Alpe di Siusi

A full 300 days of sunshine and a panoramic view of majestic mountain peaks make the Alpe di Siusi (German: Seiser Alm) one of the most beautiful destinations in the Dolomites. The largest high alpine pasture in Europe covers an area of 56 square kilometres. As a natural paradise, the Alpe di Siusi offers a tremendous variety of brightly coloured flowers in early summer. Hikers, cyclists and winter sports enthusiasts enjoy the versatility of this fascinating landscape. The highest point of the alp is at an altitude of around 2,350 metres. Enjoy the view of the Sassolungo, Sasso Piatto, Sciliar and many other peaks that are characteristic of the Dolomites.

The Alpe di Siusi is almost car-free and offers plenty of space for relaxation even in the busy season. Thanks to its excellent accessibility from Val Gardena, the high plateau is ideal for a day trip. Families with children appreciate the quiet location and the gentle slopes that define this unique environment.

1. The Alpe di Siusi is the largest high alpine pasture in Europe with an area of 56 km². Its lowest point is at an altitude of 1,600 metres and the highest at 2,958 metres.
2. Some places and regions of the Alpe di Siusi that you can discover during your holiday are Compaccio, Spitzbühl, Joch, Tschapit, Saltria, Hartl, Monte Pana, Monte Piz and Bullaccia.
3. The valleys of Val Gardena, Valle Ciamin, Valle Duron, Valle di Jender and the Val d'Isarco border on the Alpe di Siusi and are easily accessible from the high alp.
4. The most prominent Dolomite peaks that you can see from the Alpe di Siusi are the Sassolungo, Sassopiatto and lo Sciliar con il Burgstall, Euringer, Monte Pez and Santner.
5. The most significant lakes around the Alpe di Siusi are the Laghetto di Fiè (swimming is permitted here) and Laghetto di Punta d'Oro like Laghetto Huber and the Laghetto Gflierer.
6. 790 different plant species grow on the Alpe di Siusi. With a bit of luck, you will also see rare bird species, deer and other animals.

In summer, the Alpe di Siusi invites you to explore its wonderful flora and fauna on foot. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and go on an unforgettable tour on the more than 300-kilometre network of hiking trails. Whether you're planning a walk with the family or a vigorous run, the uniquely beautiful surroundings will quickly make you forget all about the climb. Cyclists will also find ideal conditions for a variety of activities on the plateau.

Alpe di Siusi summer holiday highlights

• More than 450 km of hiking trails provide variety and views to delight your senses.
• 7 lifts also help during the summer months on the Alpe di Siusi.
• 50 huts provide culinary delights during your well-deserved break.
• 600 km of MTB trails are available in the Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi area.
• Several via ferratas await climbers around the Alpe di Siusi.
• The Alpe di Siusi Running Park offers 20 trails for runners.

Hiking on Alpe di Siusi

Hiking on the Alpe di Siusi is moving meditation, sport or simply a pleasurable experience. Around the Alpe di Siusi, 450 kilometres of hiking trails await you, among which you will find the ideal tour for every fitness level. In early summer, the high alpine pasture presents itself as a colourful sea of flowers, offering you beautiful panoramic views at every turn. Connoisseurs plan culinary breaks on a hut tour, while sporty hikers pass the high plateau on a summit tour. More than 300 days of sunshine per year ensure good spirits and pleasant temperatures.

Hiking recommendation: Alpe di Siusi round tour

Alpe di Siusi mountain bike holidays

Whether you are a pleasure cyclist or a mountain biker - more than 1,000 kilometres of signposted cycle paths ensure that you will find the perfect tour on the Alpe di Siusi. The cycle paths are located between 900 and 2,500 metres above sea level and offer cyclists of all disciplines plenty of variety and beautiful views. Hobby cyclists who would like a little support at these altitudes are well advised to take a mountain e-bike, which you can rent from one of the many bike rental shops.

