Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) is one of the most treasured destinations in the Dolomites. Here’s everything you need to enjoy the breathtaking sights of this must-hike meadowland.
AWE-INSPIRING. BREATHTAKING. MAJESTIC. All words you may have heard describing Alpe di Siusi. But the one you really need to know before visiting is “vast.” Alpe di Siusi is Europe’s largest mountain plateau. Picture an area even bigger than Manhattan soaring thousands of feet above the valley floor.
With 270+ miles (440+ km) of trails and rustic mountain taverns throughout Alpe di Siusi, you could spend an entire holiday in South Tyrol exploring the area. We put together this hiking guide to make it easier to experience the alp.
In this post, you will discover how to intimately experience the rollicking scenery of Alpe di Siusi including the Sassolungo (Langkofel), Sassopiato (Plattkofel) and Schlern (Sciliar) massifs in all their glory. We detail three hiking options as well as share a bounty of tips such as where to eat and additional sights to consider during your Alpe di Siusi adventure.
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Alpe di Siusi | Seiser Alm Overview
Alpe di Siusi is a soul-stirring dreamland for outdoor enthusiasts of any age. Anchored by thundering mountains all around, its trails gently wind in between peaceful farms, ancient evergreen forests and billowy meadows. You can be lost in the unbridled brawn of Sassolungo one moment and the effortless beauty of a wildflower the next.
The number of peaks you can admire on Alpe di Siusi may only be rivaled by hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo. But unlike, Tre Cime, you can comfortably enjoy these mountains in any season.
- Hiking Time: Multiple days if you wish. The round-trip hikes we highlight will take 4-5 hours
- Top Sights: Schlern Mountain, Sassolungo Group, Rosengarten Group, Seceda Ridgeline, Sella Group
- Hiking Difficulty: Easy as a breeze
- Size of Alpe di Sisui: 34 sq. miles (56 sq. km)
- Number of Trails Available: 60+
- Altitude: 5,200 to 9,700+ ft ( 1,600 to 2,950+ m). The meadowland lies at 5,200+ ft.
- Attitude: Chill
The hikes we share in this guide begin at different locations but follow the same paths. No matter where you choose to begin, the route returns to your starting point — providing dramatically contrasting views every step of the way. You can expect to hike approximately a total of 6-7 miles (10-11 km).
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Where is Alpe di Siusi | Seiser Alm
Before we jump into specifics on this hike, let us paint a clear picture of where Alpe di Siusi is located. The name of the plateau can cause some confusion for travelers as it also denotes a broader holiday region in the Dolomites.
The Alpe di Siusi holiday region includes the plateau as well as villages and valleys lying far below to its north and west. Also often associated with the plateau is the holiday region of Val Gardena, which runs more to its east.
As we show below, both holiday regions serve as excellent launching points for hiking Alpe di Siusi. Whether beginning your hike from Val Gardena or Alpe di Siusi, the hiking route we cover is the same. The only difference being your starting and endpoint.
By the way, you do not need to base yourself in either holiday region to enjoy Alpe di Siusi while visiting South Tyrol. You can be on the plateau in only 40-60 minutes by car from Bolzano, Brixen or Merano.
Alpe di Siusi Hiking Option #1
The first hiking option we cover involves setting out from Ortisei (St. Ulrich) in Val Gardena. From the heart of Ortisei, you will take the Mont Sëuc Cable Car (Mont Sëuc means Alpe di Siusi in Ladin). In a matter of minutes, you will be on top of the plateau. From here, you will embark across the plateau to the tiny village of Compatsch (Compaccio).
After departing the cable car station any doubts you may have had about hiking a “pasture” vanish. Few sights anywhere can rival the sky-bound beauty of the Sassolungo Group unfolding before your eyes.
Using the Mont Sëuc Cable Car to Reach Alpe di Siusi
Here are the step-by-step directions to take the Mont Sëuc lift:
- If arriving in Ortisei by car, you have a couple of parking options to consider. You can park in the underground garage at the Mont Sëuc Cable Car Station or at the underground “Garage Central” parking lot in the center of Ortisei. From Garage Central it is just a 5-minute walk through town and over a foot/bike bridge to the station. Both parking areas are nicely located if you intend to also explore Ortisei.
- Once at the Mont Sëuc Cable Car Station, purchase a round trip ticket. The cost for 2021 is € 21,90 per person.
