Olang is nestled in a unique alpine landscape and forms part of the protected natural area of the Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park. In addition, significant parts of the municipal area belong to the European protected area network Natura 2000, underlining the region’s high ecological value.
The diversity of animals, plants and sensitive habitats makes Olang particularly worthy of protection. Through targeted measures, sustainable visitor management and dedicated awareness-raising initiatives, the destination actively works to preserve this natural wealth – ensuring harmony between people, wildlife and nature.
Number of species worldwide: approx. 400 species | Height: 5–60 cm depending on the species, sometimes up to 1 m | Distribution: Mainly Europe, Asia, and South America | Flowering season: May to August, depending on species and location | Medicinal use: Bitter compounds that support digestion
Height: Usually 30–100 cm | Lifespan: Over 50 years | Distribution: Alps, Pyrenees, Jura Mountains | Flowering season: June to August, depending on altitude | Habitat: Subalpine zone, 1,500–2,500 m above sea level | Regionally protected | Toxicity: Mildly poisonous – contains grayanotoxins
Number of species: Over 90 species | Lifespan: Perennial – corms overwinter in the ground | Altitudinal range (Alps): Spring crocus up to approx. 2,000 m above sea level | Height: Usually 5–15 cm | Flowering season: February to April | Habitat: Open woodlands, alpine meadows
Number of species: Over 350 species | Lifespan: Perennial – woody at the base, overwinters as a subshrub | Altitudinal range (Alps): Up to approx. 2,400 m above sea level | Flowering season: June to August | Regionally protected | Use: Traditionally used as a culinary and medicinal herb
Number of species: About 30 species | Lifespan: Perennial | Altitudinal range (Alps): Up to approx. 2,500 m above sea level | Flowering season: June to August | Habitat: Mountain meadows, alpine grasslands, open forests, acidic soils | Use: One of the best-known medicinal plants of the Alps
Number of species: About 150–200 species | Lifespan: Perennial | Altitudinal range (Alps): Up to approx. 2,300 m above sea level | Height: Usually 30–100 cm | Flowering season: May to August | Regionally protected | Habitat: Subalpine zone, 1,500–2,500 m above sea level
Lifespan: Approx. 10–12 years | Altitudinal range (Alps): Up to about 2,000 m above sea level | Weight: Male: 3–5 kg | Female: 1.5–2.5 kg | Mating season: April to May | Habitat: Open mountain conifer forests, forest edges, alpine mixed forests | Diet: Selective feeder – buds, shoots, herbs, berries | Regionally threatened
Lifespan: Approx. 10 years | Altitudinal range (Alps): Up to about 2,500 m above sea level | Weight: 120–180 g | Breeding season: April to June | Habitat: Dense coniferous forests, mountain forests | Diet: Small mammals, insects | Special feature: Has densely feathered feet ("rough" feathers) that provide excellent insulation against the cold
Lifespan: Approx. 10 years | Altitudinal range (Alps): Up to 3,000 m above sea level | Weight: 130–160 g | Breeding season: May to July | Habitat: Rocky high-mountain regions, cliffs, alpine pastures | Diet: Insects, spiders | Special feature: Known for its distinctive metallic-sounding call
Lifespan: Approx. 10–12 years | Altitudinal range (Alps): Up to about 2,000 m above sea level | Shoulder height / Size: 60–85 cm (shoulder height) | Weight: 20–30 kg | Rutting season: July to August | Habitat: Forest edges, wooded areas, open landscapes with cover | Diet: Selective feeder – herbs, buds, shoots, leaves, berries
Lifespan: Approx. 3–6 years | Altitudinal range (Alps): Up to over 3,000 m above sea level | Body size: Length approx. 60–90 cm (+30–50 cm tail), shoulder height approx. 35–40 cm | Weight: 4.5–8 kg | Breeding season: March to April, usually 4–6 pups per litter | Habitat: Highly adaptable | Diet: Omnivore – small mammals, birds, insects, fruit, carrion
Number of species: Approx. 25 species | Lifespan: 10–15 years | Altitudinal range (Alps): Up to approx. 2,000 m above sea level | Size: Wingspan: 110–140 cm | Weight: 700–1,300 g | Breeding season: March to June, incubation period approx. 35 days | Diet: Versatile hunter and scavenge
A new flower meadow has been created in the Seefelder residential area in Oberolang as a joint project by the Municipality of Olang and the Olang Tourist Association. The project was implemented with the support of municipal councillor Elisabeth “Lilli” Plaikner and municipal gardener Sigi.