Spend your winter holiday in the Dolomites and enjoy the snow on the Alpe di Siusi. The vastness of the plateau offers you 63 kilometres of ski slopes (181 km together with Val Gardena) and 80 kilometres of perfectly groomed cross-country ski trails. Nature lovers can go on a snowshoe hike on the Alpe di Siusi or explore the area on one of the hiking trails that can also be used in winter. A trip to Europe's largest high alpine pasture is well worth it!

Alpe di Siusi winter holiday highlights

• A total of 63 kilometres of perfectly groomed ski slopes make the Alpe di Siusi a diverse ski area in the Dolomites.
• With a total of 21 ski and chair lifts, the entire ski area of the Alpe di Siusi can also be explored as a ski circuit.
• With a length of 1,500 metres and with 70 obstacles, the Alpe di Siusi Snowpark is one of the most beautiful parks in the Alps.
• More than 50 cosy huts spoil their guests with South Tyrolean specialities and invite you to stay longer.
• 80 kilometres of perfect cross-country trails make the hearts of cross-country skiers beat a little bit faster. Explore a unique skiing area.
• 60 kilometres of winter hiking trails ensure that you can also enjoy winter in the Dolomites in a peaceful way.

Alpe di Siusi ski area

The Alpe di Siusi ski area is directly connected to the Val Gardena ski area and offers families and beginners ideal conditions for an eventful skiing holiday. A special feature of the ski area is the many slopes of easy or medium difficulty, which can also be skied in one circuit. Around 63 kilometres of slopes spread over the entire high alp offer a dreamlike backdrop for skiing. During the winter season, 21 lifts are in operation. The Alpe di Siusi ski area is part of the Dolomiti Superski ski association.

Cross-country skiing

A total of 60 kilometres of cross-country trails make the Alpe di Siusi a popular destination for cross-country skiers. A 7.5-kilometre-long trail connects the plateau with Val Gardena - another paradise for cross-country skiing fans. All trails are double or quadruple-tracked and freshly groomed every night. The Alpe di Siusi can be enjoyed on cross-country skis on more than just sunny winter days. On the first full moon night of the year, the annual Moonlight Classic cross-country skiing competition takes place here, welcoming visitors and participants with its magical ambience.

Tobogganing

On the Alpe di Siusi, there are numerous toboggan runs that promise first-class fun in the snow. Spontaneous people can rent a toboggan in some of the huts. But why not plan a whole holiday day for tobogganing and test the many different runs? Most of the toboggan runs on the Alpe di Siusi are around one and a half to three kilometres long. Even though tobogganing is fun for the whole family, the sometimes high speeds should not be underestimated. Therefore, be sure to wear a helmet when tobogganing.

The Alpe di Siusi whisks you away to a fascinatingly tranquil world characterised by wonderfully green nature and astonishing Dolomite peaks. Europe's largest high alpine pasture is easily accessible and conveniently located in the South Tyrolean Dolomites. Bolzano is only about 20 kilometres away. The popular tourist resorts of Ortisei and S. Cristina in Val Gardena, Castelrotto, Siusi, Fiè and Tires are also only a few kilometres away below the plateau. On the Alpe di Siusi itself are the villages of Zallinger, Saltria and the somewhat larger settlement of Compaccio, as well as the Col da Fil and Gran Paluch biotopes.

Castelrotto

Because of the legendary Kastelruther Spatzen, the municipality of Castelrotto, which has only about 6,900 inhabitants, is the talk of the town. The village in the Sciliar region has existed since the 10th century and has a rich history. Castelrotto is also famous for its picturesque location at 1,100 metres. The Dolomite peaks towering behind the church tower create a picture-book setting. For all its love of tradition, Castelrotto presents itself as a modern holiday resort that never lacks comfort.

Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Park

The Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Park borders directly on the Alpe di Siusi and impresses with its species-rich flora and fauna. It took millions of years for this fascinating natural landscape to form from a primaeval sea. Covering an area of 6,796 hectares, the nature park features hiking trails in a protected area where you can learn interesting facts about the history of our planet. From owls to chamois, you will encounter native animal species here again and again.

The Alpe di Siusi offers so much variety in both summer and winter that it makes sense to spend your entire holiday on the plateau. But the surrounding villages below also have their charm and invite you to get to know the culture of this beautiful region with their beautiful hotels and holiday flats. As the neighbouring villages host numerous tourists every year during the season, it is worth looking for a chalet, a bed and breakfast or a hotel as early as possible.

In summer as in winter, the Alpe di Siusi is a popular travel and excursion destination for families with children. As the terrain on the plateau is not as steep as other meadows, slopes and paths in the Dolomites, the plateau is the ideal place for first-timers to take a ski course and enjoy a wonderful tobogganing afternoon with the little ones. In summer, families enjoy easy hikes, most of which can even be managed with a pushchair. The huts on the Alpe di Siusi welcome their little guests with great warmth and are attuned to the needs of children.

Around the Alpe di Siusi, numerous sights guarantee that you will never be bored during your holiday in the Dolomites. For example, discover the variety of rose blossoms in the Rosarium in Bulla, admire the frescoes in the 12th-century St. Valentin chapel or get to know the culture of the region and visit the museum of traditional costumes in Castelrotto. Had enough of the hustle and bustle? Then we recommend a day trip to the Marinzen alp, which is a pleasant place to rest even in high season.

A lot is going on in the Alpe di Siusi all year round. Whether it's a sporting event, a concert or the Kastelruther Spatzen Festival - the plateau and the surrounding villages go to great lengths to bring you closer to the unique culture of the region. Even nature lovers in search of peace and quiet are regularly convinced on these occasions that cheerful conviviality is quite simply part of a holiday. Don't miss any of the year's highlights and look ahead to a colourful programme of events for all ages and tastes before you even arrive.

Kastelruther Spatzen Festival

Castelrotto - the home of the legendary Kastelruther Spatzen - is very close to the Alpe di Siusi. In October, at the Kastelruther Spatzenfest, you have the opportunity to enjoy the catchy songs of the heroes of folk music against a gorgeous mountain backdrop.

Oswald von Wolkenstein Ride

The Oswald von Wolkenstein Ride has been taking place every spring since 1983 - an equestrian spectacle in a class of its own. The horse show in the Sciliar area attracts guests of all ages, as well as the locals, who also have a lot of fun at this fun-filled event.

Half Marathon

At the beginning of July, the Alpe di Siusi Half Marathon takes place - a running event with excellent views. Those who feel like conquering the 21 kilometres and 601 metres in altitude should hurry - only 700 starting places are allocated for this event organised entirely in the spirit of sustainability.

Blue Ribbon Race

The Blue Ribbon Race is a true traditional event that is experiencing a revival after a break of more than forty years. The skiing competition was held for the first time on the Alpe di Siusi shortly after the end of the Second World War. The rules of the early years still apply today.

Swing on Snow

Swing on Snow is an eight-day music event on the Alpe di Siusi that offers a varied programme for lovers of swing music and groovy sounds. Find out in which huts and at which lifts your favourite bands will be performing.

The Alpe di Siusi is largely car-free. Only overnight guests can park directly at their accommodation. Nevertheless, the plateau is easily accessible. Parking in the large car park at the Siusi allo Sciliar valley station is free of charge. From here you can ride the Alpe di Siusi cable car, which takes you directly to the plateau. You can also get to the Alpe di Siusi easily by public bus. And of course, you can always rely on the local taxi companies around the clock. Enjoy the wonderful nature and simply leave your car behind.

Find out about the weather here and take a look at one of the two webcams on the Alpe di Siusi. One towards the Sassolungo group and the other from Monte Piz to Schlern mountain.