Prato Piazza

On the saddle between Mt. Picco di Vallandro and the 3,146 m high Croda Rossa d'Ampezzo, the wide Prato Piazza (Plätzwiese) is located. It is part of the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park and provides a fascinating landscape, ideal for those seeking a natural scenery that has a relaxing impact. The area was able to preserve these precious characteristics. Particularly fascinating is the panoramic view on the surrounding mountains, such as the 3,221 m high Monte Cristallo, the Three Peaks of Lavaredo and the mighty Tofane Group, a mountain massif in the Dolomites.

Close to the Vallandro Hut, the "Sperrwerk Plätzwiese" rises, also known as "Forte Prato Piazza", a ruin of an Austro-Hungarian fortress. It was built to protect the access to the Valle di Landro - and therefore to the Val Pusteria valley - during WWI together with the Landro Fortress. In winter, the high plateau can be explored with snowshoes, the sledge and mountaineering skis. In summer, it is starting point for the hike on Mt. Picco di Vallandro, and destination for tours such as the hike from Carbonin to the Prato Piazza and the MTB tour from Dobbiaco to the Prato Piazza.

In order to protect nature on the high plateau and in the valley - frequently overloaded by the huge volume of visitors -, a traffic concept has been introduced, which includes also Braies and Lake Braies. It changes depending on the season, all year round, however, there's a driving ban for private busses, caravans and campers. In turn, the Prato Piazza boasts excellent bus connections.