- To reach the cable car boarding area, insert the ticket into the turnstile ticket slot. Then wait for a station staff member to direct you to board an available cable car. Sit back and soak in the views on the way up. To the east, the Seceda massif and alp will gradually reveal itself.
Hiking from Mont Sëuc
Begin your hike by heading left on trail no. 9 towards the Sassolungo Group. The trail will descend through stands of pines until opening into the rolling meadowland.
On your left, you will pass the Malga Schgaguler Schwaige, the first of many mountain huts on Alpe di Siusi. “Schwaige” “Baita” and “Rifugio” are all used to denote mountain hut. These relaxing Alpine refuges have tended to travelers since the Middle Ages.
When you approach a fork in the trail stay on trail no. 9 to the left which will bring you past the Sporthotel Sonne. Follow trail no. 9 for a good distance enjoying the rugged faces of the Sassolungo Group staring down on you. Eventually, you will come to Hartlweg which intersects the trail. Take a right onto Hartlweg.
When Hartlweg runs into trail no. 6B take a right to visit Malga Sanon if you are ready for a refreshment or a bite to eat. If not, take a left onto 6B.
Trail no. 6B will merge into trail no. 9 for a short distance. You will come to an option to take trail no. 3 to the right, but continue on 9 until you come to the second intersection for trail no. 3. Then take a right onto 3 towards Compatsch.
Stay on trail no. 3 until it ends at trail no. 30, which is also known as the Hans & Paula Steger Weg. Named after two South Tyrolean climbing and skiing legends who once called the pasture home.
Take a right onto trail no. 30 and follow it for roughly another 20 minutes until reaching Compatsch. The Sciliar mountain from this stretch is at its most stunning.
Once at the village, you can give your legs a rest at the restaurant in the Nordic Ski Center. It offers a more contemporary setting than the rustic mountain huts you encounter, but the menu serves up delicious pasta if that suits your mid-hike appetite.
After you’re done visiting Compatsch, set out to return to the Mont Sëuc Cable Car Station via the same route. You’ll pass by Malga Schgaguler Schwaige again. From their terrace, you can devour a delicious meal and your final views of Sassolungo before zipping back down to Ortisei on the cable car.
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Alpe di Siusi Hiking Option #2
If you are interested in spending most of your time in the Alpe di Siusi holiday region, embarking on a hike of Alpe di Siusi itself from Compatsch is an excellent option to choose. Some of South Tyrol’s most alluring villages, churches and castles reside in this holiday region.
To start out from Compatsch, drive 7 miles above the village of Seis. Keep in mind the following:
- The road leading towards Alpe di Siusi is closed to incoming traffic from 9 am to 5 pm so be sure to arrive before 9 am. The road is not closed to outgoing traffic so you can leave at any time.
- Parking is available on the left of the road in Compatsch near the Alpe di Siusi visitor center in a lot called P2. The cost to park is €19,00. You can avoid paying the parking fee by parking in one of the roadside lots you’ll encounter on the drive up, but then, of course, you’ll extend your hike uphill.
- If you happen to arrive after 9 am when the road is closed, all is not lost. Take the Alpe di Siusi Aerial Cableway up from the village of Seis. The cable car cost is € 19,00 per person so it pays to arrive before 9 am and park.
Hiking from Compatsch
This hiking option follows the same route as above except instead of hiking to the Mont Sëuc Cable Car Station, the mid-point for your hike will be the Malga Schgaguler Schwaige before heading back to Compatsch.
You can certainly hike up to the cable car station and enjoy a refreshment and meal there if you wish in their restaurant. But our preference is the Malga Schgaguler Schwaige. Nothing beats their food and views in our opinion.
Here’s the hiking route you will follow from Compatsch. From the parking lot, you will pick up trail no. 30 (Hans & Paula Steger Weg).
Follow trail no. 30 until it intersects with trail no. 3 where you will take a left towards Saltria. Trail no. 3 will eventually merge into trail no. 9 where you will have the option to go left or right. Be sure to follow trail no. 9 to the left.
Stay on trail no. 9 and then take a right onto trail no. 6B. This trail will slowly curve to the east until coming to Hartlweg. Like above, you can stay on 6B to take a break at the Malga Sanon if you wish or take a right to continue trekking across Alpe di Siusi.
Hartlweg will lead you to trail no. 9 where you will take a left. Follow trail no. 9 all the way to Malga Schgaguler Schwaige.
