The Issing Pond brings together nature and outdoor activities in Issing at a clearly recognisable landmark: It is one of South Tyrol’s last pond biotopes and is rich in plant and animal species. The Kronaction Outdoor & Fun Park, South Tyrol’s largest high ropes course, is located right beside the pond. The pond represents nature, while the Kronaction Outdoor & Fun Park beside it offers climbing activities—two distinct highlights. This combination can help you decide what to focus on during your trip: should nature, exercise or culture shape your stay?

Ponds, paths and seasonal activities

The LandArt Trail runs from Pfalzen to Issing and can be started at the Issing Pond. The Bergila Adventure Trail in Issing/Pfalzen offers a different focus: it includes an herb garden and a scent trail. The distinction is clear when choosing an outing: you can orient yourself on the LandArt Trail by its route and the option to start at the pond, while herbs and scents define the Bergila Adventure Trail. This lets you choose between a route connecting two places and a themed trail.

From May to the end of October, Bergila offers free guided tours of its mountain pine oil distillery; no reservation is required. The season is therefore relevant when choosing your dates: if you would like to include a tour in your stay, check the date before you travel.

Another natural feature is the columnar spruce: this natural monument is a protected weeping spruce and stands beside the country road between Hofern and Issing. Unlike the Issing Pond, which is a pond biotope, this is a single tree; the two nature attractions are therefore clearly distinct. The columnar spruce can be identified by its unusual growth, protected status and location beside the country road, while the pond is notable for its biotope and rich biodiversity.

Cultural sites and route orientation

Schöneck Castle is privately owned and may not be entered. The ruins of the chapel and fragments of the historic wall have been preserved; check the access conditions on site before visiting. At first glance, St. Nicholas Church in Issing displays features of Gothic architecture and is also one of the notable landmarks along the Four Churches Trail. The two cultural sites offer different highlights: at Schöneck, the preserved structural remains and access restrictions are central, while at St. Nicholas, the Gothic features and its role on the trail stand out.

Plan your routes and return journey

After walking the Four Churches Trail, you can take bus no. 421 from Issing or Mühlen back to the starting point. Check the timetable before your hike so that the return journey fits into your day’s plans. This is a different planning consideration from the LandArt Trail: there, the route from Pfalzen to Issing and the option to start at the pond are the key points of reference; here, the focus is on the bus option after the walk.

Discover more destinations

Bruneck, Toblach, Ahrntal, Kiens, Enneberg, Sexten, Lappach, Pfalzen

For the main travel overview: Pustertal.