corno di Tramin, Mt. Corno del Renon, Mt. Cima di San Cassiano, Mt. Pascolo, Mt. Picco Ivigna
Area: South Tyrol (Italy)