Crocus blossom in South Tyrol's mountains
Crocuses are already blooming in the valley and soon there will also be a sea of white and purple flowers on sun-kissed high Alpine pastures in South Tyrol. This is when a spring hike in the alpine mountains becomes a unique experience.
Spring is already in full bloom in most South Tyrolean valleys and the first apple trees are already blossoming in the south of South Tyrol. On the mountains, however, there is still snow in many places. But nature in the mountains is already in the starting blocks and is just waiting to be kissed awake by the spring sun.
The crocus blossom in South Tyrol is a highlight for nature lovers and romantics.
Unsplash | Wilfried Santer
The white and purple blooms of crocuses on South Tyrol's mountain pastures are a magnificent sight.
IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Manuel FerrigatoStart of the flowering season at sunny heights
When does the crocus blossom start in the South Tyrolean mountain meadows? The start of the crocus blossom depends on the weather and the region, the exposure to the sun and the altitude. In some years as early as the end of March and in other years as late as mid-April, white and purple splashes of colour light up the first alpine pastures.
You can discover the last crocuses in bloom in South Tyrol's alpine nature paradises in May and sometimes even in June. Particularly on sunny South Tyrolean high pastures with poor soil and sufficient moisture, the crocuses (or more precisely Alpine crocuses) grow close together soon after the snow melts and delight us with their flowering splendour for 1 to 2 weeks.
On a spring hike in South Tyrol, you can discover white and purple crocus flowers on alpine meadows and snow-covered mountain peaks.
IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Manuel FerrigatoOur favourite alpine pastures for the crocus blossom
Are you really in the mood for alpine spring in South Tyrol's mountains? Then our top five for a crocus hike are just what you need. Our 5 favourites are diverse - they range from the Sarntal Alps between Bozen and Meran to the Dolomites in Hochpustertal Valley:
- Möltner Joch
- Seiser Alm
- Villanderer Alm
- Rodenecker-Lüsner Alm
- Plätzwiese
Places of power with a sea of white and purple flowers
We also have 2 extra tips for particularly atmospheric places in South Tyrol's mountains for you: 1x in the heart of the Dolomites in Alta Badia and 1x on the main Alpine ridge at the head of the Ahrntal valley. These two places of power will delight you at any time of year with a picturesque little church against a fantastic mountain backdrop - and in spring with lots of blooming crocuses.
After the snow melts, you will find a sea of crocuses on the Armentara meadows between Furnacia/Wengen and the Heilig Kreuz pilgrimage church. And in Kasern/Prettau in the north-east of South Tyrol close to the border with Austria, white and purple flowers also await you in abundance on the meadows behind the Heilig Geist pilgrimage church.
Soon after the snow melts, the crocuses sprout from the ground in the South Tyrolean mountain meadows.
Unsplash | Wilfried Santer
The spring sunshine not only awakens nature in South Tyrol, but also the desire to hike.
IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Manuel FerrigatoRomantic nature experience
In midsummer and late summer, mountain lovers from all over the world come to admire the panoramic views of the Dolomites from the Seiser Alm, Plätzwiese and other famous excursion destinations. In spring and early summer, on the other hand, things are quieter. You can relax and enjoy nature and discover crocuses as well as other magical harbingers of spring such as soldanelles (alpine bells), spring cowbells (fur anemones) or spring gentian (cobbler's nails). A highlight for flower fans, romantics and those seeking relaxation.
As a hike makes you hungry and thirsty, here's some practical advice at the end: find out in advance whether there are currently any refreshment stops open on your planned tour. In spring, many mountain huts are closed and it's not so exciting to stand hungry and thirsty in front of a closed door. If necessary, you can simply pack enough water and provisions in your rucksack.
