The exciting Saurian Trail at GEOPARC Bletterbach

The Saurian Trail at GEOPARC Bletterbach is the perfect family hike in South Tyrol for dinosaur-loving kids. Along the trail, the whole family can discover fascinating facts about dinosaurs, fossils, the history of the Earth, and the development of prehistoric plants and animals in a fun and engaging way.

What makes this place truly special is the setting itself: GEOPARC Bletterbach lies within the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites and is one of South Tyrol’s most important geological sites. The exposed rock layers in the impressive Bletterbach Gorge reveal millions of years of Earth’s history and make the area feel like an open-air geology museum.

Psssst! If you mention the code word “Outdoor Kiddy” at the visitor centre, your kids will receive a small treasure stone as a gift!

Guided Family Tour on the Saurian Trail

The guided family tour is highly recommended, also for families with younger children. Tours usually take place every Saturday at 2:30 pm and need to be booked in advance. Private tours can also be arranged.

The guided tour is specifically designed for families and works surprisingly well even with small children. Our kids were four and six years old at the time and completely fascinated from start to finish. Johannes, our guide, explained everything in a fun and engaging way that kept the children curious and involved throughout the entire walk.

In addition to learning about saurians and fossils, the tour also explores the origins of the Earth and the unique natural landscape around the Bletterbach Gorge. We especially loved the many interactive activities: searching for tracks in the forest, spotting fossils in rocks, estimating the age of trees, and solving small riddles along the trail. Kids are encouraged to ask questions, which makes the whole experience feel lively and hands-on.

Even today, our children still remember and use some of the things they learned during the tour on hikes and outdoor adventures.

Short and Easy Hike for Families

The guided family tour lasts around 1.5 hours, while the actual walking time on the Saurian Trail is only about 20 minutes one way. The path is easy and suitable for strollers.

If you want to extend the walk, you can continue to the panoramic viewpoint overlooking the spectacular Bletterbach Gorge. From here, the striking rock layers are especially visible and give a real sense of how the landscape has changed over millions of years.

Playground and Picnic Area

At the end of the Saurian Trail, families will find a large picnic meadow with a playground — the perfect place for a relaxed break after the hike. Bringing a picnic blanket and snacks is definitely a good idea.

There are also several mountain huts and places to eat around GEOPARC Bletterbach if you prefer to stop for food instead.

Opening Hours of GEOPARC Bletterbach

GEOPARC Bletterbach is usually open from late April until late October. Before visiting, it’s always best to check the latest opening hours and visitor information on the official website.