Sentiero Naturalistico dei Geologi

The Geologists' Nature Trail interprets the rock formations of the Rio Freddo, or Frötschbach, gorge below the Sciliar. Its setting between Bad Ratzes and the Prossliner pastures reveals a mountain history shaped by tropical seas, volcanic activity and erosion.

Why it matters

The gorge exposes contrasting layers that formed close together in the Triassic: shallow-water reef deposits, deeper marine sediments and volcanic rocks. These relationships help explain the structure of the Sciliar and the Alpe di Siusi landscape.

What to notice

Pale limestone and dolomite contrast with darker basaltic and andesitic lavas. Some volcanic rocks preserve columns formed as lava cooled; others show rounded pillow structures associated with eruptions under water. Waterfalls and exposed strata make the gorge itself part of the geological interpretation.

Context and history

The area's geology has attracted scientific interest since the nineteenth century. The interpretive trail presents that history through the landscape, connecting modern explanation with evidence formed roughly 240 million years ago. The exposed rocks record several ancient environments and geological processes.