The flower meadow provides valuable habitat and food for bees, butterflies and many other insects. At the same time, it promotes biodiversity and enhances the appearance of the village.
With this initiative, we are sending a visible message in favour of greater biodiversity and a responsible approach to our environment – right on our doorstep.
The “Respect the Mountains” project shows how to protect the Dolomites while staying safe during your outdoor activities. By following these simple but important guidelines, your hike will be both enjoyable and responsible.
On the trails:
Walk carefully: the ground may be uneven and slippery.
Check the difficulty level of the route and realistically assess your abilities.
Respect fences and gates on private or agricultural land. If you pass through a gate, always close it behind you to prevent grazing animals from escaping.
Follow the rules of natural parks, where stricter regulations may apply.
General safety and consideration:
Always check the weather forecast before setting out – mountain weather can change quickly.
Pack your backpack properly and wear waterproof, non-slip footwear.
Know your limits to ensure a safe hiking experience.
Visitors can actively contribute to preserving sensitive habitats. Even small, conscious actions make a big difference.
Respect for flora and fauna:
Do not pick plants or disturb animals.
Be especially considerate of nesting birds and grazing livestock.
If you encounter large predators: keep at least 100 metres distance, keep your dog on a leash, avoid sudden movements and move away calmly.
Do not install camera traps or build hides for wildlife photography.
Responsible conduct:
Keep dogs on a leash.
Stay on marked trails.
Wild animals are shy. To ensure a harmonious coexistence, visitors in nature should keep a few things in mind:
Not every apparently abandoned wild animal needs help. Young animals may only be alone temporarily while their parents remain nearby.
So: observe and do not intervene too quickly. Help is needed if an animal is clearly injured, ill or in immediate danger.
If unsure, contact the relevant authorities; in emergencies call 112.
Important information and guidelines Wildlife SOS - Brochure
Streams and waters in and around Olang provide valuable habitats for fish and many other aquatic species. To help preserve them, please respect the banks, leave no litter and avoid disturbing wildlife.
When fishing, local fishing regulations, closed seasons and protection measures apply. Responsible behaviour helps preserve the biodiversity of our waters in the long term.
With the Südtirol Fishing app, you can quickly and easily purchase day and annual fishing permits for South Tyrol.
Am I too close to a grazing animal?
Animals show clearly when they feel threatened. Watch for these signs:
1. Fixed eye contact – the animal stares directly at you
2. Lowered head – it faces you and prepares to attack
3. Moving toward you – this is serious: keep your distance and step back slowly
What to do if an animal attacks:
If a grazing animal shows these warning signs, stay calm and react correctly:
Did you know?
Wolves are naturally shy and avoid humans.
Most encounters are calm and pose no danger.
Attacks on humans are extremely rare.
How to behave best:
Walking with a dog?
Report sightings:
There have been occasional confirmed sightings of wolves in our region. However, this generally does not pose an increased risk to hikers. Bears are currently not known to be present in our area, so no special precautions are necessary.
Flyer
With our project “My Tree, Our Forest”, we have planted new trees in Kids World Olang to strengthen the local forests.
Together with the Oberolang municipal administration, the forestry office, and the garden center Obojes, we focus on sustainable reforestation. This creates a biodiverse forest, providing habitat for animals and plants, supporting the climate, and giving children the opportunity to actively experience and appreciate nature through tree sponsorships.
Measures to protect nature, wildlife, and habitats in the Olang destination are based on the current regulations of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano:
Provincial Law of May 12, 2010, No. 6 – Nature Protection Law and Other Provisions
Regulates the protection of wild animals, wild plants, and their habitats (in particular Articles 3–5, 9, and 14).
Provincial Law of July 17, 1987, No. 14 – Regulations on Wildlife Management and Hunting
Contains the principles of wildlife management, protection of wildlife populations, and rules regarding closed seasons and wildlife protection areas (in particular Articles 1–3 and 4–9).
These legal provisions form the basis for all local initiatives and communication measures on species and animal protection in Olang.