After you have enjoyed a hearty meal and glass of South Tyrolean wine or beer, set out for the return hike to Compatsch. It’s worth pointing out that you do not have to initially take trail no. 9 back if you don’t wish. Take a glance at your map and you will see other trails that eventually bring you to trail no. 30 into Compatsch.
Bonus Hiking Option: Let Curiosity be Your Guide
Reaching the plateau and simply wandering trails as your heart sees fit is an enticing option for free-spirited souls. Many trails are accessible to all and marked as such that you can roam without ever getting lost.
Find a trail that loops if you’re set on hiking Alpe di Siusi without seeing the same sight twice. Just be sure to bring a map from the cable car station so you can estimate how long it will take to reach any given point that interests you.
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When to Hike Alpe di Siusi | Seiser Alm
Alpe di Siusi is a year-round destination. Our favorite time to visit is spring, fall and winter.
Summer is dazzling of course but like all destinations in the Dolomites you will have to contend with crowds. That said if you wish to experience Alpe di Siusi when the meadows are in full bloom with wildflowers, you should time your visit from mid-June to mid-July.
If you want to see cows lazily roaming the pastures, visit the plateau beginning in mid-July. The cattle typically are driven up in early July and driven back down by mid-September to early October when the food supply has dwindled.
If you like the idea of enjoying the meadowland with a blanket of snow, plan on a visit from November through April. But keep in mind, the mountain huts on Alpe di Siusi are not open year-round. Be sure to review the posted signs at the main trailheads to see which huts will be open prior to beginning your hike.
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Where to Stay in Alpe di Siusi | Seiser Alm
We recommend staying in the Val Gardena region or the Alpe di Siusi region for a hiking outing on the pasture. Our personal preference is Alpe di Siusi. Staying here places us near other favorite hikes such as the Oachner Höfeweg.
This stunning hiking trail should not be missed. It leads through rolling farmsteads flush with vineyards, orchards and chestnut-riddled forests beneath the peaks of the Dolomites.
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For a resort experience unlike any other, consider the Romantik Hotel Turm. This unique retreat immerses you in beautiful history and art from as far back as the 13th century. You will also be dazzled by the hotel’s sumptuous cuisine and wellness area that guarantees soul-mending relaxation.
Romantik Hotel Turm is nestled in the medieval village of Völs, which sits in the shadow Schlern allowing access to Alpe di Siusi in a matter of minutes. Learn more in our in-depth review.
Additional Tips & Considerations
- Instead of hiking consider booking a romantic carriage or sleigh ride across the Alp.
- Make plans to explore Ortisei and the fascinating tradition of woodcarving in Val Gardena before or after hiking Alpe di Siusi.
- Alpe di Siusi is home to more than 800 different species of wildflowers. If you’re a plant enthusiast you will have a field day here…no pun intended. Get help identifying flowers with the Dolomites: King Laurin’s Garden (Plant Hunters Series) book. Note: For some reason Amazon charges an astonomical amount for this book, but click on the “Used” options to find a copy for under $15.
- The Parish Church of St. Ulrich in Ortisei is well worth a visit as well. Built in the late 1700s, the church’s red bulbous dome is easy to spot making it a beacon for history and architecture lovers. Its interior is among the most gorgeous we have ever seen. Precious frescoes, oil paintings and woodcarvings adorn every inch.
- The Mont Sëuc Cable Car Station is open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm (the lift operates until 6 pm from mid-June to mid-October). The station begins operating in mid-May after ski season and closes again in early November before reopening for the ski season typically in December. Mountain weather can impact opening and closing dates so make sure to review the lift schedule.
- Want to see the sunset on Alpe di Siusi? You’re in luck. Once per week in the summer the Mont Sëuc Cable Car Station runs from 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm to allow evening walks and dinner at their restaurant. Review the night schedule to see if the dates align with your trip to South Tyrol.
- If you are planning to hike in Val Gardena for more than one day, save money by purchasing the Val Gardena Card. This card allows unlimited use of specific lifts and cableways. Note: The Val Gardena card does not provide access to lifts based in the Alpe di Siusi holiday region.
- Hiking isn’t the only way to enjoy Alpe di Siusi. If you’re a biking enthusiast, consider renting a mountain bike or e-bike. BAMBY rental is located right next to the Mont Sëuc Cable Car Station.
