South Tyrol, the northernmost province of Italy, is known around the world for its beauty — and attracts countless visitors every year. Fascinating treasures are also hidden among the mountain ranges there, including the millennia-old mummy "Ötzi," also known as the Iceman.

The change from winter to spring in the Alps presents challenges for the local animal species. When the snow starts to melt, the water that is released flows with such great force that it can loosen boulders. But once spring has arrived, grouses, squirrels, black woodpeckers, and more begin their courtship displays and get to work building nests and burrows.

The Texel Group Nature Park in South Tyrol is a region of contrasts. Here, we get to know some of this diverse area’s flora and fauna, including owls, houseleek, steppe vegetation, and emerald lizards.

From the Texel Group to the Scandinavia-like areas with the magnificent Spronser Lakes, we continue to the Riesenferner-Ahrn Nature Park. Here, too, ice and snow have helped shape the landscape, sometimes creating mysterious sculptures.

The Ladins live in traditional settlements in South Tyrol. While their unique religious customs are still practiced throughout the region, mass tourism and intensive agriculture have changed the surrounding landscape.

In this segment, we visit the Völser Weiher lake, a popular retreat for humans and animals alike. Daredevil types are more attracted to the high mountains, where tens of thousands of them climb among the abundant flora and fauna.

The Dolomites are a magnificent mountain range in northeastern Italy. They hold a wealth of treasures: the remains of 120,000-year-old cave bears, cairns initiated by shepherds from the Bronze Age, and local lore featuring marmots.

Tourists love romantic mountain worlds, such as those that can be found at Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park — but for the alpine dairymen who cultivate the pastures, life in the mountains is hard work.

Late autumn is a busy time in the mountains — and a time of change. The grazing cattle must be driven back to the valley. But if there is a violent and unexpected onset of winter, it can be life-threatening for humans and animals alike...

The Almabtrieb is complete – and now it’s time to celebrate! The alpine season comes to an end, and with it this series about the natural paradise of South Tyrol, which bids us farewell with a breathtaking sunset.