- Harness the natural energy of Alpe di Siusi to improve your wellbeing. Be sure to explore the wellness products originating from its meadows. Up to 80 different kinds of grass, herbs and flowers can found in just a handful of hay from Alpe di Siusi. Local companies like Trehs create natural cosmetic and wellness products based on the ancient wisdom passed down through the ages from the mountains of South Tyrol.
- If you embark on a hike of Alpe di Siusi from Compatsch, don’t miss a visit to the historic St. Valentin Chapel, which sits below the Schlern massif in Seis. Its steepled-beauty has graced the mountain backdrop since 1244.
- Like all the regions of the Dolomites, Alpe di Siusi is shrouded in age-old legends. Witches long ago performed rituals on the plateau. You can embark on a spell-binding hike from Castelrotto that takes you to the famous “Witches’ Benches”.
- For additional Alpe di Siusi hikes of various themes, lengths and difficulty, check out the official Alpe di Siusi holiday region website.
- For recommended hiking gear and clothing to wear while hiking Alpe di Siusi, access the guide in our South Tyrol Travel Resource Library. Before any hike, pay attention to the weather forecast as mountain weather can change quickly.
Have you embarked on your own Alpe di Siusi adventure? If so, let us know in the comments below any additional tips, insights and hikes worth sharing.
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Hi, thanks for the important information you share.
Do you have a GPX or KMZ file for the Alpe di Siusi Hiking Option #1?
You’re welcome! Hope you enjoy visiting Alpe di Siusi. Unfortunately, we do not have the hikes captured in those files.
Hi,
I was wondering whether a car is essential to access this area and to get around. We want to spend most of our time hiking so feel having a car would be wasteful. What are the public transport options like?
Hi Diny – A car would be pointless on the Alpe di Siusi. You can hike everywhere on the Alp. To reach the plateau, you can take a public bus to Ortisei and walk to the Mont Sëuc station, which will carry you to the top. Suggest you get a Mobilcard if you intend to use public transportation during your visit: https://www.suedtirol.info/en/information/how-to-get-there/local-transport/discover-south-tyrol-with-a-single-ticket Have a fantastic time in South Tyrol!
My husband and I hope to travel to the area for a week to celebrate our 25th anniversary in early September. We would be driving up from Venice and were thinking to find a place to stay near Cortina for 1-2 nights then spend the rest of the week staying in 1 location -making drives to fit as much as we can into those days. I’ve seen places to stay in La Villa, Ortisei and Castelrotto. Which do you think is the best base if we plan to do a lot of hiking? With 2 kids in college, we’re trying to be budget conscious where possible. Thanks!
Hi Wendy – Congrats on 25 years! We have not stayed in La Villa, but both Castelrotto and Ortisei are excellent choices to base yourself for hiking. Ortisei sits between Seceda and Alpe di Siusi hiking areas so it is a more convenient base but can be pricier. To explore some unique budget options, consider a farm stay. You can find great options at https://www.redrooster.it/en/ Have a wonderful trip to South Tyrol!
Hello! My husband and I are planning on visiting the Dolomites for a day and a half in late August this year. We will be coming from Ebenalp Switzerland, so about a 4 hr drive and then heading to Lugano. We are looking to do a hike that afternoon, then planning on staying near Ortisei/Selva, then the next day wanted to do some hiking and return to the same hotel that night. Since we have such a short time here, I wanted to see the best of the best. We like to hike but not more than like 5 miles at a time. I see so many recommendations, but can’t seem to narrow it down. What would you say are the top 3-5 hikes and would you recommend that we stay in a different town to be closer to any? I’m not sold on staying in Selva/Ortisei so could make any change needed. Let me know what you would recommend.
Thank You
Hi Jackie – Great to hear that you and your husband are visiting the Dolomites. Ortisei/Selva makes an excellent place to base yourself for hikes. We suggest hiking Seceda in addition to Alpe di Sisui. See our post for how to visit Seceda: https://throneandvine.com/dolomites-hiking-seceda-guide/
Both areas offer stunning hikes that could take up a full day easily; however, if you want to try to squeeze in another hike we suggest doing the first part of Sassolungo mountain loop, which you can access from the Passo Sella parking lot. Take trail #557 called Friedrich August. You could hike to the Rifugio Sasso Piatto have a meal and return to the parking lot. Have a wonderful time in South Tyrol!